At a glance the quick version
Coat and looks how to spot one
short, fine, smooth coat
Very short, fine hair that lies flat and has a glossy sheen. Underneath, the skin is pale with black mottling that shows through, and the long ears hang in a gentle fold down to the muzzle.213
Personality what they are like
An elegant, energetic scenthound with a gentle, clever look. It is a determined hunter in the field yet affectionate with its owners, including children, and the AKC notes it can settle well in the house.24
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Bred to follow hare, roe deer and boar in packs, it moves with a light, tireless gallop and needs generous daily exercise and space to run.12
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
The short, fine coat is easy to care for; an occasional brush keeps its shine.2
Home where they are happiest
Suits a home with secure outdoor space and owners who can provide plenty of exercise; the AKC notes it takes well to crate training and house training.4
Company who they like around
A pack hound by background that is attached to its people.14
The story where it all began
The Porcelaine is regarded as one of France's old hunting hounds, with records in France from 1845 and in Switzerland from 1880. It is said to have disappeared around the French Revolution and to have been rebuilt afterwards from related hounds such as the English Harrier, Swiss Laufhunds and the extinct Montaimboeuf.1
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
It is said to have vanished around the French Revolution and then been rebuilt from related hounds.1
- 2
The breed standard says black skin pigment usually sits under each orange spot.2
- 3
Orange ticking on the ears is described as especially typical of the breed.3
- 4
It is documented in France since 1845 and in Switzerland since 1880.1
Recognised by the official bits
- FCI
- Standard no. 30, Group 6 (Scent hounds and related breeds), Section 1.2 Medium-sized hounds; standard published 19.10.1964.2
- UKC
- Scenthound Group, recognised 1 January 1996.3
- AKC
- Has an AKC breed page (Foundation Stock Service listing).4
- Société Centrale Canine
- Recognised in its home country.1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Porcelaine. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Porcelaine, and at what times?
Feed your Porcelaine at least two meals a day for adults, and three to four smaller meals for puppies. Follow the food label for amounts and check with your vet for the best schedule.5
What should a Porcelaine eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Provide a high-quality dog food suited to its age and activity level. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol. Always consult your vet for the best diet.6
How often should I bathe a Porcelaine?
Bathe your Porcelaine about every two months, or at least once every three months. More frequent baths are fine if they get very dirty.7 Furry Diary plan
How often does a Porcelaine need brushing?
Brush your Porcelaine weekly to keep its short coat shiny and healthy. A quick weekly brushing is all it needs.27 Furry Diary plan
How do I trim a Porcelaine's nails, and how often?
Trim nails every four weeks or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid bleeding.7 Furry Diary plan
How much exercise does a Porcelaine need?
Your Porcelaine needs generous daily exercise and space to run. Plan for at least a long walk or active play session every day.12 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Porcelaine's teeth and ears?
Brush your Porcelaine's teeth two to three times a week with dog toothpaste. Check its floppy ears weekly for moisture and dirt, and dry them gently without pushing into the canal.7 Furry Diary plan
How long does a Porcelaine live?
Lifespan varies, but many Porcelaines live around 10 to 13 years. Ask your vet for a more specific estimate based on your dog's health.
Is a Porcelaine good with children and other pets?
Porcelaines are affectionate with children and bond closely with their family. They can get along with other dogs if properly socialized, but their hunting instinct may be strong with small pets.241
Can a Porcelaine be left alone?
Porcelaines are very attached to their people and may not do well left alone for long hours. Crate training can help, but they thrive with company.14
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- Wikipedia: Porcelaine en.wikipedia.orgused for history, other names, fun facts
- FCI Standard No. 30, Porcelaine fci.beused for group, size, coat, colours, gait
- UKC breed standard: Porcelaine ukcdogs.comused for recognition date, size, colours
- AKC: Porcelaine akc.orgused for temperament, home life
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.