Porcelaine

ATTRIBUTES: Independent, Energetic, Powerful

GROUP: Foundation Stock Service

ACIVITY LEVEL: Energetic

BARKING LEVEL: When Necessary

COAT TYPE: Smooth

COAT LENGTH: Short

SHADDING: Frequent

SIZE: Medium

TRAINABILITY: May Be Stubborn

CHARACTERISTIC: Medium Dog Breeds

Breed Overview

Ancestry Icon
Ancestry

Scent Hound

Origin Icon
Origin

France

Registration Icon
Registration

1975

Ancestry Icon
Size

22 - 23 Inches

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Weight

55 - 62 Pounds

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Expected Life

12-13 Years

Breed Attributes & Qualities

CARING WITH FAMILY +
Independent
Lovey-Dovey
LOVE WITH CHILDREN +
Unwise
Good With Children
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS +
Unwise
Good With Other Dogs
SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT
No Shedding
Hair Everywhere
+
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS
Monthly
Daily
+
DROOLING INTENSITY
Less Likely to Drool
Always Have a Towel
+
COAT TYPE
+
COAT LENGTH
+
FRIENDLINESS
Reserved
Everyone Is My Best Friend
+
LIVELINESS
Only When You Want To Play
Non-Stop
+
VIGILANCE INTENSITY
What's Mine Is Yours
Vigilant
+
ADAPTATION CAPACITY
Lives For Routine
Highly Adaptable
+
OBEDIENCE LEVEL
Self-Willed
Eager to Please
+
STAMINA LEVEL
Couch Potato
High Energy
+
VOCALIZATION
Only To Alert
Very Vocal
+
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL
Loaf
Needs an Activity
+
COLORS
+
PATTERNS
+
CARING WITH FAMILY
Independent
Lovey-Dovey
The level of affection a breed is likely to exhibit towards its family members or individuals it is well-acquainted with can greatly differ. Certain breeds may show reserved behavior towards all except their beloved owner, while others generously shower their warmth upon everyone they know treating them like lifelong friends.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN
Unwise
Good With Children
The level of tolerance and patience that a breed possesses towards children's behavior along with their overall family-friendly nature is an essential consideration. It is crucial to always supervise dogs when they are in the presence of young children or any children who have limited exposure to dogs.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS
Unwise
Good With Other Dogs
When it comes to the overall friendliness of a breed towards other dogs, it is important to note that dogs should always be supervised during interactions and introductions. However, certain breeds inherently exhibit a higher inclination to get along with other dogs, whether it be within the comforts of their home or in public settings.
SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT
No Shedding
Hair Everywhere
The amount of fur and hair that a breed is expected to shed is an important factor to consider. Breeds with high shedding tendencies will require more frequent brushing can potentially trigger specific allergies and will likely necessitate regular vacuuming and lint-rolling to maintain cleanliness.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS
Monthly
Daily
The grooming requirements of a breed including bathing, brushing, trimming and other coat maintenance, should be taken into account. It is crucial to consider the amount of time, patience and budget you are willing to allocate for such care when evaluating the grooming effort needed. Additionally, it is worth noting that all breeds require regular nail trimming.
DROOLING INTENSITY
Less Likely to Drool
Always Have a Towel
The propensity of a breed to drool is an important factor to consider. For individuals who prioritize cleanliness, breeds that have a tendency to leave ropes of slobber on your arm or create big wet spots on your clothes may not be the ideal choice.
COAT STYLES GUIDE
Smooth
COAT SPECTRUM
Short
FRIENDLINESS
Reserved
Everyone Is My Best Friend
The level of welcoming behavior a breed exhibits towards strangers can vary. Certain breeds may display reserved or cautious tendencies around all unfamiliar individuals, regardless of the setting, while other breeds may eagerly embrace the opportunity to meet new people whenever they are encountered.
LIVELINESS
Only When You Want To Play
Non-Stop
The level of enthusiasm a breed exhibits towards play, even beyond the age of puppyhood is an important aspect to consider. Certain breeds will continue to show a strong desire to engage in activities like tug-of-war or fetch well into their adult years. In contrast, some breeds will be content to spend most of their time relaxing on the couch with you.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY
What's Mine Is Yours
Vigilant
A breed's inclination to alert you of the presence of strangers is an important characteristic to consider. Some breeds are more likely to react to potential threats, such as the mailman or a squirrel outside the window. However, it's worth noting that these breeds are also likely to warm up to strangers who enter the house and are accepted by their family.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY
Lives For Routine
Highly Adaptable
The adaptability of a breed to handle change is a significant factor to consider. This encompasses their ability to adjust to changes in living conditions, noise levels, weather conditions, daily schedules and other variations in day-to-day life. It's important to assess a breed's temperament and flexibility in order to determine how well they can handle such changes.
OBEDIENCE LEVEL
Self-Willed
Eager to Please
The ease of training and the willingness of a dog to learn new things are crucial aspects to consider. Certain breeds have a natural inclination to please their owners and demonstrate a strong desire to learn, making training relatively straightforward. On the other hand, some breeds may exhibit a more independent nature preferring to do as they please, when and wherever they want. Evaluating a breed's temperament and trainability can help determine the level of effort required for successful training.
STAMINA LEVEL
Couch Potato
High Energy
The amount of exercise and mental stimulation that a breed requires is an important consideration. High-energy breeds are typically enthusiastic and eager for physical activities such as running, jumping and playing throughout the day. They thrive on regular exercise to burn off their energy. Conversely, low-energy breeds tend to be more laid-back and content with relaxing and snoozing around the house. Understanding a breed's energy level and exercise needs is crucial in providing them with an appropriate lifestyle that meets their requirements.
VOCALIZATION
Only To Alert
Very Vocal
When Necessary
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL
Happy to Lounge
Needs a Job or Activity
The amount of mental stimulation a breed requires to stay happy and healthy is an essential consideration. Purpose-bred dogs often have specific jobs that demand decision-making, problem-solving, concentration and other cognitive qualities. Without adequate mental exercise, these dogs may resort to creating their own activities to keep their minds engaged, which may not align with the owner's preferences. Providing sufficient mental stimulation through training, puzzle toys, interactive games or other activities is crucial to ensure the overall well-being of the breed.
COLORS

