Porcelaine
Male: 25-28 kg, Female: 25-28 kg
Male: 55-58 cm, Female: 53-56 cm (with a tolerance of +/- 1 cm)
12-13 years
France (Franche-Comté region)
About the Porcelaine
The Porcelaine is an ancient French scent hound, often considered one of the oldest breeds from the Franche-Comté region. Known for their striking appearance, they possess a gleaming white coat that appears translucent, punctuated by orange spots that give them a delicate, ceramic-like aesthetic. Despite their elegant and somewhat fragile name, they are hardy, vigorous hunters capable of tracking game over rugged terrain for hours. In the domestic setting, the Porcelaine is a distinguished and affectionate companion. They are notably more sensitive than many other hound breeds, responding best to gentle, positive reinforcement. While they are relatively rare outside of France, their popularity in Australia is growing among active families and scent-work enthusiasts who appreciate a hound that is both a focused worker in the field and a serene, quiet presence in the living room.
Breed Standard
Key characteristics from the breed standard
In the show ring, the Porcelaine is a vision of aerodynamic elegance and aristocratic refinement. Their movement is light and effortless, covering ground with a fluid, rhythmic gait that highlights their functional athletic structure. The breed standard demands a head that is finely chiselled with very long, thin, conical ears that fold inward. They command attention not through bulk, but through a unique combination of fragility in appearance and undeniable power in action.
In Australia
The Porcelaine was officially recognized by Dogs Australia (ANKC) in 2014.
Bred For
A scent hound used for hunting hare, deer, and wild boar, known for a distinctive 'melodious' voice and the ability to work in packs.
Temperament
Energetic and fierce when hunting, yet remarkably gentle, calm, and sociable within the home environment. They are known for being sensitive and deeply attached to their owners.
Health Conditions Reported in the Breed
While generally a robust breed, they are predisposed to , ear infections (otitis externa) due to their pendulous ear shape, and () associated with their deep-chested conformation.
Exercise Needs
They excel in scent work, hiking, and long walks, but should ideally be exercised in a secure area due to their strong hunting instincts.
Grooming Needs
Minimal; their very short, fine coat requires only weekly brushing with a rubber mitt to remove loose hair. Regular ear cleaning is mandatory to prevent moisture buildup and infection.
Living Suitability
Not ideally suited to apartment living. They thrive best in a home with a large, securely fenced yard or on acreage where they have space to move. Their high energy and vocal nature mean they require an environment where they can be active without disturbing neighbors.
Good with Kids
Excellent; they are known for their gentle and patient nature with children, though supervision is always recommended with younger children due to the dog's size and energy.
Good with Other Pets
Generally good with other dogs as they were bred to work in packs. However, they possess a very high prey drive, so caution and careful socialisation are required around cats and small pocket pets.
Trainability
Moderate; they are intelligent but possess the typical hound independence. They are sensitive to harsh tones, so training must be consistent, patient, and reward-based to keep them engaged.
Coat & Colours
Very short, fine, close-lying, and shiny; often described as 'porcelain-like' due to its translucent appearance.. Pure white with characteristic orange spots (orange ticking), particularly on the ears where the skin and hair are pigmented.
Exercise needs vary by age, fitness, health, weather and individual temperament. Consult your veterinarian for an exercise plan appropriate for your dog.
Things to Consider
Every breed has its quirks — here's what to know
Prospective owners should be aware that Porcelaines are scent hounds with a significant prey drive; they are more likely to follow their nose than a command if they catch a scent, so off-lead exercise in unfenced areas is risky. As a deep-chested breed, they can be predisposed to Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (bloat)—a life-threatening condition where the stomach twists. Owners should be educated on the signs of bloat and consider preventative measures like smaller, frequent meals. Their long, pendulous ears are more likely to trap moisture and debris, requiring weekly inspection and cleaning to prevent chronic ear infections. Additionally, while they are calm indoors, their 'melodious' baying voice is loud and can be a challenge in suburban environments if they are bored or under-exercised. Many Porcelaines are sensitive to cold due to their very thin coat, so they may require coats during South Australian winters. They are also more likely to develop skin irritations or digestive sensitivities on high-grain commercial diets, often showing significant improvement on a fresh Majestik raw diet.
