Porcelaine Dog

The Porcelaine Dog is thought to be the oldest French scenthound. Many in France still call him the Chien de Franche-Comte which was his original name because this was the region of France where he was first discovered. This region bordered Switzerland. After the French Revolution ended in 1799, the Porcelaine Dog was found on both sides of the border. This made people wonder if the Porcelaine Dog was French or Swiss. Much debate ensued and eventually he was recognized as a French breed. Researchers believe that the Porcelaine Dog has descended from the English Harrier, Laufhund and Montaimboeuf. The Montainboeuf is now extinct so it is only speculation that the Porcelaine Dog is related and documentation for the breed is virtually non-existent. There was a time when the Porcelaine Dog almost completely disappeared. Through reconstructive breeding practices, the breed did make a rebound and became somewhat popular as a versatile pack hunting dog. He is mainly used to hunt deer and hare. In the northern regions, he is also used to hunt wild boar. France began closely documenting the breeding of the Porcelaine Dog in 1845 and Switzerland began documenting the Porcelaine Dog in 1880. These dates coincide with the establishment of hunting clubs and hunting packs in both countries. Today, he is a rare breed that is virtually unknown outside of France, Switzerland and Italy. There were a few Porcelaine Dogs imported into the United States in the 1980s and the United Kennel Club (UKC) recognized him in 1996, allowing him to compete in all UKC events. It took until 2017 before the American Kennel Club began allowing the Porcelaine Dog to be registered in their Foundation Stock Service.