Porcelaine
🧠 Temperament & character
The Porcelaine is gentle, sociable and balanced, an easy-going dog with a fine, friendly nature. He is easy to handle and enjoys working together with his human, which makes him comparatively pleasant to train among scenthounds. On the hunt he shows a fine nose, great stamina and a resonant voice. At home he is affectionate and compatible with people and other dogs alike.
📜 Origin & history
The Porcelaine has its roots in France and French-speaking Switzerland and probably goes back to older French scenthound strains, including the now-extinct Chien de Montaimboeuf. During the French Revolution the breed almost vanished and was carefully rebuilt in the 19th century. The FCI lists the Porcelaine under No. 30. Traditionally he hunted hare, roe deer and rabbit in the pack.
✂️ Grooming, care & training
The Porcelaine's short, fine coat is exceptionally easy to care for and needs only occasional brushing to keep its porcelain-like sheen. Like all scenthounds he needs plenty of daily exercise and scent occupation to be balanced. Thanks to his handleability and willingness to cooperate he is comparatively easy to train, but on a fresh trail the hunting drive stays dominant. Regular checking of the drop ears is part of the basic care.
🩺 Health
The Porcelaine is considered a fundamentally robust and healthy breed with a life expectancy of about twelve to thirteen years; serious breed-typical hereditary diseases are hardly known. His fine, short coat, however, offers little protection against cold and injuries in the dense undergrowth. As with all hounds, the long drop ears must be cleaned and checked regularly. Reputable breeders place value on temperamental soundness and the health of their breeding animals.
🏡 Who is this breed right for?
The Porcelaine is first and foremost a hunting dog, but thanks to his gentle, easy-to-handle nature he is also suitable for active families who can offer him enough exercise. Ideal is a rural home with a garden and plenty of running; a pure city flat without adequate activity does not fit. He gets on well with children and other dogs and is comparatively easy-going for a scenthound. In Switzerland the Porcelaine is rare and found above all among people interested in hunting.