Plott Hound

View Another Breed:
Plott Hound

Plott Hound Characteristics

Size:
Grooming Needs:
Exercise Needs:
Good With Dogs:
Watchdog Ability:

Plott Hound Breed Information

Breed Group: Hound

Weight: Male: 50-60; Female: 40-55 lbs

Height: Male: 20-25; Female: 20-23 inches

Color(s): Any shade of brindle; liver, orange, tan, red, gray, black, blue

Overview

An American breed, the Plott Hound was so named by the family that developed them in the Appalachian Mountain chain. They are highly prized for their hunting skill of bear, wolf, coyote, wildcat, and raccoon. The Plott Hound breed is a rarity outside of the Southern states and are not intended to solely be family pets.

Character

The Plott Hound is athletic, powerful, and muscular. This breed possesses endurance, stamina, agility, and courage. They are alert, confident, determined, and aggressive when hunting.

Temperament

Plott Hound's are loyal, enthusiastic, and friendly. They are extremely intense and driven when hunting. The Plott Hound is good with children and other pets. They have a tendency to be wary of strangers, possess a threatening baying bark, and will staunchly defend their family and territory against any person or animal.

Care

The Plott Hound requires minimal grooming. Occasional brushing and bathing will suffice. It is important to routinely check the ears and paw pads for debris particularly after hunting. This breed is prone to bloat and gastric torsion.

Coat

The Plott Hound has a thick weather-resistant coat that is glossy, smooth, and fine. Some may present as a double coat breed with a stiff, long, smooth outer coat and a soft, short, thick under coat.

Training

Early socialization and obedience are recommended. The Plott Hound breed is intelligent, quick to learn, and eager to please. Training must be done with firmness, fairness, and consistency.

Activity

The Plott Hound is not recommended for a sedentary owner or for apartment living. They prefer to be outside and do best in a large securely fenced yard or rural setting. This breed requires an inordinate amount of exercise and a job to do.

Ask a Question Plott Hound Questions & Answers

QUESTION: Are Plott Hounds protective and an outside dog only?

Anonymous - 9/23/2011 5:30:59 PM

Respond to Question

Plotts are very alert and will tell you of anyone or anything coming near(very vocal). I wouldn't expect them to back it up. In my opinion no dog should ever be strictly an outside dog. They are pack animals and want to be part of your pack. How can a dog offer any protection living separately and outside?

Anonymous - 10/16/2011 3:09:56 PM

QUESTION: We recently adopted a Plott Hound from an elderly neighbor. He is 14 years old, I would like to know what the normal life span for him?

Anonymous - 8/2/2011 5:17:04 AM

Respond to Question

On average Plott Hounds live to about 15 years, but with regular exercise, balanced diet, grooming (ears,nails,teeth) and luck I've seen 18-22 year olds, walking around.

Anonymous - 10/16/2011 3:21:37 PM

QUESTION: I have a 9 month old female plott hound, and I want to breed her with my other hound, but I am new to having a female. I would like to know how long they are in heat at a time, and how often they come into heat? and what is a good age for her to have her first litter? Thank you

Anonymous - 7/31/2011 2:12:54 PM

Respond to Question

Average heat cycles are 21 days, twice a year. Breeding should only occur after 2 years of age and after health testing has been done. This insures fully formed joints and a dog that is mentally ready to be an adult.

Anonymous - 10/16/2011 3:12:12 PM

QUESTION: I live in the city, would a Plott Hound be a good dog for me?

Anonymous - 7/25/2011 5:23:40 PM

Respond to Question

Remember hounds in general can be vocal. Lots of exercise and training can help this, so if you're active, strong willed and not afraid to take classes and hang out in the park you'll do fine.

Anonymous - 10/16/2011 3:14:07 PM

QUESTION: My dad has just got a 1 year old plott hound fully trained for deer stalking. He is very kind but is a hunting dog through and through. I have a yorkie and a cat that are currently in quarantine and are due to come out in 2 months. I am worried they will not get on and the plott may hunt my cat or hurt my yorkie?

