The AKC has grouped all of the breeds that it registers into seven categories, or groups, roughly based on function and heritage. Breeds are grouped together because they share traits of form and function or a common heritage.
Elegant, proud, graceful, cat-like and stunningly gorgeous, the Porcelaine is never shy or timid and always eager for a pat on the head or a hug. His nature makes him an excellent candidate for medical therapy, medical alert, medical service, police public relations, and search and rescue. The Porcelaine is primarily a hunting dog breed, originating from a mixture of highly intelligent French and English scent hounds. That said, you must remember that any breed with a high prey drive will require careful consideration in housing and handling. Another charming aspect of the breed is that they tend to be quiet indoors or in their kennel, but do have a beautiful melodious baying call. They are not nuisance barkers.
The Porcelaine should do well on a high-quality dog food, whether commercially manufactured or home-prepared with your veterinarian’s supervision and approval. Any diet should be appropriate to the dog’s age (puppy, adult, or senior). Some dogs are prone to getting overweight, so watch your dog’s calorie consumption and weight level. Treats can be an important aid in training, but giving too many can cause obesity. Learn about which human foods are safe for dogs, and which are not. Check with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s weight or diet. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times.
Beyond regular weekly grooming, the occasional bath will keep your Porcelaine clean and looking his best. Grooming can be a wonderful bonding experience for you and your dog. The strong, fast-growing nails should be trimmed regularly with a nail clipper or grinder to avoid overgrowth, splitting, and cracking. Their ears should be checked regularly to avoid a buildup of wax and debris, which can result in infection. Teeth should be brushed regularly.
Despite Porcelaines being fierce hunters, they are gentle and relatively easy to handle. Because of their strong drive to follow their nose, they should have a fenced yard to run in. On walks, always have your Porcelaine on a leash when you’re going outside or use a GPS tracking collar if working off leash. Very active dogs, Porcelaines need a lot of exercise, and so are not recommended for people who live in apartments. Options for exercise include play time in the fenced backyard or being taken for walks several times a day. Exercise can also come in the form of indoor activities, like hide-and-seek, chasing a ball rolled along the floor, or learning new tricks. Certain outdoor activities like swimming, hiking, and retrieving balls or flying discs can provide a good outlet for expending energy. Training for dog sports like agility, obedience, and rally can also be a great way to give your dog exercise.
Porcelaines prefer to be in a single-dog household and the sole object of your affection. If disagreements between other dogs or possessive behavior develop, you must correct your dog immediately and not allow this behavior to persist. This breed is easily crate-trained and housebroken and make superb indoor pets.
The Porcelaine is remarkably free from common health conditions seen in most dogs today. As with most medium to large dogs, hip dysplasia can be of concern. Working with responsible breeder, prospective owners can gain the education they need to learn about specific health concerns within the breed.
