Longevity
Life expectancy
Its life expectancy is generally between 10 and 12 years. This longevity remains respectable for a scenthound of this size, especially if its weight is well controlled, its activity is regular, and veterinary check-ups are followed over the years.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
The Porcelaine is considered a rather hardy breed. Its athletic build and rustic temperament make it an enduring dog, capable of sustaining effort, provided it lives in good conditions and avoids dietary excesses as well as a sedentary lifestyle.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
Vigilance mainly concerns the joints, digestion after exertion and ear hygiene. Regular observation after outings in nature is also useful to spot parasites, grass awns, small injuries or irritations that can go unnoticed in a very active dog.
Hip dysplasia: A joint condition to monitor in active or breeding dogs, which can hinder locomotion in the medium or long term.
Gastric torsion: The digestive risk requires avoiding overly large meals and intense exercise just before or after eating.
Otitis: Its drooping ears require regular monitoring in order to limit moisture, irritation, and infections.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
The Porcelaine tolerates both cold and heat moderately. Its short coat offers little protection against extreme temperatures, which requires adapting activity in case of high heat or pronounced cold, and always providing it with a comfortable shelter.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
This active dog more easily maintains good condition if it truly expends its energy every day. It is nevertheless advisable to adjust the rations according to the intensity of the exercise, particularly during the hunting season, in order to avoid both weight gain and insufficient energy intake.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Inspect the ears after outings and clean them if necessary.
- Avoid intense exertion during the hour before and after meals.
- Monitor locomotion and consult promptly in case of persistent lameness.
- Examine the skin, paw pads and ears upon returning from hunting or a walk in nature.
Vaccination
Porcelaine vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Porcelaine need? Like all dogs, Porcelaines should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Porcelaine vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Porcelaine booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your Porcelaine need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing well
Adopting a healthy Porcelaine
Orthopedic monitoring focused on the hips may be relevant, particularly in dogs intended for sustained activity or for breeding. Regular ear examinations and assessment of the general condition after working seasons usefully complement prevention.
This information is for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
