Porcelaine

Scenthound Group

The goals and purposes of this breed standard include: to furnish guidelines for breeders who wish to maintain the quality of their breed and to improve it; to advance this breed to a state of similarity throughout the world; and to act as a guide for judges.

Breeders and judges have the responsibility to avoid any conditions or exaggerations that are detrimental to the health, welfare, essence and soundness of this breed, and must take the responsibility to see that these are not perpetuated.

Any departure from the following should be considered a fault, and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog and on the dogs ability to perform its traditional work.

History

The Porcelaine is a medium sized scenthound breed, used to chase game to waiting guns, that was developed in France.

The Porcelaine was recognized by the United Kennel Club January 1, 1996.

General Appearance

A very distinctive looking, short haired French Hound with much quality in all the details of its structure.

Head

The head is long, lean, and finely sculpted.

SKULL

The skull is wide between the ears. The occipital crest is rounded. The forehead is flat, with moderate median furrow. The stop is marked, but not exaggerated.

MUZZLE

The muzzle is long, and not square or pointed. The nasal bridge is straight, but ends very slightly arched near the nose. The upper lips cover the lower without being drooping. The edges of the lips are black.

TEETH

The Porcelaine has a complete set of evenly spaced, white teeth meeting in a scissors bite.

NOSE

Black, and well developed.

Serious Fault: Nose not black.

EYES

The dark eyes are well sheltered under the superciliary arches. The expression is sweet and intelligent.

Serious Fault: Light eyes.
Disqualification: Blue eyes

EARS

The thin ears are set on low. They are well curled inward, and end in a point. They should reach to the end of the muzzle.

Neck

The neck is fairly long and light, and has a lean dewlap.

Forequarters

The shoulders are long, sloping and muscular, without being heavy.

FORELEGS

Fairly long, lean but not fine, very straight and parallel.

Body

The chest is deep, but not overly wide. The ribs are rather long and lightly sprung. The withers are prominent, and the back is broad and straight. The loin is short, wide and muscular. The croup is slightly sloping, with the hipbones slightly prominent. The flanks are full but slightly tucked up.

Hindquarters

HIND LEGS

The thighs are muscular and clean. The hocks are well let down and normally angulated.

Feet

Rather elongated and fine, with tight toes and tough pads.

Tail

The average length tail is fairly strong at the root, tapering to the tip, and carried in a curve. There is no brush.

Serious Fault: Long hair (brush) on the tail.

Coat

Smooth, thin, close lying and shiny, without bare patches.

Serious Fault: Harsh, thick coat.

Color

White ground color with orange spots that never extend into a mantle. Orange ticking on the ears is characteristic.

Serious Faults: Orange mantle. Orange color too dark (mahogany), or light (faded to lemon). Intermingled gray or black hairs in the coat.

Height

Height at the withers for males is 22 to 23.5 inches. For females, it is 21.5 to 22.5 inches.

Fault: Over or under size.

Gait

Lively, gay, light and tireless.

Disqualifications

(A dog with a Disqualification must not be considered for placement in a conformation event, and must be reported to UKC.)
Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid.
Viciousness or extreme shyness.
Albinism.
Blue eyes