The Plott originated in North Carolina. The Plott descended and developed from the Hanoverian hound dogs that German immigrant Johannes Plott brought to America in 1750. The Plotts that developed over the ensuing 200 years were utilized for hunting bears, boar, mountain lions, raccoons and other sizable prey. Their job description also included guarding livestock, homesteads and families. Known for their excellent tracking capabilities, Plotts are often employed today in search and rescue missions. In 1989, the Plott was officially designated as the state dog of North Carolina. The American Kennel Club recognized the Plott as a member of the hound group in 2006.
The Plott Hound is a powerful, strong dog breed that was once bred to hunt bears. It has a large head and a square, strong muzzle. Its ears are broad and floppy. They have short, smooth coats that are low maintenance in terms of grooming. Their floppy ears are prone to infection.
Personality
Plott Hounds are powerful, fearless companions that are affectionate and kind. Plotts were bred as pack dogs and are happiest when they are surrounded by multiple dogs or an active family. They need a lot of exercise and love to roam the outdoors. They make excellent jogging or hiking companions and enjoy hiking. They will get frustrated and destructive is they don’t get sufficient exercise. They are friendly towards children, but do better with older children who know how to treat dogs. They are also possessive of food and toys and quite impatient. They are friendly towards strangers and other dogs.
Breed Characteristics
| Type: | Pure |
| Family: | Scenthound |
| Function: | Hunting |
| Origin: | United States |
| Preferred Climate: | Any Climate |
| Group: | Hounds |
| Life Span: | 12-14 Years |
| Nicknames: | Plott hound |
| Hypoallergenic: | No |
Plott Build Information
The muscular, medium-sized Plott stands at an average height of 20 to 25 inches at the shoulders, and the average weight falls between 40 and 60 pounds. The coat is short, glossy and smooth, and it may be of single or double layers. The coat colors may be solid black, buckskin, brindle or brindle with a black saddle. White markings may be exhibited on the chest and paws. The earflaps hang downward, and the tapered tail is long and saber-like. The Plott Hound is a powerful, strong dog breed that was once bred to hunt bears. It has a large head and a square, strong muzzle. Its ears are broad and floppy. They have short, smooth coats that are low maintenance in terms of grooming. Their floppy ears are prone to infection.
| Size: | Medium |
| Length (Male): | 19-25 in. |
| Length (Female): | 22-24 in. |
| Weight: | 41 – 65 lbs |
| Litter Size: | 5 – 10 Puppies |
| Tail Dock or Crop: | No |
Behaviour and Personality
The Plott is an active dog that requires ample daily exercise. It is a skilled and focused hunting companion. Plotts are confident and courageous. They are effective watchdogs and excellent family companions for households with children and other dogs. A Plott is alert, loyal, intelligent, playful and eager to please. The bark of a Plott is deceptively high-pitched for the size of the dog. Plott Hounds are powerful, fearless companions that are affectionate and kind. Plotts were bred as pack dogs and are happiest when they are surrounded by multiple dogs or an active family. They need a lot of exercise and love to roam the outdoors. They make excellent jogging or hiking companions and enjoy hiking. They will get frustrated and destructive is they don’t get sufficient exercise. They are friendly towards children, but do better with older children who know how to treat dogs. They are also possessive of food and toys and quite impatient. They are friendly towards strangers and other dogs.
| Activity Level: | Very Active |
| Affection Level: | Moderate Affectionate |
| Aggressiveness Level: | Moderate |
| Barking: | Quiet |
| Dominating or Submissive?: | Dominating |
| Energy Level: | Very Active |
| Good to Other Pets: | Moderate Friendly |
| Guardian Skills: | Moderate |
| Independant: | No |
| Kid Friendliness: | Friendly |
Appearance
Plotts require minimal grooming effort to maintain their coats. Brushing the Plott weekly with a grooming mitt will remove dead hairs and restore a healthy luster to the coat. As part of this weekly grooming routine, the ears should be inspected for signs of dirt or debris, and they should be cleaned if needed to prevent ear infections. Brush the dog’s teeth every other day to prevent periodontal disease.
| Colors: | Black Tick, Red-Black Brindle, Tan Brindle |
| Shedding: | None |
| Grooming: | Low Maintenance |
| Coat Type: | Fine |
Plott Common Health Conditions
Plotts live average lifespans of 12 to 14 years. Hip dysplasia is one of the few known genetic health conditions that have been noted in this breed. Plotts are also at risk for gastric torsion, or bloat.
Plott Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
If you want an American hunting dog that will also make a loving companion for your family, the Plott is eager to please. The Plott originated in the United States. The Plott is also called a Plott hound. The Plott is an active family companion and the official state dog of North Carolina. The Plott stands 20 to 25 inches tall and weighs 40 to 60 pounds. The Plott has a high energy level. The Plott requires minimal grooming. The average lifespan for a Plott is 12 to 14 years.
| Training: | Easy |
| Hunting Companion: | Yes |
| Jolly for Jogging: | No |
| Sighting Capabilities: | No |
| Ideal for Tracking: | Yes |
| Retrieving Skills: | No |
| Pointing Breed: | No |
| Herding Skills: | No |
| Dutiful Watchdog: | Yes |
| Security Guard Capable: | Yes |
| Police Performer: | No |
| Wet Water rescues: | No |
| Assist Disable Owners: | No |
| Dog Sledding: | No |
| Able to Perform Dog Carting: | No |
| Agile/Zippy: | No |
| Fun with Lure Coursing: | No |
| Obedient: | No |
| Possible Schutzhund Work: | No |
| Trainable for Tricks: | No |