Description

Registration Code

White & Orange

213

PATTERNS

Description

Registration Code

Ticked

013

Spotted Or Patched

106

About The Breed

The Porcelaine breed is described as elegant, energetic and a fierce hunter. They are commonly used for small game hunting, where they drive the prey towards waiting guns. However, they are also known for their strong bonds with their owners, family, friends and children. They enjoy participating in all family activities and excel as house pets. Porcelaines are easily crate trained and housebroken.

In terms of temperament, Porcelaines are elegant, proud and graceful. They are described as being cat-like in their behavior and stunningly gorgeous in appearance. They are not shy or timid and are always eager for affection and attention. Their friendly nature makes them suitable candidates for various roles such as medical therapy, medical alert, medical service, police public relations and search and rescue.

Although primarily a hunting breed, Porcelaines can adapt well to indoor living and tend to be quiet indoors or in their kennel. They are not known to be nuisance barkers. However, they do possess a beautiful melodious baying call, which is a characteristic of their breed. It's important to consider their prey drive when it comes to housing and handling, as breeds with high prey drive require careful consideration in these aspects.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN CARING FOR A PORCELAINE

Holding the title of a dog owner is not just a luxury. It’s a critical responsibility. They require from us the basics - food and shelter at a minimum but they are worthy of so much more. Welcoming a dog into your life necessitates an understanding of the depth of commitment involved in caring for a pet.

Anticipating the Needs of Your Porcelaine: Insights and Tips.

Taking a dog under your wing is no small favor; it's a true commitment. These devoted pets count on us for life's necessities such as food and a safe abode, however, they are entitled to a greater level of care.

Health

Health

+

The health conditions commonly observed in dogs today are refreshingly absent in the Porcelaine breed. Nonetheless like most dogs of medium to large size one should exercise caution regarding the presence of hip dysplasia. Responsible breeders act as invaluable resources, educating prospective owners about the specific health concerns associated with this breed.

