Plott Hound Progression: Growth Chart, Milestones, and Training Tips

Are you the proud owner of a Plott Hound puppy? If so, congratulations! This breed is famous for its loving personality, sharp intelligence, and unwavering loyalty. While purchasing a new dog is an exciting time for many people, it can also be a bit overwhelming for new owners. If you have questions about their progression and growth, allow this guide to help inform you. Let’s dive into how large you can expect your Plott Hound to grow during their first two years of life, discuss common milestones, and review training tips that new owners can use.

Plott Hound Summary

Plott Hounds were initially developed in Germany by a man named Johannes Plott during the 1700s. When he moved to America, he brought some of these dogs with him and their popularity in the United States began to blossom. These dogs were bred to serve as hunting companions, and because of this, Plott Hounds are highly intelligent and athletic. These qualities combined with their loyal, sweet personalities have made them a popular family dog in the modern day.

Plott Hound Growth and Weight Chart by Age

Plott Hounds are medium to large-sized dogs. At maturity, many will grow to be between 20 to 30 inches in height, and weigh between 40 to 70 pounds. Where your dog falls within this range will depend on factors such as their gender and lineage.

When Will My Plott Hound Stop Growing? 

Although your Plott Hound will reach maturity somewhere around 12 months of age, they can continue growing until they reach two years old.

How Big Will My Plott Hound Be When It’s Fully Grown?

When your dog reaches two years of age, chances are they’ll weigh somewhere between 50 and 70 pounds and grow to be roughly 25 inches tall. However, these factors are dependent on their genetics, gender, diet, and general health. Some Plott Hounds may not grow to their full potential due to health conditions. Hookworms and roundworms are two common culprits of suppressed growth.

The Biggest Plott Hound Ever Recorded

Unfortunately, there isn’t any public record for the largest Plott Hound in history. Despite this, there are rumblings that one Plott Hound named Godzilla grew to weigh 137 pounds. Whether this is true or not we can’t say. However, it is important to note that this is far out of the natural weight range for Plott Hounds, so it may be inaccurate information.

When Should My Plott Hound Be Spayed or Neutered?

While some breeders choose to neuter or spay their animals before sending them home with their new owners, others don’t provide this service. The ideal age to fix your dog will depend on their size at maturity. While smaller dog breeds can undergo this operation earlier in life, larger dog breeds may suffer from several health conditions. Since Plott Hounds are medium to large-sized dogs, owners may want to hold off on this procedure until they reach 12 to 16 months of age.

When Should My Plott Hound Be House Broken?

While many dog breeds will be fully house-trained by the time they reach six months of age, others may struggle with this task. Plott Hounds in particular are quite intelligent, which is usually a good quality to have when it comes to training. However, many Plott Hound owners report that their dogs express a stubborn streak. Even the most stubborn members of this breed should be fully housebroken by the time they reach eight months old.

When Should My Plott Hound Stop Eating Puppy Food?

Although many Plott Hounds don’t finish growing until they reach 24 months old, owners can begin transitioning them off puppy food beginning at 10 months old. Puppy food is typically more calorie-dense than adult dog food. If you continue feeding your Plott Hound this diet after they reach one year old, it can cause your Plott Hound to gain too much weight.

When Will My Plott Hound Start Losing Teeth?

Just like humans, dogs shed their baby teeth during their adolescence. This process is completely natural, and your Plott Hound will begin losing their teeth starting at three to four months old. This process will likely conclude by the time they reach eight months of age. If you notice your dog losing teeth as an adult, contact your vet as it may be a sign of a dental condition.

When Should I Start Training My Plott Hound?

Owners can begin training their Plott Hounds immediately after bringing them home. As puppies, Plott Hounds are sponges that absorb a wealth of information. This is a great time to teach them simple, foundational commands that you can build on as they grow. While some Plott Hound owners report this breed as being difficult to train, others claim they’re naturally obedient. How easy training will be comes down to the individual personality of your Plott Hound in particular.

What Commands Should I Teach My Plott Hound First?

When initially training your Plott Hound, it’s best to start with easy commands such as sit, stay, or shake. After these foundational commands are understood, owners can gradually work up to more complex commands. The training process will take months, and many dogs continue to learn new words and commands throughout their entire life. It’s important to not rush through this or feel discouraged if your dog isn’t grasping new material right away.

According to the American Kennel Club, “Always keep training sessions brief—just five to 10 minutes—and always end on a positive note. If your puppy is having trouble learning a new behavior, end the session by reviewing something they already know and give them plenty of praise and a big reward for their success. If your puppy gets bored or frustrated, it will ultimately be counterproductive to learning.”

Pictures of Plott Hounds as Puppies

Here are some photos of Plott Hounds between zero and five months of age.

Pictures of Plott Hounds at 6 Months

Here are some photos of Plott Hounds between six and twelve months of age.

Pictures of Fully Grown Plott Hounds

Here are some photos of adult Plott Hounds.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © WatersPix/Shutterstock.com