Porcelaine

Also known as: Franche-Comte dog, Briquet Franc-Comtois

Named for its unusually fine, glossy white coat that resembles porcelain, this breed is considered one of the more elegant among French scenthounds. It originated in the border regions of France and Switzerland, where it was used to hunt hare and roe deer. A male can weigh up to 20 kilograms on a graceful yet muscular frame. The breed nearly disappeared during the Second World War, and the modern population was rebuilt from only a handful of survivors, so genetic diversity remains limited to this day. Its voice is considered one of the clearer among French hounds, once highly valued for tracking a hunt through woodland by sound. It remains rare even at home and almost unknown outside France. Life expectancy runs 12 to 14 years.

Browse dog food sized right for this breed

Porcelaine: how old in human years?

45–53 cmHeight
16–20 kgWeight
12–14 yrsLife expectancy

Posavac Hound

FCI group: Scenthounds and Related Breeds
FCI section: Section 1.2: Scenthounds, Medium sized
FCI: 30
Country of origin: France

Energy level

5/5
Trainability

3/5
Family friendly

4/5
Grooming need

1/5

At a glance

Height

Males 45–53 cm

Females 45–53 cm

Weight

Males 18–20 kg

Females 16–18 kg

Life expectancy

12–14 yrs

Coat

short, fine, glossy white (short)

Temperament & Family Life

Porcelaine's average temperament and family-life score for this breed is moderate.

Family friendly 4/5
Good with children 4/5
Good with other dogs 4/5
Friendly with strangers 3/5
Intelligence 3/5
Trainability 3/5

Exercise, Energy & Space

Porcelaine's energy and exercise needs are high.

Energy level 5/5
Exercise need 5/5
Apartment friendly 1/5
Prey drive 5/5
Hunting instinct 5/5

Guarding & Alertness

Porcelaine's guarding and alertness traits are low.

Guarding instinct 1/5
Watchfulness 2/5
Barking level 4/5

Grooming & Care

Porcelaine's grooming needs are low.

Shedding 2/5
Drooling 2/5
Grooming need 1/5

Living with the Porcelaine

It could stand on a dresser like a figurine, but in the woods it becomes a different creature: nose to the ground, tail up and a voice that rings like a bell. The Porcelaine is an old French scenthound bred to run hare and roe deer, and none of that heritage has worn off. It has plenty of energy and needs long exercise every single day.

It learns reasonably well, especially when praise or a treat arrives at the right moment, but on a scent it hears nothing else. Let it off the lead only in fenced areas; long-line walks and tracking games will be a real treat for it. The prey drive is very strong, so cats and small pets are targets. It likes to give voice, and the whole street will hear it.

At home it is gentle, affectionate and sociable: good with the family, with children and with other dogs, and it doesn't like being left alone for long. It is friendly with strangers, so it won't make a guard. A flat and a quiet life don't suit it; it does best with an active family that has a garden, or with a hunter.

Grooming and coat

This dog is named after porcelain, and one stroke tells you why: the short, fine, glossy white coat feels almost smooth under your hand. It asks very little of you. Once a week go over it with a soft brush or a rubber grooming mitt to lift dead hair and dust, and after a muddy walk a damp cloth is usually all it takes. The Porcelaine sheds little, but a few white hairs on a dark sofa will still give away who has been lying there.

The ears are the real job: long, thin and hanging, so lift them every week and look inside; redness, discharge or a bad smell means it's time for the vet. The fine coat offers little protection against cold and bramble, so check the skin for scratches after a hike, and look at the nails every few weeks.

How to do it:

By age:

Health and possible conditions

We don't have reliable health information specific to this breed, so we don't list conditions here. Keep up regular vet check-ups, and if you are getting a puppy, ask the breeder about the parents' health testing.

This is general information, not veterinary advice. For your own dog's health, tests and treatment, see a vet.

Food for medium breeds — cheapest per kg

This list is chosen by the breed's weight (20 kg) rather than the breed itself: shops label food by dog size, so every breed of the same size gets the same list. Prices are updated daily.

≈ 260 g of dry food a day, from €14,13 a month For a neutered, normally active 18 kg dog. Calculate for your dog