Health Assessment Recommendations from the Breed's National Association:

Health

Grooming

+
In addition to your regular weekly grooming routine giving your Porcelaine an occasional bath will ensure they remain clean and maintain a polished appearance. Grooming sessions can also serve as delightful bonding moments between you and your furry companion. To prevent issues like overgrowth, splitting and cracking, it is essential to trim their strong fast-growing nails using a nail clipper or grinder on a regular basis. Keeping a close eye on their ears is crucial to prevent the accumulation of wax and debris which could lead to infections. Lastly, regular brushing of their teeth is highly recommended for optimal oral hygiene.
Health

Exercise

+
Despite their fierce hunting instincts, Porcelaines are known for their gentle nature and relatively easy handling. Due to their unwavering determination to follow scents, it is crucial to provide them with a fenced yard where they can freely roam and run. When taking them out for walks it is imperative to keep them on a leash or consider utilizing a GPS tracking collar if you plan to let them off-leash. As highly active dogs Porcelaines require ample exercise making them less suitable for apartment dwellers. Exercise options include engaging in playtime within a secure backyard or taking them for multiple walks throughout the day. Indoor activities such as hide-and-seek retrieving balls rolled along the floor or teaching new tricks can also contribute to their exercise regimen. Outdoor activities like swimming, hiking and playing fetch with balls or flying discs provide excellent outlets for expending their energy. Additionally, participating in dog sports such as agility, obedience and rally training can be a fantastic way to offer both mental and physical exercise for your canine companion.
Health

Training

+
Porcelaines typically thrive in a single-dog household, where they can receive undivided attention and be the sole object of affection. In the event of any conflicts or possessive behavior arising with other dogs, it is crucial to promptly address and correct your dog's behavior ensuring that it does not persist. This breed demonstrates great receptivity to crate training and housebreaking making them excellent indoor pets. They have the potential to become wonderful companions within the comforts of your home.
Health

Nutrition

+
To ensure optimal health and nutrition, the Porcelaine breed thrives on high-quality dog food whether it is commercially manufactured or home-prepared with the supervision and approval of your veterinarian. It is important to select a diet appropriate for the dog's specific age category, whether they are a puppy, adult, or senior. Since some dogs are prone to weight gain, it is crucial to monitor their calorie intake and maintain a healthy weight level. While treats can serve as valuable training aids, it is essential to avoid excessive indulgence as it can lead to obesity. Familiarize yourself with the list of human foods that are safe for dogs and those that should be avoided. Consult with your vet if you have any concerns regarding your dog's weight or diet. Additionally, make sure your Porcelaine has access to clean and fresh water at all times to stay properly hydrated.

Historiography

The Porcelaine is a medium-sized French scent hound renowned for its remarkable hunting abilities. Originally bred for the purpose of flushing and pursuing game such as hare, deer, and wild boar, it is considered the oldest French scent hound breed in existence. The breed is sometimes referred to as the Chien de Franche-Comte, a name associated with a French region bordering Switzerland. Historical records dating as far back as the 1700s attest to the presence of this breed in both France and Switzerland, indicating its long-standing heritage. The Porcelaine's lineage is believed to have incorporated several breeds including the English Harrier, Laufhounds, Montaimboeuf and the Talbot Hound. Significant breeding efforts were undertaken in Vaud, Savoy and the Abbeys of Luxeuil and Cluny, particularly by the Choiseul family. Although the breed faced near-extinction during the French Revolution, its population was successfully rebuilt through careful breeding programs, incorporating French hounds such as the Gray Harriers of Somerset, Gascon Saintongeois, and the Billy. These outcrosses contributed vigor, size and strength to the Porcelaine equipping it for the pursuit of wild boar and stag. Described as robust and tenacious, the Porcelaine is capable of enduring long-distance runs and persevering in demanding, rugged terrain. To safeguard its preservation the Club du Porcelaine was established in France in 1971. Presently, the breed enjoys moderate numbers in both France and Italy, with smaller populations found across Europe and the United Kingdom. Official recognition by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) came in 1975. It is speculated that Porcelaines may have been gifted from the King of France to President George Washington, possibly marking their introduction to the United States. Although some Porcelaines were imported in the late 1800s via the Port of New Orleans subsequent crossbreeding with local hounds led to their dilution. More recent imports were made in 2009, and today the breed population in the United States and Canada is estimated to be less than 300.

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