Description

The name Porcelaine refers to its shining coat, which makes it look like a porcelain statuette. During its heyday in the 1700s, the Porcelaine was considerably larger than the modern breed of today. It is a very distinguished-looking dog with a finely chiseled head, a black nose with wide-open nostrils, and a flat forehead. Its eyes are dark with a sweet expression. The ears are thin, conical and pointed. The neck is long and slender, and the tail is hefty at the base but narrowing to a point at the end. The skin should be pink with sparse black mottling that shows up through the white coat. From a distance it gives an impression of pale blue glass. The solid white coat is composed of very fine hair of miraculously short length. The color can be interrupted by orange spots on the body but especially on its notable, sizeable ears.

Temperament

The Porcelaine is an energetic and fierce hunter, but gentle at home and easy to handle. It is good with other dogs and children. This friendly hound is vigorous and tireless with a wonderful sense of smell and a musical voice. It is a hound used for hunting in packs for all types of wild game. Because these dogs hunt together without orders from their owner, they have developed into very independent dogs which are brave and very sociable. This is one of the few French hunting dogs that has overcome the confines of its native land and aroused interest abroad. Given the proper activities and exercise, this is an ideal fellow for the home. Without enough mental and/or physical exercise this dog can become high-strung and/or distractible. If it senses its owners are not as strong minded as itself, it will become a bit willful as it will believe it needs to be the leader of the relationship. It will bark at suspicious noises, but it is not a watchdog. Hunting instincts develop early. Puppies, even at eight weeks old, often display pointing behavior. Proper human to canine communication is essential.

Exercise

This breed needs a lot of exercise, including a daily, long, brisk walk or jog. While out on the walk the dog must be made to heel beside or behind the person holding the lead, as instinct tells a dog the leader leads the way, and that leader needs to be the human.