The Dauntless and Devoted Plott Hound: A Comprehensive Breed Guide

With their striking brindle coats, powerful physiques, and courageous hearts, Plott Hounds are a breed apart. Developed in the rugged Appalachian Mountains to hunt big game like bear and boar, the Plott‘s strength, endurance and tenacity are the stuff of legend. But there‘s much more to these noble hounds than their hunting prowess.

As family companions, Plott Hounds are known for their loyalty, affection, and zest for life. Though still rare compared to other hound breeds, Plotts are gaining fans among active dog lovers who appreciate their athleticism, work ethic, and devotion.

If you‘re intrigued by this often overlooked breed, keep reading for an in-depth exploration of the Plott Hound‘s history, personality, care needs, and more. From their humble beginnings in the North Carolina backcountry to their modern roles as companions and canine athletes, we‘ll uncover what makes Plott Hounds so special.

History of the Plott Hound

The Plott Hound‘s story begins with Johannes Georg Plott, a German immigrant who settled in the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina in 1750. With him, he brought a pack of Hanoverian Schweisshunds, a breed known for their cold-trailing abilities on boar and bear.

Over the next 200 years, Plott and his descendants refined these dogs into the breed we know today as the Plott Hound. Prized for their grit, speed, and uncanny tracking abilities, Plott Hounds became indispensable hunting partners in the challenging Appalachian terrain.

According to the Plott Hound Club of America, all of the estimated 1,000 Plott Hounds living today descend from the same five dogs Johannes Plott brought to America nearly three centuries ago. This makes the Plott Hound a truly homegrown American breed.

Despite their long history and unique qualities, Plott Hounds remained little known outside of the American South for many years. The United Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1946, but it wasn‘t until 1998 that the American Kennel Club (AKC) accepted Plotts into their Foundation Stock Service. They gained full AKC recognition in 2006.

Today, Plott Hounds rank 142nd out of 197 AKC recognized breeds, with just 130 dogs registered in 2019. But their popularity is slowly growing as more people discover the Plott‘s many talents beyond hunting, from search-and-rescue work to agility and obedience competition. In 1989, the Plott Hound became North Carolina‘s official state dog, a fitting tribute to the breed‘s Southern heritage.

Plott Hound Breed Characteristics and Personality

Bred to pursue large, dangerous game over punishing terrain, Plott Hounds are athletic, rugged dogs with a dauntless spirit. According to the AKC breed standard, adult Plott Hounds stand 20 to 25 inches at the shoulder and weigh 40 to 60 pounds, with males slightly larger than females.

The Plott‘s short, glossy coat comes in a variety of brindle shades, from light tan to deep chocolate, often with a distinctive black saddle. Some Plotts have white markings on the chest and toes. The breed‘s powerful, agile build reflects their hunting background:

• Broad, flat head with medium length muzzle and dark brown or hazel eyes
• High-set, moderate length ears that hang gracefully when relaxed but raise up when excited
• Strong, slightly arched neck flowing into muscular shoulders and a deep chest
• Straight, sturdy back with a slight arch over the loins and a moderately sloping croup
• Tough, compact feet with thick pads suited for traversing rough terrain
• Docked or natural tapered tail carried high when aroused

Plott Hound Temperament

In the field, Plott Hounds are bold, determined, and laser-focused on their quarry. Their stamina is legendary – a well-conditioned Plott can run for hours on a hot track. At home, Plotts are loyal, affectionate, and sometimes downright goofy with their loved ones.

Megan Pless, a Plott Hound breeder and judge, describes the breed‘s duality this way: "They are courageous hunters, but they are also big, lovable goofballs. They will protect you from a bear and then want to snuggle on the couch."

As pack hounds, Plotts enjoy canine companionship and usually get along well with other dogs in the home. They can be aloof with strangers and make reliable watchdogs, quick to sound the alarm with their loud, ringing voices. Plotts have a strong prey drive and are not trustworthy off-leash, as they may take off after small animals.

Plotts are good with respectful children but may be too rambunctious for little ones. They are sensitive dogs who don‘t respond well to harsh training methods. Positive reinforcement with treats, praise, and play works best for this intelligent but independent breed.

Caring for Your Plott Hound

Plotts are high-energy, determined dogs who need ample exercise and mental stimulation to thrive as companions. Expect to provide at least an hour of vigorous activity daily, whether it‘s running, hiking, swimming or playing games. A bored Plott is apt to become destructive or use their powerful jaws to dismantle your sofa.

While Plotts appreciate a fenced yard to stretch their legs, they need interactive playtime and training to keep their clever minds engaged. Food puzzles, scent games, and trick training are fun ways to challenge your Plott when you can‘t hit the trails together.

Nutrition and Grooming

Feed your Plott a high-quality dog food with meat protein like chicken, fish or lamb as the top ingredient. Portion sizes will vary based on your dog‘s age, weight and activity level, but most adult Plotts need about 2-3 cups of kibble daily, split into two meals. Dr. Jerry Klein, AKC‘s Chief Veterinary Officer, advises Plott owners to monitor their dog‘s weight and adjust portions as needed to maintain a healthy body condition.

The Plott‘s short, sleek coat is blessedly easy to groom. Brush them weekly with a rubber curry or bristle brush to remove loose hair and distribute skin oils. Bathe them every few months or as needed with a mild dog shampoo. Trim their nails every 3-4 weeks, brush their teeth daily, and check their ears weekly for signs of infection.