Feeding Guide for Your Porcelaine
Healthy Weight
25-28 kg
Daily Feeding Amount (general starting estimate)
500-840 grams
For a typical adult Porcelaine weighing 25-28kg, a fresh or raw diet should consist of approximately 500g to 840g per day, divided into two meals. We recommend a balance of 80% lean muscle meat (such as kangaroo or beef), 10% edible bone, and 10% organ meats and seasonal vegetables. Deep-chested breeds like the Porcelaine should be fed from floor level rather than elevated bowls to potentially reduce gas intake, and vigorous exercise should be avoided for one hour before and after feeding.
Feeding quantities are general starting estimates only. Individual needs vary with body condition, weight trends, age, health and activity. Ingredient percentages alone do not guarantee complete and balanced nutrition — consult a veterinarian for individualised dietary guidance.
Ingredient percentages alone do not guarantee complete and balanced nutrition. Seek veterinary or qualified canine nutrition guidance for individualised dietary advice. Raw feeding, specific proteins or fresh foods should not be presented as preventing, treating or managing breed health conditions without veterinary diagnosis and supervision.
Majestik's Recommended Feeding Approach
Breed Diet Notes
A high-quality, high-protein diet is essential to support their athletic build and energy levels. They thrive on nutrient-dense fresh and raw diets that emphasize lean muscle meats and avoid excessive fillers.
The ideal raw diet for a Porcelaine focuses on maintaining lean muscle mass without adding unnecessary weight that could stress their joints. Majestik Pet Food recommends lean proteins like Australian Kangaroo, which is excellent for active hounds. Incorporating Beef or Lamb hearts provides essential taurine, while duck necks or chicken frames offer the necessary calcium from bone. Because they are prone to ear issues, avoiding high-carb fillers found in kibble can help reduce systemic inflammation and yeast growth.
These are general breed-level notes only. The appropriate food and serving amount depend on the individual dog's age, health, body condition, activity and tolerance.
Majestik Recommendation
Majestik BARF meals follow our practical 70/10/10/10 approach: approximately 70% quality meat and protein ingredients, 10% edible bone, 10% vegetables and 10% offal. This gives customers a convenient fresh-food option without needing to source and portion every ingredient themselves.
Our Beef, Lamb and Roo BARF meals provide convenient fresh-food options, with suitable proteins chosen or rotated according to the individual dog.
Suitable for different needs
- Healthy adult: Majestik adult Beef, Lamb or Roo BARF meal.
- Puppy: Majestik Premium Puppy.
- Senior: Majestik Senior Blend.
- Working or highly active dog: Suitable Majestik adult meal with quantity adjusted to workload and body condition.
- Protein trial: One Majestik protein at a time.
Recommended Majestik BARF Meals
This is a practical starting recommendation for healthy dogs. Individual needs vary with age, health, body condition and activity.
Porcelaine Feeding Calculator
Personalised raw and cooked feeding recommendations based on your dog's profile
Ideal — Ribs palpable without excess fat. Visible waist. Abdominal tuck present.
Have a question about your Porcelaine? Dog Health AI
Why Majestik?
Fresh, raw pet food made with integrity in South Australia
Australian Made
Made in Two Wells, South Australia
Freshly Prepared
Real meat, organs, bone & wholefood ingredients
No Fillers
No cheap fillers or artificial preservatives
Family Owned
Locally owned and operated
Local Delivery
Delivery across Adelaide & selected areas
Secure Checkout
Secure payment via Shopify checkout
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Breed Records & Facts
Average Litter Size
6-8 puppies
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References & Sources
Breed information verified against recognised breed authorities and veterinary evidence.