Porcelaine
Other names: Chien de franche-comté, French Scent Hound
The Porcelaine is, primarily, a hunting dog - but what makes it stand out from the rest is its sheer love and affection towards its family. Warm, loyal and affectionate yet active, energetic and intelligent, you could call it the perfect hunting companion!
The Porcelaine loves company and is prone to separation anxiety. On top of this, it also has a particularly high exercise requirement. Therefore, a dog of this breed is best placed with an owner who’s around most of the time and who enjoys an active lifestyle.
Key facts about the Porcelaine
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Origins and history
The Porcelaine is thought to be one of the oldest French scent hounds in existence today, believed to date back to 1845. Today, numbers of the breed are low but breed lovers in France are working to revive it.
FCI breed nomenclature
FCI Group
Group 6 - Scent hounds and related breeds
Section
Section 1 : Scent hounds
Physical characteristics of the Porcelaine
Adult size
Female : Between 21 and 22 in
Male : Between 22 and 23 in
Weight
Female : Between 44 and 55 lb
Male : Between 66 and 55 lb
Coat colour
White, sometimes with orange marks. Orange speckles in the ears.
Type of coat
Single, shiny, glossy, fine yet thick.
Eye colour
Dark eyes
Description
The Porcelaine is well-proportioned, medium-sized dog with slender shoulders, long legs, deep chest and a medium-length, tapered tail. The Porcelaine is best known for its glossy, shining white coat which, from a distance, looks like glass. As hounds go, this breed is rather unique, with adorable long, large, floppy ears, wide black nose and dark, kind-looking eyes. The head is slim, the muzzle is long and the forehead is flat.
Good to know
The breed’s name, Porcelaine, was inspired by its glossy, glass-like white coat.
Temperament
Behaviour of the Porcelaine
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Compatibility
Price
It is extremely rare in the UK. We do not have enough data to set an average price.
Looking after a dog of this size typically costs between £90 to £150 a month, including food, medical/insurance, and incidental expenses.
Grooming
Thankfully, the Porcelaine’s coat, although beautiful, doesn’t take much upkeep - a weekly brush to remove dead hairs will suffice. The long ears will need checking and cleaning regularly to prevent infection, as well as thorough drying after swimming of bathing. This breed also has fast-growing, thick claws which will need trimming every few months.
Shedding
Moderate, with seasonal moults.
Nutrition of the Porcelaine
Ideally, the Porcelaine will eat a high-quality, complete and balanced food for large or active dog breeds due to its high energy requirements. Dishes should ideally be based on raw meat, vegetables and starchy foods, and foods rich in calcium and vitamins. To avoid stomach upset, it is advisable to divide his daily ration in two bowls a day and to make him eat calmly, without stimulating him before or after his meal.
Health of the Porcelaine
Life expectancy
The life expectancy of a Porcelaine dog is 11 years.
Strong / robust
The Porcelaine is a strong, sturdy and robust working dog.
Withstand heat
Due to this dog’s single coat, it can tolerate heat quite well. However, it should always have access to cold water and shade.
Withstand cold
Unfortunately, the Porcelaine doesn’t have a waterproof or thick coat to protect it from very cold weather, but its tenacity and determination will help to withstand most climates.
Tendency to put on weight
Although the Porcelaine isn’t known to be particularly prone to obesity, they should still be fed a balanced, high-quality diet and be exercised thoroughly.
Common illnesses
- Hip Dysplasia
- Ear Infections
- Stomach torsion