The Porcelaine French Scent Hound

Description

Porcelaines are also known as Chien de Franche-Comte, Chien de Lunéville or Chien Blanc du Roi ( White dog of kings ).

A thin white short haired coat gives a glossy translucent appearance giving rise to the subsequent name of the Porcelaine. Underneath, its coat is a generous sprinkling of light brown / liver coloured spots against the backdrop of pink skin. The appearance  of these underneath markings give a mottling effect of dappled light blue spots. It could be said that this is their version of willow pattern. Markings on the top coat are varying circular shapes and shades of orange, apricot or fawn. The ears, are solidly coloured with the colour often encroaching around the eyes. Pups are born plain white with their markings developing over the weeks.

A fine distinguished Porcelaine is statuesque with a well defined chiselled head. Long folded pendulous ears that feel typically like chamois leather, should be set level to their dark eyes and reach to the end of their black nose. A slender long neck, on a powerful and muscular body yet which is extremely elegant, broad feet with high arched prominent toes and finally, the tail should be thick at the base, tapering out and carried with a slight curve.

The Porcelaine can have very prominent third eyelids ( nictitating membrane ) to protect them from debris whilst hunting close to the ground. In appearance it is an opaque glassy skin partially stretching across the eye.

Porcelaines are also known fondly as the singing hounds, which becomes very apparent when they have their necks thrown back, nose in the air and howl in unison.

The Porcelaine has a good temperament with an eager disposition by being enthusiastic, curious and sociable with enjoying the company of children and home life.

However, fundamentally the Porcelaine hound will behave in a manner that is natural to them and as such problems can arise in recall and chasing when off the lead which makes them ideally suited to country life where they can be allowed to indulge in their instinct more freely and where permitted.

Height for dogs ; 22-23 inches / 55-58 cm

Height for bitches ; 21-22 inches / 53-56 cm

Weight ; 55-66 pounds / 25-30 Kg

Life expectancy is 12-14 years on average.