Longevity
Life expectancy
The life expectancy of the Braque Saint-Germain is most often between 12 and 14 years. Good lifestyle hygiene, stable weight, regular exercise and consistent care of the skin and ears help preserve its longevity.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
The Braque Saint-Germain has adequate robustness and a constitution made for exertion. It is not particularly fragile, but its athletic build and active life require serious care, especially after prolonged outings in the countryside or in undergrowth.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
Health vigilance must focus above all on skin condition, ear care and recovery after exertion. Regular check-ups help to spot early irritations, inflammations or minor injuries that can appear in an active dog often outdoors.
Dermatoses: The Braque Saint-Germain may present certain dermatological abnormalities or conditions, hence the importance of regularly monitoring the condition of the skin and coat.
External otitis: As in other dogs with drooping ears that are active outdoors, moisture and debris can promote irritations or infections of the ear canal if maintenance is neglected.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
With its short coat, the Braque Saint-Germain tolerates a temperate climate fairly well, but it is less protected than a dog with a dense undercoat against damp cold or intense heat. Effort must be adapted according to the season, with particular attention to hydration and rest times in summer.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
Monitoring weight is useful in this breed, because a tendency to become overweight can appear if activity decreases while intake remains high. Maintaining an adjusted ration, combined with real daily outings, helps preserve an athletic silhouette and good joint comfort.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Inspect and clean the ears after outings in wet or brushy environments.
- Regularly monitor the skin, especially in case of redness or itching.
- Maintain a stable weight to preserve mobility and endurance.
Vaccination
Braque Saint-Germain vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Braque Saint-Germain need? Like all dogs, Braque Saint-Germains should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Braque Saint-Germain vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Braque Saint-Germain booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your Braque Saint-Germain need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing well
Adopting a healthy Braque Saint-Germain
An annual veterinary check-up, supplemented by particular attention to the skin, ears and locomotor system, is recommended. In a subject intended for hunting or sustained activity, regular clinical examination makes it possible to check the general condition, recovery and the absence of effort-related injuries.
This information is for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
