Porcelaine dogs are a rare and unique breed, and if you're considering bringing one home, it's essential to know what to expect.
They originated in France in the 19th century, where they were bred as a companion dog for the aristocracy.
Porcelaine dogs are known for their white coat, which can range in texture from smooth to curly.
Their name "Porcelaine" literally means "porcelain" in French, which is a fitting description given their delicate appearance.
One of the most distinctive features of the Porcelaine breed is their small size, typically weighing between 8-12 pounds.
Their short, compact bodies make them a great fit for apartment living or for families with small children.
Porcelaine dogs are highly intelligent and trainable, but they can be stubborn at times, requiring patient and consistent training.
They are generally quiet dogs, but they do require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.
Their short coats require minimal grooming, but they do need regular nail trimming and ear cleaning to prevent health issues.
Porcelaine dogs are known for their affectionate nature and make great companions for those who are willing to provide the proper care and attention.
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Breed Characteristics
The Porcelaine breed is a great choice for those who want a loyal companion that's also intelligent and energetic. They are considered to be obedient and calm during everyday life.
Their high intelligence makes them easy to train, especially if their guardian spends time with them to learn basic commands. With consistent training, they will obediently follow instructions.
Porcelaine dogs have a lot of energy and need regular exercise and active time spent outdoors. This breed used to be used as hunting dogs, which is a testament to their excellent sense of smell and orientation in the field.
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What Defines the Breed
The Porcelaine breed is characterized by its obedience and calm nature, making it a great companion for those who spend time with them and teach basic commands.
Their intelligence is reflected in their ability to obey commands and follow instructions, which is likely due to their excellent sense of smell and orientation in the field.
The breed's elegant appearance is a major part of their charm, with a slender head, long muzzle, and characteristic ears that reach the end of their muzzle and curl inwards.
Their coat is short, shiny, and predominantly white with orange ticking on the ears, and their light pink skin can be seen through their thin coat.
The Porcelaine is a medium-sized hound, with males measuring from 22 to 23.5 inches and females standing at between 21.5 and 22.5 inches, and typically weighing between 55 and 62 pounds once fully grown.
Their calm nature can sometimes be misleading, as they have a lot of energy inside them and need an appropriate amount of exercise and active time spent outdoors to keep them happy and healthy.
Character and Temperament
The Porcelaine breed is known for being obedient and calm in everyday life, but with a lot of energy inside them. They are highly intelligent and have a strong prey drive, which makes them excellent hunting companions.
Their high intelligence also makes them easy to train, especially if their guardian spends enough time with them. With proper training, they will obediently obey commands and follow instructions.
These dogs are social and friendly, adoring people and wanting nothing more than their attention. They are great companions and are particularly good with children.
However, they can be quite tenacious in the field, and they should not be left unsupervised around cats or other small pets as they may chase and possibly injure them. They are also prone to separation anxiety if they are left by themselves for extended periods of time.
Despite their energetic natures, they are well-behaved and placid indoors as long as they receive plenty of exercise. They prefer rural life and are not recommended for apartment dwellers due to their loud howls and energetic behavior.
Dog Appearance
The Porcelaine dog is a medium-sized breed, with a maximum height of about 58 cm and a weight that varies up to 30 kg. They have a white coat with local light red spots, which can be seen mainly on their ears.
Their coat is quite short, shiny, and close to the body, making it easy to maintain. Their eyes are medium-sized with a dark black colour, adding to their elegant appearance.
The Porcelaine dog has a long neck, which harmonizes with their long body and long, standing paws. Their tail is smooth, quite long, and in tune with the rest of their body.
Their slender head has a long muzzle that should not be overly pointed, and their nose must always be black. Their kind eyes are also dark and should not feature prominently in their face.
Their ears are particularly charming, reaching all the way to the end of their muzzle and curling inwards. Their long neck must not be overly thick and is supported by lean shoulders.
The Porcelaine dog's body is well-proportioned with a narrow, deep chest and a straight back. Their tapering tail is of a medium length, completing their elegant appearance.
In terms of size, males measure from 22 to 23.5 inches and females stand at between 21.5 and 22.5 inches. Typically, dogs will weigh between 55 and 62 lbs once fully grown.
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Grooming & Bathing
The Porcelaine's short coat sheds dirt easily, but owners still need to keep an eye out for injuries after hunting trips.
Foreign materials can get stuck in their feet or ears, requiring cleaning or even tick removal. Their ears should be regularly cleansed with a vet-approved product to prevent infections.
