Pet Wiki

Porcelaine

Also called Chien de Franche-Comté, Briquet Franc-Comtois, Chien de Porcelaine

An elegant, energetic scenthound with a gentle, clever look.

SizeMedium
Height53 to 58 cm (21 to 23 in)males 55 to 58 cm, females 53 to 56 cm12
CoatShort, fine, smooth coat
OriginFrance, in the Franche-Comté region on the border with Switzerland.31
GroupScent hounds and related breeds (FCI group 6)
Recognised breedShort profile
tireless in the field
sweet, intelligent expression
fond of its family
14

Personality what they are like

An elegant, energetic scenthound with a gentle, clever look. It is a determined hunter in the field yet affectionate with its owners, including children, and the AKC notes it can settle well in the house.14

Coat and looks how to spot one

short, fine, smooth coat

Very short, fine hair that lies flat and has a glossy sheen. Underneath, the skin is pale with black mottling that shows through, and the long ears hang in a gentle fold down to the muzzle.132

Colourswhite with orange spotswhite with orange ticking on the ears12

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Porcelaine. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • Brushingevery week
  • Bathevery 8 weeks
  • Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
  • Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
  • ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
  • Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Bred to follow hare, roe deer and boar in packs, it moves with a light, tireless gallop and needs generous daily exercise and space to run.31

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The short, fine coat is easy to care for; an occasional brush keeps its shine.1

Home where they are happiest

Suits a home with secure outdoor space and owners who can provide plenty of exercise; the AKC notes it takes well to crate training and house training.4

Company who they like around

A pack hound by background that is attached to its people.34

The story where it all began

The Porcelaine is regarded as one of France's old hunting hounds, with records in France from 1845 and in Switzerland from 1880. It is said to have disappeared around the French Revolution and to have been rebuilt afterwards from related hounds such as the English Harrier, Swiss Laufhunds and the extinct Montaimboeuf.3

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    It is said to have vanished around the French Revolution and then been rebuilt from related hounds.3

  2. 2

    The breed standard says black skin pigment usually sits under each orange spot.1

  3. 3

    Orange ticking on the ears is described as especially typical of the breed.2

  4. 4

    It is documented in France since 1845 and in Switzerland since 1880.3

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The Porcelaine gets its name from its shiny coat, said to make it resemble a porcelain statuette.3

Name ideas for your new friend

BellePierreChasseurÉclairMargauxRoiFleurViteNeigeSoleilBriquetÉtoile

A day in the life told by a Porcelaine

I woke up before the sun, ready to run. My human took me to the open fields, and I let out a happy bay. I followed a scent for miles, my legs moving like the wind. When I caught up to my human, they laughed and gave me a pat. We walked home together, and I trotted proudly by their side. At home, I curled up on the rug, my muscles warm and content. My human says I'm elegant, but I think I'm just fast. Tomorrow, I'll run again.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI
Standard no. 30, Group 6 (Scent hounds and related breeds), Section 1.2 Medium-sized hounds; standard published 19.10.1964.1
UKC
Scenthound Group, recognised 1 January 1996.2
AKC
Has an AKC breed page (Foundation Stock Service listing).4
Société Centrale Canine
Recognised in its home country.3

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Porcelaine tip

Porcelaines thrive on high-quality, calorie-dense food suited to their active lifestyle. Use training treats sparingly to avoid weight gain, and always split meals to reduce bloat risk.

Source: akc.org

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Porcelaine, and at what times?

Feed your Porcelaine at least two meals a day for adults, and three to four smaller meals for puppies. Follow the food label for amounts and check with your vet for the best schedule.5

What should a Porcelaine eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Provide a high-quality dog food suited to its age and activity level. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol. Always consult your vet for the best diet.6

How often should I bathe a Porcelaine?

Bathe your Porcelaine about every two months, or at least once every three months. More frequent baths are fine if they get very dirty.7 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Porcelaine need brushing?

Brush your Porcelaine weekly to keep its short coat shiny and healthy. A quick weekly brushing is all it needs.17 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Porcelaine's nails, and how often?

Trim nails every four weeks or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid bleeding.7 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Porcelaine need?

Your Porcelaine needs generous daily exercise and space to run. Plan for at least a long walk or active play session every day.31 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Porcelaine's teeth and ears?

Brush your Porcelaine's teeth two to three times a week with dog toothpaste. Check its floppy ears weekly for moisture and dirt, and dry them gently without pushing into the canal.7 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Porcelaine live?

Lifespan varies, but many Porcelaines live around 10 to 13 years. Ask your vet for a more specific estimate based on your dog's health.

Is a Porcelaine good with children and other pets?

Porcelaines are affectionate with children and bond closely with their family. They can get along with other dogs if properly socialized, but their hunting instinct may be strong with small pets.143

Can a Porcelaine be left alone?

Porcelaines are very attached to their people and may not do well left alone for long hours. Crate training can help, but they thrive with company.34

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. FCI Standard No. 30, Porcelaine fci.beused for group, size, coat, colours, gait
  2. UKC breed standard: Porcelaine ukcdogs.comused for recognition date, size, colours
  3. Wikipedia: Porcelaine en.wikipedia.orgused for history, other names, fun facts
  4. AKC: Porcelaine akc.orgused for temperament, home life
  5. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  6. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  7. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.