Porcelaine
Description
The Porcelaine is a French scent hound with a history dating back to the late 1600s. Its name reflects the shiny white coat that looks like porcelain, often marked with orange patches or ticking. Originally bred for hunting rabbits and hares, this breed combines keen scenting skills with a calm and friendly demeanor. Porcelaines tend to be gentle with children and usually get along well with other dogs if socialized early. While generally quiet indoors, they become quite vocal when tracking scents, which can challenge noise-sensitive environments. Their persistence on the trail shows their strong hunting instincts. Porcelaines weigh between 55 and 62 pounds, sporting a smooth, short coat that requires moderate upkeep. They’re not widely known outside France but have a devoted following among scent hound enthusiasts.
Grooming
The Porcelaine’s smooth, short coat is easy to maintain but benefits from weekly brushing to keep it healthy and shiny. Use a rubber curry or bristle brush to remove loose hair and distribute natural oils. Their white and orange coat with ticking or patches can show dirt easily, so regular wiping of the white areas helps prevent staining. Bathing should be done every 4 to 8 weeks to avoid drying out the skin. Nail trimming every 2 to 4 weeks keeps their feet comfortable, and monthly ear checks prevent buildup, especially since scent hounds can be prone to ear debris. Pro tip: Use a damp cloth to spot-clean the white fur between baths to maintain that porcelain glow. - Brush weekly with rubber curry or bristle brush - Bathe every 4–8 weeks, avoid over-bathing - Trim nails every 2–4 weeks - Clean ears monthly - Spot-clean white areas as needed
Learn the Smooth routine:
→ Complete Smooth Grooming Guide
Walking
Porcelaines need about 100 minutes of walking daily, split into two sessions to manage their stamina and scent-driven focus. Morning walks can be brisk and energizing, while evening strolls offer a chance to unwind and sniff around. Their hunting background means they’ll want to follow scents, so keep a secure leash and allow sniff breaks to satisfy their curiosity. Example routine: - Morning: 50 minutes brisk walk with scent exploration - Evening: 50 minutes relaxed walk with socialization opportunities Short walks won’t cut it. They need consistent, purposeful exercise to stay balanced.
Boarding
When boarding a Porcelaine, provide a crate sized between 42 and 48 inches to accommodate their medium build comfortably. They thrive with two active play sessions daily, which should include scent-based or brain games to engage their tracking instincts. Staff should be aware that Porcelaines can be vocal when stimulated by scents or new environments, so patience and calm handling are key. Their playstyle is moderate but persistent; they enjoy interactive toys and puzzles that challenge their nose and mind. Enrichment activities help reduce stress and prevent boredom during their stay. Quiet time in the crate balanced with active engagement ensures they remain content and well-adjusted while away from home.