Porcelaines are prone to ear infections due to their pendulous ears, which can become moist and warm, leading to a buildup of micro-organisms.
Daily checks for injuries and debris are essential, especially after hunting trips or outdoor excursions.
Health and Rescue
Porcelain is often associated with fine china, but it's also used in medical applications.
In the field of health, porcelain is used to create dental implants that are durable and long-lasting.
Porcelain is also used in medical imaging, such as X-ray plates, due to its high density and resistance to radiation.
Breed Health
The Porcelaine breed is characterised by very good physical condition and health, with no typical breed diseases.
They tolerate temperature changes well, and are not particularly sensitive to cold or high-risk during hot weather.
Obesity is very rare in this breed, thanks to their genetic predisposition and love for active ways of spending time.
Regular exercise is essential to keep your Porcelaine in good physical and mental condition, as they can become lethargic and unhappy without it.
Playing together outdoors is a great way to give your dog exercise, as well as a nice and enjoyable time together.
Grooming is easy and pleasant for the Porcelaine breed, with regular brushing of the coat being the basis for a neat and radiant appearance.
Their non-standard ear structure requires regular cleaning to maintain cleanliness.
This breed loses very little hair, which is a relief for those who are disturbed by dog hair at home in large amounts.
Rescue Groups
If you're looking to bring a Porcelaine dog into your life, you might be wondering where to start with rescue groups.
Rescuing a Porcelaine dog can be a rewarding experience, but it may be challenging to find a rescue specifically for this breed.
Local shelters are a great place to start, as they often have a variety of dogs available for adoption.
You can also try contacting a rescue group that caters to all kinds of dogs, such as Wright-Way Rescue or Angels Among Us Pet Rescue.
Alternatively, you might consider reaching out to a rescue group dedicated to Hound dogs, as Porcelaines are part of this breed group.
Some reputable rescue groups include Helping Hounds Rescue and Porcelaine Puppies Rehomes and Litters Worldwide.
Here are some rescue groups you can consider:
- Wright-Way Rescue
- Angels Among Us Pet Rescue
- Helping Hounds Rescue
- Porcelaine Puppies Rehomes and Litters Worldwide
Choosing and Caring
The Porcelaine breed requires at least an hour of energetic exercise every day, with 90 minutes being ideal.
To keep your Porcelaine mentally stimulated, consider adding ball games and interactive smart toys to your daily exercise sessions. This will help keep them engaged and happy.
Daily dental hygiene is crucial for the Porcelaine, so brush their teeth at least two or three times a week, and ideally every day, to remove tartar buildup and bacteria.
You'll also need to check your Porcelaine's nails once a month to see if they need to be trimmed, although if they get sufficient outdoor time, their nails may stay in great condition naturally.
Regular ear checks are also important, especially since Porcelaines can be prone to ear infections.
Is it Right for You?
If you're looking for a breed that's devoted to its humans, the Porcelaine is a great choice, as they're particularly good with children.
Members of this breed are scent hounds that excel at tracking and hunting, thanks to their excellent sense of smell.
They're energetic dogs that require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy, making them a better fit for rural life rather than apartment living.
Porcelaines are well-behaved indoors as long as they receive plenty of exercise, but they can be prone to separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods.
This means they'll howl loudly and may become destructive if left unattended, so it's not the best breed for someone who wants a low-maintenance pet.
With proper training and attention, however, Porcelaines can be a wonderful companion for active owners who are willing to put in the time and effort to care for them.
Choosing Dog Accessories
Choosing dog accessories is a crucial part of ensuring your pet's comfort and safety. A harness that doesn't restrict your dog's freedom of movement is a must-have for walks, and the ACTIVE harness line from Bowl&Bone Republic is a great option.
This harness is available in six colours that will complement a light porcelain coat, making it a stylish choice as well. Consider a comfortable bed for your dog to rest and recuperate after an active day.
The BLISS dog sleeping bags from Bowl&Bone Republic offer maximum sleeping comfort and come in three unique colours: ocean, ecru, and pink. Your dog can choose to lie down directly on the sleeping bag or hide in its pocket-like interior for added freedom.
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Sources
- Porcelaine Breed Guide - Learn about the Porcelaine. (petpaw.com.au)
- Porcelaine - Dog Breed Information (akc.org)
- Porcelaine Dog Breed Information & Characteristics (dogtime.com)
- Porcelaine dog breed guide - Blog Bowl&Bone Republic (bowlandbone.com)
- Porcelaine Breed Information, Characteristics & Heath ... (dogzone.com)
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