Plott Hound

also known as Plott, Plotthund

Pros History


The Plott Hound is a breed of hunting dog that originates from the United States. They were developed by the Plott family in North Carolina in the late 1700s, and were used for hunting bear, boar, and other large game. The breed has a long and rich history, and has played a significant role in the hunting culture of the southern United States.

The Plott family, who were German immigrants, brought with them a number of Hanoverian Schweisshunds (bloodhounds) when they settled in North Carolina. These dogs were bred with other hunting breeds, such as the Foxhound and the Virginia Hound, to create the Plott Hound. The breed was named after the Plott family, who played a key role in developing and refining the breed over the years.

The Plott Hound is a strong, athletic breed with a keen sense of smell and a loud, powerful bark. They are known for their stamina, endurance, and tenacity, and are able to track and tree game for long periods of time. They are also intelligent and trainable, and are able to work independently or as part of a pack.

The Plott Hound was officially recognized as a breed by the United Kennel Club (UKC) in 1946, and by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 2006. The breed is also recognized by the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) and the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI).

The purpose of the Plott Hound breed was to create a dog that was able to hunt bear, boar, and other large game effectively and efficiently. They were bred for their strength, endurance, and tenacity, and were trained to track and tree game for long periods of time.

Today, the Plott Hound is still used for hunting, but they have also become popular as companion dogs and family pets. They are known for their loyalty, intelligence, and friendly disposition, and are generally good with children and other animals.

Breed Information


Type

Is Plott Hound a purebred?

Purebred

Pronunciation

How do you pronounce the Plott Hound name? How do you say Plott Hounds?

plot hound

Purpose

What were Plott Hounds originally used for?

Coonhound and Large Game Hunter

Lifespan

How Long Do Plott Hounds Live? What is average life expectancy for a Plott Hound? How long can Plott Hounds live?

12-14 years

The average Plott Hound lifespan is somewhere between 12-14 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Plott Hound Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Plott Hound?

What is the average height of a Plott Hound? How big is a Purebred Plott Hound height? Plott Hound dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 23-28 inches (58.4 - 71.1 cm) 20.0 inches (50.8 cm) 22.5 inches (57.2 cm) 25.5 inches (64.8 cm)
Female 20-23 inches (50.8 - 58.4 cm) 17.5 inches (44.5 cm) 20.5 inches (52.1 cm) 21.5 inches (54.6 cm)
What is the average weight of a Plott Hound? How much should Plott Hounds weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 51-60 pounds (23 - 27 kg) 25.0 pounds (11 kg) 37.5 pounds (17 kg) 55.0 pounds (25 kg)
Female 40-55 pounds (18 - 25 kg) 21.5 pounds (10 kg) 40.0 pounds (18 kg) 47.5 pounds (22 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do Plott Hounds get fat easily?

The Plott Hound is a breed that has an average risk of becoming obese. Daily walks and a balanced diet of quality dry dog food can help maintain a healthy weight. An active lifestyle and monitoring weight regularly is recommended.

Hypoallergenic

Are Plott Hounds Hypoallergenic?

No

Unfortunately, the Plott Hound is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Temperament

What is a Plott Hound personality? What are Plott Hound dogs best known for?

Alert
Courageous
Bold
Loyal

Shedding Level

Are Plott Hounds heavy shedders? How Much Does a Plott Hound Shed?

Plott Hound will shed a negligible amount of hair. Some owners say that they do not shed, but that is not true. But the amount of shedding can be rather light than other dog breeds. If you do not want to deal with the hairs flying around in your home, then this breed is a perfect choice for you.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of a Plott Hound dog?

The Plott Hound dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, this breed will alert their owner.

Breed History


Origin

Where do Plott Hounds come from?

United States

Ancestry

What are Plott Hounds descended from?

Bloodhound, Cur, Hanoverian Schweisshunden

Date of Birth

When were Plott Hounds first bred? How old is the Plott Hound breed?

1750

Breed Group

What Breed Group is a Plott Hound?

Hound (AKC:2006)
Scenthound (UKC)

Plott Hound Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Plott Hound eyes?

Hazel
Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Plott Hound nose be naturally?

Black
Brown

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Plott Hound coat be naturally?

Brindle
Black

Coat Length

How long is a Plott Hounds coat?

The coat of a Plott Hound dog ranges in length from short to medium.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Plott Hound Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a Plott Hound?

Straight

Litter Size

How many puppies can a Plott Hound have in a litter? How many puppies can a Plott Hound have in her first litter?

12-14 puppies per pregnancy

A Plott Hound can have a litter of 12-14 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Plott Hound dogs generally adapt well to changes in lifestyle and different living environments, but it is considered as an average level of adaptability compared to other breeds.

Plott Hound Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Plott Hounds have a lot of health problems?

The Plott Hound is a breed of dog that is known to have a higher incidence of health problems compared to some other breeds. These health issues may be frequent and can range from minor to serious. It is therefore essential that owners of DOG_NAMEs schedule regular check-ups with a veterinarian to ensure that any potential health issues are identified and treated as early as possible.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Plott Hound?

Gastric Torsion

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Plott Hounds?

Hip Dysplasia

Occasional Diagnoses

None

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Plott Hound breed?

Hip X-Rays

Plott Hound Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Plott Hounds have a lot of energy?

Plott Hounds are known for their high energy levels, so if you're looking for a more low-key dog, this breed may not be the best choice.

Social Needs

Do Plott Hounds need socialization? How social are Plott Hounds?

Plott Hounds have average social needs compared to other breeds. They are known to be less active and independent than other breeds, and they are content with spending time alone and with their human family.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Plott Hounds get?

