Everything You Need to Know About Plott Hounds

The Plott Hound is a versatile hunting breed that originated in Germany and was later developed in the United States.

One notable fact about Plott Hounds is that they are known for their strong prey drive and ability to track small game such as raccoons, opossums, and wild boar.

The Plott Hound is a sturdy and athletic dog with a medium build, perfect for speed, stamina, and endurance. They have a distinct brindle-colored coat that's not baggy like some other hounds.

On average, males stand 20 to 25 inches tall at the shoulders, while females are slightly smaller, standing around 20 to 23 inches tall. Males also weigh more, ranging from 50 to 60 pounds, whereas females weigh between 40 to 55 pounds.

Their coats feature an array of brindle stripes in shades like yellow, red, tan, brown, black, grey, and maltese, with some white on the chest and feet being permissible. A Plott Hound's lifespan is estimated to be around 12 to 14 years.

The Plott Hound is a rugged and relentless breed that thrives on activity and exercise.

A male Plott Hound typically stands between 20 to 25 inches tall at the shoulders, while females are slightly shorter, ranging from 20 to 23 inches. Males also tend to be heavier, weighing around 50 to 60 pounds, whereas females weigh in at 40 to 55 pounds.

This breed is built for speed and endurance, with a strong athletic build that belies its gentle nature at home. In fact, the Plott Hound's lifespan is estimated to be around 12 to 14 years, making them a long-term companion for many families.

Their distinctive brindle-colored coat features an array of stripes in shades like black, orange, gold, russet, and solid colors, giving them a unique and striking appearance. The medium-length ears that hang beautifully from their head only add to their handsome look.

A Plott Hound's strong hunting instincts mean they require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and restlessness. Daily walks or runs are essential, with the added bonus of allowing them to run off-leash in a fenced area for some extra freedom and fun.

The Plott Hound is a medium-sized dog breed, with males measuring approximately 20 to 25 inches (51 to 64 cm) at the withers.

Males should weigh between 50 to 60 pounds (23 to 27 kg), while females are slightly smaller and lighter, weighing around 40 to 55 pounds (18 to 25 kg).

Here's a quick comparison of male and female Plott Hound sizes:

Plott Hounds are great family dogs who are loyal and eager to please.

They're also intelligent and active breeds that thrive on regular exercise. A big backyard is ideal for them to stretch their legs and follow exciting scents.

With minimal coat care required, Plotts are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming. Their short coats are easy to clean.

To keep your Plott Hound good-tempered and entertained, make sure they get plenty of exercise. A long walk with lots of interesting smells or a swim in the lake can be just what they need.

By spending quality time with your Plott Hound, you'll strengthen their bond with you and ensure they feel loved and valued.

Plott Hounds need a high-quality diet that matches their life stage, whether they're a puppy, adult, or senior.

Feed your Plott Hound dog food approved by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) to ensure it has the standard ingredients and nutritional components for a balanced diet. This is crucial in preventing obesity and related health issues.

To preserve your Plott Hound's mobility as they age, consider adding joint supplements like glucosamine or fish oils high in omega-3 fatty acids to their diet. Always consult with your veterinarian before giving your pet any supplements.

Plott Hounds are generally a healthy breed with few major health problems, but like every breed, they can develop certain conditions.

One potential issue is ear infections, which can occur if their ears aren't kept clean on a regular basis. This is especially common in breeds with pendant ears like Plotts.

Another concern is bloat, also known as gastric torsion, which is more common in deep-chested dogs like Plott Hounds. This life-threatening condition happens when a dog's stomach fills with gas and twists.

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Additionally, Plott Hounds can be prone to hip dysplasia, a painful and arthritic condition that affects the joints. Limiting strenuous exercise during adolescence may help prevent this issue.

Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) is another serious health problem that can affect Plott Hounds. This condition occurs when the dog's stomach fills up with air and becomes twisted, cutting off blood flow to critical body parts.

Here are some symptoms of GDV to watch out for:

Hip dysplasia can also cause a range of symptoms in Plott Hounds. These include weakness, reduced productivity levels, painful or difficult mobility, severe pain when sitting, increased shoulder muscles, and diminished thigh muscle mass.

Ear infections are another common health issue that can affect Plott Hounds. Symptoms to watch out for include ear odor, head shaking, ear scratching, dark discharge from the ears, redness of the ear canal, swollen or thickened ear, and crusting in the ear.

By being aware of these potential health issues, you can take steps to prevent them or seek medical attention if they do arise.

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To ensure your Plott Hound stays healthy and happy, it's essential to feed them a high-quality diet that matches their life stage - whether they're a puppy, adult, or senior.

Plotts can be prone to obesity, so keep an eye on their calorie intake to avoid any weight-related issues. This is especially important as they age, when monitoring food and treats becomes crucial.

Consider adding joint supplements like glucosamine or fish oils to your Plott Hound's diet to help preserve their mobility, especially as they get older. These supplements are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which can be beneficial for their joints.

Monitoring the amount of food and treats you give your Plott Hound is vital to avoid them becoming overweight, so consult with your veterinarian for personalized nutrition and feeding guidelines.

Plott Hounds are scent hounds with a high prey drive, so they might be tempted to dash off after smaller animals if not kept on a leash.

They've been known to let out long, steady barks and can befriend strangers quickly with proper introduction. This breed is inclined to be suspicious, especially of new people or environments.

Start your Plott puppy's training early, using positive reinforcement like praise, belly scratches, and treats when they respond correctly. Firm, patient training works best for this breed rather than a more easygoing style.

It's essential to socialize your Plott Hound from an early age by exposing them to various new places, animals, and people. This will help reduce their fear and teach them how to interact safely with others.

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Plott Hounds are scent hounds, so their attention is easily pulled by smells.

They can be headstrong, but they're very social pups who love to play with other dogs and their humans. This means they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy.

Their high prey drive means they might be tempted to dash off after smaller animals, so it's essential to keep them inside a fenced yard or on a leash whenever they're outside. You'll also want to consider this when introducing them to new environments or situations.

Plott Hounds are naturally wary of strangers and vocal, which makes them great watchdogs. They can be standoffish but on the polite side of the spectrum, and their alert nature means they're always on the lookout for potential threats.

Their loyalty and friendliness make them a great fit for families with older children who can keep up with their active nature. However, it's essential to remember that Plott Hounds have an independent streak and can be pigheaded at times, so consistent training and positive reinforcement are crucial.

Plott Hounds are born bear hunters, which means they're not afraid of any man or creature – a quality that makes them great companions in any situation. However, this confidence can sometimes tip into stubbornness, especially when they sense their owners' uncertainty.

Puppies can be a handful, but finding one from a good breeder isn't impossible.

You might have trouble locating a Plott Hound puppy due to their relatively low popularity, so searching social media groups dedicated to them is a good starting point.

Plott Hounds of all ages and backgrounds are available through Chewy's adoption network.