Plott Hound: temperament, size, care and health

About the Plott Hound

The Plott Hound is a strong, medium-sized American hound with a muscular, athletic body and a distinctive brindle coat, striped in black over shades of brown or buckskin. Some dogs are solid black, and a small white patch on the chest is allowed. The head is broad, the ears are medium and the eyes are bright. Dogs stand roughly twenty to twenty-five inches tall.

Unlike most hounds in the United States, the Plott has German rather than English roots. It was bred to track and bay large and dangerous game, especially black bear and wild boar, and has the courage, fitness and tenacity for that job. Many Plotts are still used as hunting dogs. As pets they are devoted and intense, and they do best with owners who understand a working breed.

Temperament and family life

The Plott is loyal, protective and often very attached to a particular person. It tends to be reserved or watchful with strangers, and some are wary of other dogs, especially males. It does not make friends quickly, and it needs good socialization to remain steady in new situations. It is a determined dog that will test its owner.

The breed can be good with children who are raised with it, but it is a high-drive, strong dog and not an ideal choice for a home with toddlers. It has a strong prey drive and may chase cats and small animals. A bored or lonely Plott will become loud and destructive, and its bay is deep and carrying. It can be a capable guardian of the home because of its alertness and courage.

Exercise and training

A Plott needs a lot of vigorous exercise every day, such as hiking, running and long, purposeful walks. It also benefits from mental work like tracking, trailing and scent games. In a hunting home the dog gets all of this naturally. In a pet home the owner has to supply it, and a Plott who lacks a job will find one.

Training works best when it is firm, fair and consistent. The dog is intelligent and willing but also stubborn and sensitive to harsh handling. Start socialization and obedience in puppyhood, and use rewards to keep the dog engaged. Off-leash reliability is limited, particularly outdoors, and fencing should be tall and secure. A crate is useful for managing the dog indoors.

Grooming and shedding

The short, smooth coat needs minimal care. A weekly brushing with a hound glove or rubber curry removes dead hair, and a bath is needed only when the dog is dirty. Shedding is moderate year-round.

The ears should be checked and cleaned regularly, especially after outdoor work in wet or brushy country, and the dog should be examined for ticks and burrs after a day in the field. Nails and teeth need normal care.

Health

The Plott is generally a hardy and healthy breed, which has been kept close to working stock. Conditions that appear include hip dysplasia, ear infections, eye problems and, in deep-chested dogs, bloat, a serious emergency in which the stomach twists. Obesity is a risk in dogs that do not work. Responsible breeders examine hips and eyes. This overview of the Plott Hound is general information; for any particular dog, ask a veterinarian.

History

The breed is traced to the Plott family, who emigrated from Germany to North Carolina around 1750, bringing hunting hounds used to track wild boar. The family bred the dogs for generations for bear hunting in the mountains of the Southeast. The breed was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1946 and by the American Kennel Club in 2006. North Carolina named it the state dog in 1989.

Is the Plott Hound right for you?

A Plott suits an experienced, active owner or hunter who understands a driven working hound, and has a large property with a strong fence. It is a poor choice for first-time owners, apartment dwellers or families wanting an easygoing pet.

For other American trailing hounds, look at the Treeing Walker Coonhound, the Black and Tan Coonhound or the Redbone Coonhound, which are generally less intense.