The Plott Hound needs a high level of physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They also make great companions for people who lead an active lifestyle and enjoy running, hiking or other outdoor activities. These breeds are not suitable for people with sedentary lifestyle or those who live in small apartments

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should a Plott Hound have? Do Plott Hounds sleep a lot?

Plott Hounds dogs are tend to sleep less than other breeds, but they still require adequate sleep to maintain good health.

Drooling Tendency

Does a Plott Hound drool a lot?

The Plott Hound is a breed that is known for drooling quite a lot. Drooling is the unintentional flow of saliva outside of the mouth and can be a normal characteristic of certain breeds. Plott Hound is one of them. If you dislike the presence of drool and the potential for saliva spots on your clothes, it may be best to consider a different dog breed. Drooling is a normal part of their physiology but it's important to consider if it's something you can handle.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

Plott Hounds tend to bark moderately, they bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner or to communicate something. They may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.

Territorial

Do Plott Hounds exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

These dogs are known for being extremely protective and make excellent guard dogs. They possess a strong instinct to defend their territory and owners and have a high level of vigilance and alertness.

Mouthiness

Are Plott Hounds mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of a Plott Hound running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Plott Hound dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do Plott Hounds enjoy doing? How do I keep my Plott Hound busy?

Chase, Explore, Tug-of-war, Run, Hunt, Walking, Hide & Seek, Cuddle, Walk, Fetch, Cuddling, Playdate, Go to Park, Bath time, Groom, Play

Activity Level

What is the energy level of a Plott Hound? How much energy does a Plott Hound have?

Medium

Plott Hounds are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should a Plott Hound walk each week? How many miles should a Plott Hound walk every week?

9 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Plott Hound, it's at least 9 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much a Plott Hound should exercise a day? How much activity does a Plott Hound need?

45 minutes

In general most Plott Hounds usually need at least 45 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a Plott Hound?

The Plott Hound is a breed of dog that does not require extensive grooming.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush a Plott Hound?

Weekly

Plott Hound should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Plott Hounds?

Slicker Brush
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a Plott Hound eat?

2 cups

For an average 51-60 pound (23 - 27 kg) Plott Hound feed 2 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does a Plott Hound Cost Daily?

$1.70 - $2.00 / day

The average cost of a Plott Hound is somewhere $1.70 - $2.00 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a Plott Hound Cost Per Month?

$48 - $63 / month

The average per month expenses of a Plott Hound is between $48 - $63. This makes an average of $576 - $756 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Plott Hound Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is a Plott Hound?

The Plott Hound have below the average degree of obedience intelligence among other breeds. However, calling them “dumb dogs” is unfair. Where Plott Hounds lack in obedience & working intelligence, they make up for it with their keen ability to understand human emotions.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a Plott Hound dog?

This dog breed is more sensitive than others and easily overwhelmed by new surroundings and people. They need gentle handling and a calm, stable home environment with positive reinforcement training.

Affection Dependance

Are Plott Hound dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do Plott Hound do well in apartments? Are Plott Hounds good indoor dogs?

The Plott Hound is not an apartment-friendly dog breed. This dog breed is best in a home with a large, fenced-in yard. They are not suited for apartment life and can become destructive due to pent up energy from being in a small space.

Child Friendly

Are Plott Hounds good with kids? Are Plott Hounds good around children?

Plott Hounds are kid-friendly dogs. They are good with children and excellent dogs with children if they are socialized and trained at a young age.

Senior-friendly

Are Plott Hounds good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Plott Hounds good with cats? How friendly Plott Hounds are toward cats?

Plott Hounds are below average friendly toward cats. But with the right training and socialization, Plott Hounds can be good with cats,

Dog Friendly

Do Plott Hound dogs get along with other dogs? Are Plott Hounds OK with other dogs?

Plott Hounds are average friendly towards other dogs. If they are raised with other dogs, they are likely to get along with them. And, if they are socialized properly from a young age, they will usually be great with other dogs.

Pet friendly

How do Plott Hound dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Plott Hounds friendly with strangers?

Plott Hounds are below average friendly around strangers. Keen of eye and sharp of tongue, most Plott Hounds are very quick to announce strangers at the door. Once the visitor comes in, some Plott Hounds will be friendly and outgoing. But many others have the standoffish or suspicious towards strangers.

Playfulness

Do Plott Hounds like to play? Are Plott Hounds playful?

Plott Hounds are known to be highly playful dog. So if you're not up for all that, think about adopting a slightly older Plott Hound for a mellower experience.

Trainability

Are Plott Hound easily trained?

Plott Hound dogs are known for their ease of training and ability to learn quickly, making them a popular choice for pet owners and trainers alike.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Minimal to no shedding
    No to minimal hair shedding is characteristic of Plott Hound dogs.
  • Intelligent
    Plott Hounds are known for their intelligence and ability to learn new commands and tasks quickly.
  • Active and athletic
    Plott Hounds are energetic and love to play and exercise. They need plenty of physical activity to stay happy and healthy.
  • Strong sense of smell
    Plott Hounds have a strong sense of smell and are often used for hunting and tracking.
  • Loyal
    Plott Hounds are known to be loyal to their owners and can make great family pets.

Cons

  • Not suitable for office environment
    A Plott Hound may not be the best choice for a dog to have in an office setting.
  • Not Apartment Friendly
    The Plott Hound breed may not be ideal for apartment dwellers.
  • Not Hypoallergenic
    The non-hypoallergenic nature of Plott Hounds can lead to allergic reactions in people prone to allergies.
  • Not cat-friendly
    Plott Hounds lack the inclination to be friendly towards cats.