Anonymous - 7/15/2011 12:29:48 PM

Respond to Question

Always a possibility. Introduce slowly, and through a fence or crate. Remember animals in quarantine are used to being crated, work on the hounds crate skills as well and let them have turns.

Anonymous - 10/16/2011 3:17:01 PM

QUESTION: If I get a plott hound, and I don't have a fence around my house, is the dog most likely to run away?

Anonymous - 3/26/2011 9:17:41 PM

Respond to Question

Yes, you will need some form of fencing, like an underground-type if nothing else. Plott hounds are scent hounds and will wander if you leave them outside with no fence, but overall they are FABULOUS dogs. We love ours, she's as loyal and smart as they come.

Anonymous - 6/25/2011 5:54:46 PM

Our Plott Hound/Blue Tick mix puppy does GREAT on the underground/invisible fence! He knows his boundaries exactly and doesn't dare try to leave no matter what passes by! If you can't put up a real fence I would recommend the underground system!

Anonymous - 5/20/2011 10:44:31 AM

I have a mixed plott very smart and trainable mine is now six months and is the best well behaved puppy I have ever seen or owned

Anonymous - 4/8/2011 11:18:00 PM

QUESTION: Can Plott Hounds be family pets?

Anonymous - 3/26/2011 4:29:46 PM

Respond to Question

I have a plott hound basset mix which I adopted from a rescue shelter. She is the most lovable dog I have ever had. Even as a puppy, we never had any problems with nipping at people.

Anonymous - 5/25/2011 11:06:42 AM

QUESTION: If I get a Plott Hound puppy, will it get along with my cats?

Anonymous - 1/12/2011 8:13:24 PM

Respond to Question

I have a Plott Hound/Blue Tick Hound mix puppy who is 4 1/2 months old (and 50 lbs!!) and a Border Collie mix who is 10 years old. We also have 2 cats and they don't currently get along with our energetic plott puppy. Maybe one day they will get used to each other. Our plott puppy just barks at the cats and will chase them when they run but has not attacked either of the cats. He just wants to play with the cats but they don't understand. Depends on the attitude of the cats and the dog. Every animal is different! Good luck!

Anonymous - 5/20/2011 10:42:04 AM

Our Plott Hound named Trace, has attacked a friend's cat twice because the cat hissed at him. At home he is just fine with our cat.

Anonymous - 3/26/2011 12:47:23 PM

My Plott Hound and two 13 year old cats are partners in crime! The cats had never seen a dog before him and he had never seen a cat before them. They are all best friends and we've never had any problems with anyone not getting along!

Anonymous - 2/1/2011 3:38:11 PM

QUESTION: Is the Plott Hound able to be trained to stay and play with my children outdoors? or will it always be a roamer?

Anonymous - 11/12/2010 4:22:33 PM

Respond to Question

Plotts are great with kids, though very energetic as pups. A fence is necessary if they're outside, but ours love kids to death.

Anonymous - 6/25/2011 5:56:30 PM

my plott hound stays by my side all the time. he is only on a leash in public areas. in my yard, or hiking he stays right by me though.

Anonymous - 5/31/2011 9:49:49 PM

Our Plott Hound, Trace jumps the fence when he catches a scent. We usually have to chase him down.

Anonymous - 3/26/2011 12:49:19 PM

Plott Hounds are good with children. We have had several plott hounds. As to the roaming, we have a fenced in farm, they roam all they want. Don't know how well they would do with a smaller yard.

Anonymous - 11/24/2010 11:01:04 AM

If you are looking for Plott Hound puppies for sale from reputable Plott Hound breeders or to adopt a Plott Hound from a Plott Hound rescue then make sure you understand as much about the dog breeds you are interested in as you can. Every puppy breed is different. Begin your research by reading the breed information about the Plott Hound puppy above. Search our dog breeds section to find Plott Hound puppies, dogs and puppies that make great pets.