Porcelaine – The Independent French Hunter

From the name itself, Porcelaine is a dog that is undoubtedly packed with exciting features. So if you are looking for a dog that is unique, lovable, and trustworthy, Porcelaine is a breed you should consider having at your home. One of the breed’s primary features is its elegant body that also works perfectly in the field. Hunting is its expertise thanks to its keen sense of smell, along with an athletic body.

Porcelain does not only boasts its beautiful appearance and keen hunting instincts; it also built a solid reputation as a family pet. Because of its energetic and sweet nature, the Porcelaine is sure to capture the hearts of many dog lovers. It has irresistible charms that are sure to make anyone attracted to it. Gentleness is what makes the breed more attractive.

Many people admire the Porcelaine because of its positive nature; it is eager to please its master and would show deep loyalty towards its loved ones. If you are a fan of highly loyal dogs that works best as a lovable family companion, the Porcelaine surely fits the role. In this article, we are going to look into the interesting qualities and history of the French hunting dog: the Porcelaine.

Origins of the Porcelaine

As mentioned earlier, the Porcelaine is a proud French dog that was bred primarily for hunting. We can trace back its origins to hundreds of years ago in the 18th century, wherein people needed a companion to help them hunt hare, deer, and wild boar in the field. The Porcelaine best fits the definition of a hunting dog capable of working on various mammals in the hunting field. It used its keen sense of smell to track down its targets and get the job done.

Interestingly, records show that the breed was not only seen in France but also in Switzerland. Furthermore, breeders regard the Porcelaine to be the oldest scent hounds that originated in France. Despite having French origins, it is believed that the Porcelaine has its ancestry from diverse breeds, including the English Harrier, Laufhounds, Montaimboeuf, and the Talbot Hound. Breeders worked on crossing these breeds and developed a substantial hunting dog known as the Porcelaine.

However, all of their hard work in breeding the Porcelaine almost went in vain during the French Revolution. The breed faced the brink of extinction during this event. Thankfully, surviving specimens were preserved and crossed with various French breeds, such as Gray Harriers, Gascon Saintongeois, and the Billy. Crossing the Porcelaine with these breeds further improved it, giving it strength, sturdiness, and exceptional hunting instincts. Ever since the breed’s early existence, it already earned a solid reputation as an athletic dog, being able to run at extreme speeds.

In 1971, the Club du Porcelaine was established to protect and preserve the breed in France and Italy. The club worked on maintaining a healthy population for the breed as it started to grow in popularity in different parts of the globe.

Interestingly, the breed made its introduction to the United States after the King of France gave President George Washington a gift, which was believed to be a Porcelaine.

Characteristics of the Porcelaine

Height: 22 – 23 inches

Weight: 55 – 62 pounds

Life Expectancy: 12 – 13 years

Hypoallergenic: No

One thing that you would easily notice in the Porcelaine is its elegant looks. It has a medium-large body that could stand up to twenty-three inches tall and weighs up to sixty-two pounds. This incredible size of the Porcelaine allows it to work effectively in the field. But its large body also boasts incredible qualities that make it a more lovable dog.

The Porcelaine has a muscular and athletic body covered in a beautiful white coat. Its large ears hang around its head, which expresses the breed’s gentle nature. Deep round eyes are apparent in the breed’s face, giving it a more charming characteristic.

The robust body of the Porcelaine is not just for display; it allows the breed to work in the field. Despite its elegant looks, the Porcelaine earned a solid reputation as a hunter, being able to dominate the hunting field ever since many years ago. Strong, agile, and affectionate: these are only some of Porcelaine’s excellent qualities. If you are looking for a dog that works best as a working dog and a family companion, the Porcelaine is no doubt a breed that fits the job.