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Porcelaine
Hound breed from France
Breed overview
Reviewed · Database recordAbout the Porcelaine
The Porcelaine is a medium-sized French scent hound known for its elegant build and distinctive glossy white coat, which gives the breed its name (resembling porcelain). It is described as gentle, intelligent, energetic, friendly, and work-focused. The breed has a high energy level (score 4 out of 5) and is moderately trainable (score 4). Its short coat requires minimal grooming (score 2), and shedding is moderate (score 3). The Porcelaine is generally well-suited to families with children (score 4) and other dogs (score 4), but it is less suitable for apartment living (score 2). Adult males and females both weigh an estimated 25â28 kg and stand 55â58 cm tall. The estimated lifespan is 12â13 years. Recognition status varies by registry, and no specific working purpose or health claims are documented in the supplied facts.
Quick facts
Porcelaine at a glance
Sizemedium
Breed groupHound
OriginFrance
Lifespan12â13 years
Male weight25â28 kilogram
Female weight25â28 kilogram
Male height55â58 centimetre
Female height55â58 centimetre
Origin and history
Where the breed comes from
The Porcelaine is one of the oldest French scent hounds, with origins in France. According to one source, it is descended from white St. Hubert hounds in the Franche-Comté region. The breed dates back to the 18th century, but details of its early development are not fully documented. It is said to have nearly disappeared after the French Revolution and World War II, though the exact timeline and circumstances are uncertain. Enthusiasts reportedly reconstructed the breed in the mid-19th century using Swiss specimens, but the reliability of this account is based on a single source. No specific registry recognition dates or historical events beyond these general statements are provided.
Physical characteristics
Structured dataSize, build and coat
Female
25â28 kilogramAdult weight55â58 centimetreAdult heightCoat typesShortCoat colorsWhiteRecognitionvaries by registryData methodai assisted draft
Temperament
Typical breed tendencies
Gentleintelligentenergeticfriendlywork-focused
Breed tendencies are general guidance. Individual behavior depends on genetics, socialization, training, health and environment.
Exercise, training and maintenance
1â5 methodologyDaily care profile
Higher daily exercise demand
Typically responsive to training
Lower coat-maintenance demand
Moderate compared with other breeds
Family suitability
Home and household fit
Supervise every dogâchild interaction.
Introductions and socialization still matter.
Exercise, enrichment and noise tolerance affect fit.
Climate suitability
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Modelled tendency · low confidence
A general morphology-based tendency. Individual dogs still require shade, shelter, water, acclimation and weather-appropriate activity. Method: climate-morphology-v1.
Health overview
Veterinary sources requiredHealth considerations
No Porcelaine-specific screening programme or peer-reviewed disorder-prevalence study is currently attached to this profile. This is not evidence that the breed has no health risks. Owners should use routine preventive veterinary care and discuss screening appropriate to the individual dog's history, examination and family line.
Veterinary disclaimer: This profile is educational and does not replace examination, diagnosis or treatment by a veterinarian.
Feeding overview
Nutrition and feeding
Research in progress
Reviewed feeding guidance will appear after an approved source is imported and editorially reviewed.
Decision support
Potential advantages and challenges
Potential advantages
- Typically responsive to consistent training.Supported by trainabilityScore: 4
- Can be a strong family match when socialized and supervised.Supported by childSuitability: 4
Potential challenges
- Higher daily exercise and enrichment needs may not suit every household.Supported by energyScore: 4
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Growth chart
Porcelaine puppy growth
Modeled estimates
Open interactive chart From puppy weight to adult size
Compare male and female growth, check weight by age and estimate mature size.
Adult male weight25â28 kilogramAdult female weight25â28 kilogramGrowth modeladult-range-size-model-v1
Preview only. Open the complete chart to adjust age, current weight and measurement units.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions
What is the size and lifespan of a Porcelaine?
The Porcelaine is a medium-sized breed. Estimated adult height is 55â58 cm for both males and females, and estimated adult weight is 25â28 kg for both sexes. The estimated lifespan is 12â13 years. These figures are modelled estimates and may vary.
What is the Porcelaine's temperament like?
The breed is described as gentle, intelligent, energetic, friendly, and work-focused. However, individual dogs may vary, and not every Porcelaine will display all these traits consistently.
How much exercise does a Porcelaine need?
The Porcelaine has a high energy level (score 4 out of 5), indicating it requires substantial daily exercise. It is a scent hound bred for endurance, so activities like long walks, runs, or supervised off-leash exploration are recommended.
What are the grooming requirements?
The Porcelaine has a short coat that requires minimal grooming (score 2 out of 5). Occasional brushing to remove loose hair is sufficient. Shedding is moderate (score 3).
Is the Porcelaine good for families and other pets?
The breed scores 4 out of 5 for child suitability and dog compatibility, suggesting it generally gets along well with children and other dogs. However, individual temperament varies, and proper socialization is important.
Can a Porcelaine live in an apartment?
The breed has a low apartment suitability score (2 out of 5), indicating it is not ideal for apartment living due to its high energy and need for space. A home with a yard is more appropriate.
Where does the Porcelaine originate from?
The Porcelaine originates from France. It is considered one of the oldest French scent hounds, with roots in the Franche-Comté region, but specific historical details are limited.
Data transparency
â Published · VerifiedSources and review status
APIThe Dog API âThe Dog API Terms of Service (effective 2023-07-01)
VETERINARY SOURCEWSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines and Toolkit âCopyright; factual citation and original summary only
Image source: The Dog API. Last reviewed 7/20/2026.