The Plott Hound is a versatile hunting dog breed that's been used for tracking and hunting various game, including bears.
This breed was developed in the late 18th century by Johannes Plott, a German immigrant who settled in North Carolina.
With their strong prey drive and keen sense of smell, Plott Hounds are well-suited for hunting large game like bears.
They're also known for their distinctive brindle coat and short, smooth tail.
Additional reading: Plott Hound Hunting
Plott Hound Breed
The Plott hound breed is known for its grit and staying power. They're the perfect companion for bear hunting.
Their popularity has been growing across the Appalachians and Great Smoky Mountains for over 200 years. This is thanks to the dedication of the Plott family, who managed to keep the dog line pure from the 18th century to the present day.
Eugene Walker, a seasoned houndsman and breeder, sums up the Plott's unique qualities: "If you want grit and staying power, you better run with a Plott."
Coat and Color
The Plott Hound's coat is a defining feature of the breed. It should be fine to medium in texture, and short or medium in length.
A smooth and glossy appearance is expected, and the fur should be brindled. Brindled is a specific pattern of black or tan fur with a lighter or darker background color, creating a finely streaked or striped effect.
The National Plott Hound Association accepts seven different brindle shades: yellow brindle, red brindle, tan brindle, brown brindle, black brindle, grey brindle, and maltese (slate grey, blue brindle).
Black with brindle trim and solid black are also acceptable alternatives. However, white markings on the dog's coat can be a fault, with the exception of some white on the chest and/or feet.
Additional reading: North Carolina Plott Hound
Plott
The Plott is a breed that's known for its incredible grit. This is the key characteristic that sets it apart from other hound breeds.
The Plott is the most recognized bear dog breed, and for good reason. It's a dog that's built for hunting, with a strong instinct to track and tree its prey.
Worth a look: Black English Pointer Dog
Ask any houndsman, and they'll tell you that the Plott is the grittiest dog to ever chase a bear. It's a dog that's not afraid to get in on the action.
According to Eugene Walker, a 77-year-old houndsman and breeder, the Plott has "infinite stamina" and is "confident" in its abilities. This makes it the perfect breed for bear hunting.
The Plott's history dates back to 1750, when Johannes George Plott brought Hanoverian hounds to Philadelphia. He later moved to North Carolina and continued to breed the line, passing it down to his family members.
One notable breeder of Plotts is Eugene Walker, who has been running the same line for over 60 years. He's had great success with his dogs, which are known for their speed, aggression, and cold-nosed ability to track older scent trails.
Here are some key characteristics of the Plott breed:
- Gritty
- Keen tracking skills
- Infinite stamina
- Confident
- Loyal
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the toughest hound dog?
The Plott Hound is a rugged and fearless hunting dog known for its bold and relentless nature. This breed is a perfect example of a tough hound dog that excels in hunting but is also a gentle companion at home.
What hounds hunt bears?
Karelian Bear Dogs are known to hunt bears, along with other large game such as moose and wild boar. This Finnish breed is popular for its fearless nature and quick reflexes.
Sources
- Legendary Bear Hounds Pt. IV | West Virginia Plotts (bear-hunting.com)
- scholar (google.com)
- news (google.com)
- "Plott Hound" (google.com)
- "Plott Hound Historical Marker" (stoppingpoints.com)
- "Plott – American Kennel Club" (akc.org)
- "Official Standard of the Plott" (akc.org)
- "Plott Quick Facts" (dognation.net)
- "North Carolina State Dog" (statesymbolsusa.org)
- "NC Author is an Advocate for our State Dog" (carolinacountry.com)
- Plott Hound (curlie.org)
- Legendary Bear Hounds | PR Stiles Plott | Susie II (bear-hunting.com)
- Pocahontas Plott Kennels (pocahontasplotts.com)
- Plott Ridge Kennels (bobplott.com)
- Bob Olson (olsonplotthounds.com)
- My Foundation Stock Dogs/Pedigrees (poacherplotthounds.com)
Featured Images: pexels.com