A little look at life together.
Getting to know the Plott Hound
The Plott Hound is a strong American scent hound, often brindle-coated, with a determined hunting background. Match the household's exercise plans and handling confidence to a purposeful, athletic dog.
An everyday routine
Make space for substantial daily activity and short learning sessions. A busy weekend cannot replace a dependable weekday routine.
Coat care to plan for
A relatively straightforward coat still needs routine checks, appropriate brushing, and attention to nails and teeth. Ask a groomer to demonstrate tools that suit this coat.
Before deciding, meet the individual dog and ask about their history, handling preferences, and current routine. Breed tendencies are a starting point, not a promise about personality.
Plott Hound questions
What were Plott Hounds bred for?
Hunting big game in the mountains of North Carolina. The breed traces to hounds that Johannes Plott brought from Germany in 1750 and used to hunt bear, and the dogs still carry the family's name. The Plott is also the one coonhound breed in the United States that does not descend from English Foxhounds.
How big does a full-grown Plott Hound get?
Males usually stand 20 to 25 inches tall and weigh 50 to 60 pounds, and females stand 20 to 23 inches and weigh 40 to 55 pounds. Those weights are for a dog in hunting condition, and the build is a moderately boned, agile hound.
Are all Plott Hounds brindle?
No, though brindle is the preferred coat. Any shade of brindle, a striped pattern of dark hair over a lighter background, is favored, but solid black, brindle with a black saddle, black with brindle trim and a rare buckskin with no striping at all also occur. A little white on the chest and feet is allowed.
Do Plott Hounds shed?
Lightly. The coat needs very little grooming. It is smooth, fine and glossy, though thick enough to protect the dog from wind and water.
Do Plott Hounds bark a lot?
Expect to hear them. Plotts bark often, so be prepared for the hound's voice in the home at times. That voice is a working trait: a clear voice that carries well and a hound that gives voice freely on the trail.
How much exercise does a Plott Hound need?
A lot. Plotts need vigorous exercise every day, such as long walks, runs or play sessions with the owner. A Plott should always be walked on a leash, because the prey drive is very strong.
Are Plott Hounds good family dogs?
In an active home they can be. Plotts are loyal and mellow in the house, very affectionate with family and good with other dogs, and moderately tolerant of young children. Some guard food or toys, so early socialization and training matter.
How long do Plott Hounds live?
Plott Hounds usually live 12 to 14 years. That is a breed-wide figure, not a prediction for one dog.
