PorcelaineCharacteristics, history, training and care

Wikipedia says the Porcelaine probably descends from the English Harrier, some smaller Swiss hounds and the extinct Montaimboeuf. The breed is recorded in France from 1845 and in Switzerland from 1880.

The breed disappeared after the French Revolution, but was rebuilt. It was once called the Briquet Franc-Comtois, after the Franche-Comté region. The standard says it is a hunting dog for small game, which it drives towards the hunters.

How the breed developed

• After 1789 – The breed disappears and is later rebuilt.
• 1845 – First recorded in France.
• 1880 – It is also recorded in Switzerland.
• 26 October 1964 – The FCI recognises the breed.

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. It is based on the ratings the American Kennel Club gives the breed and on the FCI standard.

The standard describes it as a very distinguished hunting dog, very French in appearance. The AKC says it is elegant, proud, graceful, cat-like and strikingly beautiful.

General appearance

The coat is smooth, fine, close-lying and glossy, with no bare patches. Wikipedia says the skin is white, with black spots that show through the white coat.

The colour is very white, with round orange spots that never form a mantle. They usually cover black spots on the skin. The orange flecks on the ears are very typical of the breed.

The AKC says that, although it is a fierce hunter, it is gentle and fairly easy to handle. It is very attached to its owners, family, friends and children and likes to take part in all family activities. It is never shy.

The AKC says it prefers to be the only dog in the house and the sole object of its owner's affection; possessiveness towards other dogs must be corrected immediately.

Tips for effective training

• Always keep it on a lead. It follows its nose.
• Correct possessiveness. The AKC says it must be corrected immediately.
• Use rewards. It learns easily.
• Get it used to a crate. The AKC says it adapts easily.

The AKC says it is a very active dog that needs plenty of exercise. Because of its strong instinct to follow its nose, it needs a fenced yard, and on walks it must be kept on a lead or wear a GPS collar.

Tips for a balanced life

• It suits active families with children.
• The fence must be solid.
• Ideally the only dog in the house.

Coat and skin care

The AKC says that, besides weekly brushing, an occasional bath keeps it clean. The strong nails grow quickly and should be trimmed regularly, and the ears checked often.

Common health problems

The AKC says it is remarkably free of the health problems found in most dogs. As with any medium to large dog, it is worth watching for:

Other care

• Check the ears regularly.
• Trim the nails regularly.
• Check for ticks after outings in nature.

The AKC says some dogs gain weight easily, so calories and weight should be watched.

Tips for a healthy diet

The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.

• Split the food into two meals a day.
• Do not let it run right after a meal.
• A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs without pressing hard.

Foods to avoid

Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.

Physical and emotional maturity

In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months, but in large breeds it can be delayed until about two years. The body also reaches its adult form later than in small breeds.

Mating and pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.

Caring for the puppies

In large breeds, a litter has around 7 puppies on average. Socialisation starts in the first weeks: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.

• Like a porcelain figurine. The name comes from its white, glossy coat.
• Spotted skin. The white skin has black spots visible through the coat.
• Like a cat. The AKC describes it as graceful, like a cat.
• A therapy dog. The AKC says it is a good candidate for therapy and search and rescue.
• Jealous of other dogs. It prefers to be the only dog in the house.

Where does the name come from?

From its white, glossy coat, like porcelain.

How big does it get?

Males measure 55–58 cm and females 53–56 cm; the AKC gives 25–28 kg.

Is it good with children?

The AKC gives it top marks for being good with children.

How long does it live?

The AKC gives 12–13 years.