Porcelaine
History
Porcelaine Hounds are considered to be one of the oldest French scent hounds. Their name was derived because of their white shiny coat. Because the breed is very old the exact origin is hard to establish. The very first information about these beautiful and distinguished hounds come from around 1600 in France where they were used to hunt mostly hare, deer but also wild boar.
Unfortunately the French Revolution had a hugely negative impact decimating the breed as Porcelaine Hounds were associated mostly with hunting by the French aristocracy. At this point, Monks from the monastery in the Franche-Comté area played a very important role in saving Porcelaines from extinction by reconstructing the breed from a very small population - hence the alternative name of Porcelaines which is Chien de Franche-Comté.
Years of revival of the breed have now brought us a stable population with a good number of specimens. As the breed was successfully reconstructed, the Porcelaine Club was established in 1971 in France where the largest population of Porcelaines can be found. The breed, still very rare in the rest of the world, has also become popular in Italy and nowdays Porcelaine Hound breeders are appearing in the Czech Republic, Poland, Sweden, Denmark, Russia, Belarus and the U.S.A. Unfortunately the breed is not recognised by the Kennel Club of the United Kingdom at the moment, but we hope this might change with a little help from all current and future owners of Porcelaine Hounds cooperating and working together to create a breed club.
Characteristics
Porcelaine Hounds have a white shiny coat which is sometimes covered with roundish orange spots, especially on the ears. Their hair is short and fine and their body is marbled with numerous black spots which are faintly visible through their coat. Their noses are well developed and very black with well opened nostrils. Their eyes are also very dark with an expression of intelligence. Adult bitches grow up to 22.5†tall (53.5-56 cm), adult males up to 23.5†(56-58.5 cm). Porcelaines’ weight varies between 25 to 28 kg. They are a pack animal, hunting in packs using their incredible smell.
Porcelaine Hounds are not only beautiful but also of very good character. These dogs are brave, vigorous, hardworking and tireless, but also very social, well balanced and are very good companions in a family environment and love the attention and companionship of people. Whilst at home Porcelaines are well behaved, but being scent hounds, of course this breed is for active people who, if not hunting, spend a lot of time out in the fields and woods; certainly Porcelaines need a lot of exercise!
Health
There are no known health issues.
More Information
Historical Average Puppy Prices
| Year | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Price (£) | 1600 | 995 |
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