The Plott Hound was bred by successive generations of the Plott family and came to be known by the family name as their popularity spread due to their hunting ability; they were used mainly on bears. In 1750, the Plott brothers emigrated to the United States from Germany with five Hanoverian Hounds. Unfortunately, only one of the brothers survived the trip, settled in North Carolina, and established a breeding program with his dogs.
Outcrosses to other local strains of hunting hound were done to rejuvenate the gene pool after generations of breeding. While the breed’s original purpose is to trail big game, it has treeing instinct and is therefore classified as a coonhound.
Breed Standard
Plott Hounds are powerful, well-balanced dogs capable of stamina and great speed. It possesses a muscular neck, moderate bone, a gently sloping back, and a deep chest. The tail is carried like a saber. The dog’s skull is moderately flat, and the muzzle is moderate length with flews. The lips, nose, and eye rims have black pigmentation. Eye color ranges from brown to hazel, and the Plott’s expression is inquisitive and confident. The soft-textured, medium-length ears are rather high-set and broad; they may lift when the dog is attentive.
Breed Facts
| Energy level |  | Watchdog ability |  |
| Exercise requirements | | Protection ability | |
| Playfulness | | Grooming requirements |  |
| Affection level | | Cold tolerance | |
| Friendliness toward dogs |  | Heat tolerance | |
| Friendliness toward other pets | | Friendliness toward strangers | |
| Ease of training | |
Activity level: High. The Plott Hound is famous for its stamina and energy. A Plott requires daily running in fenced-in areas and on a lead. They need human or canine companionship and an opportunity to hunt or go for some hikes in woodlands. Plotts enjoy swimming as well.
Grooming: The Plott Hound’s coat is low maintenance and should be brushed weekly.
Coat: The dog’s coat is smooth, fine, glossy, and protective. Very rarely are double-coated Plotts seen.
Color: Any shade of brindle, with or without black saddle, solid black, black with brindle trim.
Group: Hound
Year recognized by the AKC: 2006
- Popularity: Rare
- Family group: Scenthound
- Country of Origin: United States
- Date developed: 1750
- Original purpose: Cold trailing, bear hunting
- Today’s purpose: Cold trailing, bear, boar, and raccoon hunting, nite hunts
- Other names: Plott
Plott Hound Temperament
For hundreds of years, the Plott Hound has been bred with vigor, determination, and courage. These dogs are bold and fearless hunters. They are intelligent, loyal, and highly eager to please as a companion. Potential owners should be prepared to hear its voice within the home. According to the breed standard, “Disposition generally even, but varies among strains, with a distinction between those dogs bred for big game and those bred as coonhounds.”
Plotts were bred for generations as a coon and bear dog. The dog’s first nature is to sniff up a cold trail and follow it to the end. Still, the Plott Hound makes the switch to a family dog with the most remarkable ease, loyal and highly eager to please. This breed is highly daring and, as suiting any good hound, it can be stubborn. Plott Hounds can be suspicious of strangers but usually warm up quickly. However, they are not as friendly with other dogs as some hounds, and true to their bear hunting nature can be fierce fighters if agitated. Be careful because they may chase the family cat up a tree.
Health
- Main concerns: none
- Minor problems: none
- Rarely seen: CHD
- Recommended tests: (hip)
- Life span: 11 to 13 years
- Weight: male – 50 to 60 pounds; female – 40 to 55 pounds
(UKC: male – 50 to 75 pounds; female – 40 to 65 pounds) - Height: male – 20 to 25 inches; female – 20 to 23 inches
(UKC: male – 22 to 27 inches; female – 21 to 25 inches)
Breeder and Buyer’s Advice
Purchase Plott Hound puppies from a reputable breeder. Contact the parent club for a list of approved breeders in your area. The AKC website is also an excellent place to find a Plott Hound for sale.
Parent club: Plott Association of America
Rescue: Buckeye Plott Hound Rescue (coonk9@yahoo.com)