Plotts shed moderately year-round and more heavily in spring and fall. Regular brushing and a healthy diet can help control shedding. According to a survey by the Plott Hound Club of America, 82% of owners consider their dogs "average" shedders.

Training Your Plott Hound

As independent thinkers bred to make decisions in the field, Plotts can be challenging to train. They respond best to positive reinforcement with high-value rewards like meaty treats, favorite toys, and playtime with you. Keep training sessions short, fun and varied to hold your Plott‘s interest.

Obedience training is a must to instill good manners and a reliable recall. Use a long line or fenced area when practicing off-leash skills, as Plotts are prone to following their noses. Consider enrolling in a nose work or tracking class to channel your Plott‘s sniffing superpowers in a constructive way.

Early socialization is also critical for this aloof breed. Gently expose your Plott puppy to new people, places, sights and sounds to boost their confidence. Puppy playdates and group classes are great ways for your Plott to practice their canine communication skills.

Plott Hound Health and Lifespan

Plott Hounds are generally healthy dogs with an average lifespan of 12-14 years. Like many large, active breeds, they can be prone to orthopedic issues like hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. Responsible breeders screen their breeding stock for these hereditary conditions.

Other health issues seen in Plotts include:

• Gastric dilatation volvulus (bloat)
• Ear infections
• Allergies
• Hypothyroidism
• Eye disorders like cherry eye and progressive retinal atrophy

Keeping your Plott at a healthy weight, providing joint supplements, and feeding smaller meals can help prevent orthopedic problems and bloat. Regular vet check-ups, vaccinations, and parasite control are also essential for your Plott‘s lifelong health.

Plott Hounds in Popular Culture

For a rare breed, Plott Hounds have made some notable appearances in popular media. The most famous literary Plott was Old Dan from Wilson Rawls‘ classic novel "Where the Red Fern Grows." Published in 1961, the bittersweet story of a boy and his two coonhounds is based on Rawls‘ own childhood in the Ozarks.

More recently, Plotts have been featured in several television programs:

• In a 2018 episode of the PBS series "Nature," a segment followed a pack of Plott Hounds on a bear hunt in the Great Smoky Mountains.

• Plott Hound siblings Scooby and Dooby appeared on the 2020 ABC revival of "The Pooch Perfect," a dog grooming reality competition.

• A Plott Hound named Dilly stars in the upcoming Disney+ film "Goodbye Honey," a drama about a kidnapped woman and the abandoned dog who helps her escape.

As more people discover the Plott Hound through books, film and TV, interest in this rare breed is sure to grow.

Frequently Asked Questions About Plott Hounds

To wrap up our guide, here are answers to some common questions from prospective Plott Hound owners:

Q: Are Plott Hounds good with cats and other pets?

A: With their strong prey drive, Plott Hounds are not naturally inclined to live with cats or small furries. Socialization from puppyhood is essential if you want your Plott to coexist peacefully with other pets. Even then, you‘ll need to supervise their interactions and separate them when you‘re not home.

Q: Can Plott Hounds be good apartment dogs?

A: Plott Hounds are not ideal apartment dwellers. As large, energetic working dogs, they need space to stretch out and opportunities to burn off steam. A home with a securely fenced yard is the best fit for a Plott. That said, they can adapt to apartment life if you commit to plenty of daily exercise and outdoor time.

Q: Are Plott Hounds easy to train?

A: Plott Hounds are intelligent but independent dogs who can be challenging to train. They require a patient, consistent approach with positive reinforcement. Short, fun training sessions work best to hold their interest. A sense of humor also helps when dealing with the Plott‘s sometimes stubborn streak.

Q: How often do Plott Hounds bark?

A: Like most hounds, Plotts are vocal dogs who use their voices to express excitement, boredom, and frustration. They have a loud, ringing bark and a melodic howl. While no Plott will be completely silent, you can teach them the "Quiet" command to manage excessive barking. Providing plenty of exercise and mental stimulation also helps prevent boredom barking.

Q: How much do Plott Hound puppies cost?

A: As a rare breed, Plott Hound puppies can be expensive and hard to find. Expect to pay $1,000 to $2,500 for a puppy from a reputable breeder. Research breeders carefully and be prepared to wait for the right litter. Adopting an adult Plott Hound from a breed rescue is another option, often at a lower cost.

Is a Plott Hound Right for You?

Living with a Plott Hound is never dull. These intrepid, animated hounds keep their owners on their toes and always up for an adventure. If you‘re an experienced dog owner with an active lifestyle and appreciation for the hound personality, the loyal Plott could be your ideal companion.

However, Plotts are not the easiest breed to raise and train. Their exercise needs, prey drive and independent nature can challenge even savvy dog owners. A Plott may not be the best fit for a first-time owner, apartment dweller, or someone who works long hours away from home.

Before bringing a Plott Hound into your life, do your research and make an honest assessment of whether you can provide the training, exercise and companionship this special breed needs. If you can make the commitment, you‘ll be rewarded with a smart, affectionate, endlessly game partner in all your adventures.

To learn more about Plott Hounds, connect with owners and breeders through the Plott Hound Club of America and regional Plott Hound groups on Facebook. Attending a dog show or performance event where Plotts compete is also a great way to see these striking hounds in action and talk to experienced owners about life with the breed.

Whether you‘re out on the hunting grounds, hiking a mountain trail, or relaxing at home, life with a Plott Hound is always a bold and joyful journey. With their courage, loyalty and irrepressible zest for life, it‘s no wonder this American original is slowly but surely gaining fans across the country. Perhaps it‘s time for a Plott Hound to plot a course into your heart and home.