Plott Hounds

Quick Take

• This breed's unusual name comes from a single immigrant's experiment, and the story behind it is stranger than you'd expect.
• A fearless hunting dog that turns into a cuddly couch companion sounds like a contradiction, yet there is a specific reason it works so well for this breed. See the personality traits →
• Most people assume a high-energy hunting dog is a nightmare to own, yet one trait makes the PlottHound surprisingly low-maintenance. Check grooming requirements →
• Their loyalty to children is remarkable, but one feeding habit could make them a risky choice for families with toddlers. Read about food aggression →
• Training this dog early pays off, though skipping one key step can turn their intelligence into your biggest problem. Review early training tips →

This hound is a rugged dog with a curious name, a unique history, and a fearless yet gentle temperament. The Plott hound was first bred by an early resident of North Carolina, Johannes Plott, who created the breed by refining Hanover hounds from his home country of Germany. These nimble hunting dogs feature a striking coat with colors that range from black to flaming orange to russet brown. 

Plott hounds make excellent outdoor companions, happy to accompany their owners wherever the next adventure leads. They’re athletic and enthusiastic dogs with plenty of energy to spare, whether hiking up a mountain or swimming in a lake. Additionally, they love to cuddle at the end of the day and serve as mellow, loving companions that are utterly loyal to their families.

3 Pros and Cons of Owning a Plott Hound

Size and Weight

The Plott hound female’s average height ranges between 20 and 23 inches, with males capable of growing between 20 and 25 inches. Males can weigh 50 to 60 pounds when fully grown, and females weigh between 40 and 55 pounds.

Common Health Issues

On average, Plotts are healthy dogs with little to no breed-specific issues. However, when looking to adopt or purchase a pup, request your breeder’s health screening results for genetic conditions such as hip dysplasia or eye issues. 

The floppy ears of the Plott can be prone to infection, so be sure to regularly check for any discharge and clean them of any debris. Routine vet checkups, vaccines, and parasite control will help your dog live a long and happy life.

Temperament

While these light-footed dogs were bred to chase a trail no matter where it leads, the Plott hound makes for an excellent and loving family dog. They can be somewhat obstinate when lacking strong leadership from their owner. Moreover, Plotts can be wary of strangers, but usually warm up to newcomers quickly, though they may be less likely to get along with other dogs. They often consider smaller animals as prey, and if lacking a solid recall, these dogs can bolt, running after a squirrel or rabbit’s scent.

How To Take Care of Plott Hounds 

Plott hounds are relatively low-maintenance dogs, though they may not be well-suited for first-time owners. They require clear rules and a structured hierarchy, and can become standoffish without proper training and socialization. With love, time, and patience, the Plott hound makes a loving and cuddly companion that will travel with its family to the ends of the earth.

The Best Dog Food

Plott hounds require high-quality dog food with serving sizes tailored to the individual dog’s age, metabolism, and lifestyle. Consult your veterinarian to get a precise formulation for your pup. Generally speaking, Plott hounds aren’t too picky and happily eat most types of dry or wet dog food. So long as their kibble has at least 22% protein content and plenty of fats and nutrients to meet their energy and health needs, your Plott hound will be a happy pup.  

While Plott hounds love a good treat during training, too many treats can lead to obesity. In fact, some dogs can be prone to weight gain, so monitor your dog’s food consumption and maintain a regular exercise routine. These dogs also need access to clean, fresh water at all times, especially during and after outdoor activities.  

Maintenance and Grooming

The Plott sports a smooth, glossy coat of fine fur that requires relatively minimal maintenance. Weekly brushing with a soft-bristle brush will remove loose hair or dirt, and the occasional bath will keep them smelling clean. Plott hounds’ ears need a regular inspection for any dirt or debris and are easily cleaned with a vet-recommended ear-cleaning solution. Regularly trim your dog’s nails to prevent breakage.

Training

These dogs are highly intelligent and confident, and while they love people, they can be a bit standoffish. Plott pups should be socialized via broad exposure to people and other animals, and can begin training as early as a few months old. They require regular mental stimulation to keep them occupied, or they may find undesirable ways to entertain themselves. Take care to properly train them to avoid the development of food or toy aggression. Though they’re loud barkers, teaching them to bark on command can help mitigate their mouthiness.

Exercise

Plott hounds thrive on exercise and require ample outdoor time and movement. They’re well-known for their stamina, agility, and endurance, and thrive with vigorous exercise such as long walks, hiking, or agility training. Plotts also excel at lure-coursing and other hunting-related activities and competitions. Due to their strong prey drive, Plotts should be kept on a leash.

Puppies

Plotts are not among the most common dog breeds, but they are not considered rare, and the availability of puppies can vary by region. Seek a reputable breeder who breeds dogs free from genetic diseases and undesirable temperament traits. With frequent socialization and early training, Plott hounds will quickly learn who’s in charge and respect their owners’ commands.

Plott Hounds and Children

These dogs are more protective than the average hound dog and absolutely adore the children in their families. They do best with older children who know how to interact with dogs respectfully, but can be playful with young children if raised together. Plott hounds can become food aggressive, which may pose a problem if a young child reaches for their food bowl. 

Dogs Similar to the Plott Hound

The Plott hound is closely related to similar hound breeds, such as its parent Hanover hound, the mountain cur, and the Bavarian mountain scent hound.

• Bavarian mountain scent hound: These hounds share the Plott’s fine, beautifully colored coat, floppy ears, and strong prey drive.
• Hanover hound: The German breed contributed its genetics to the creation of the plott hound.
• Mountain cur: These purebred hunting dogs are used to track rabbits, squirrels, and other small game.