Plott Hound Kennels: A Comprehensive Guide to Raising Happy Hounds

Raising a happy Plott Hound requires a lot of space and exercise. Plott Hounds need room to run and play, so a spacious yard is essential.

They are a medium to large breed, with males weighing between 45 and 60 pounds. This means they need plenty of space to move around and get some exercise.

A Plott Hound's energy level is moderate to high, so they need daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. This can be as simple as a long walk or playtime in the yard.

Their short coats make them relatively low maintenance when it comes to grooming.

The Plott Hound is a sturdy and athletic breed, with a medium build that suggests its capacity for speed, stamina, and endurance. They have a distinctive brindle-colored coat, which is finely streaked or striped with black or tan fur.

In terms of size, male Plotts typically stand between 20 to 27 inches at the shoulder, weighing between 50 to 75 pounds, while females stand between 20 to 25 inches and weigh between 40 to 65 pounds.

Their coat is fine to medium in texture, short or medium in length, and has a smooth and glossy appearance, with brindle shades accepted in a variety of colors including yellow, red, tan, brown, black, and grey.

The Plott Hound's coat is a standout feature, and it's not just because of its glossy appearance.

The Plott Hound's fine and glossy coat comes in multiple shades of brindle.

One of the defining characteristics of the Plott Hound's coat is its brindle pattern, which is finely streaked or striped with black or tan fur.

The National Plott Hound Association accepts seven different brindle shades, including yellow, red, tan, brown, black, grey, and maltese.

Some Plott Hounds may also have a rare buckskin color, ranging from red fawn to dark fawn or golden tan.

The Plott Hound's coat is not only visually striking but also provides protection against the elements when hunting.

They may also be solid black, or any shade of brindle with a black saddle, and black with brindle trim.

A small amount of white on the chest and/or feet is permissible, but white found anywhere else is considered a fault.

Plott Hounds are a medium-sized breed, with males standing between 20 to 25 inches at the withers.

Males typically weigh between 50 to 60 pounds, while females weigh a bit less, ranging from 40 to 55 pounds.

The height and weight of Plott Hounds can vary slightly depending on their sex, but these ranges give you a good idea of what to expect.

Here's a quick reference guide to the size of Plott Hounds:

The Plott Hound breed has a rich history that dates back to the 18th century. It's the only coonhound breed not descended from foxhounds, making it a unique and fascinating breed.

In 1750, Johannes Georg Plott, a German immigrant, brought five Hanoverian Schweisshunds to North Carolina, which would become the foundation of the Plott Hound breed. These dogs were originally bred for boar hunting in Germany.

The Plott family continued to breed the dogs, adding their own touch to the breed, and they eventually became known as Plott's hounds. They spread throughout the Smoky Mountains, where they were used to hunt bears, wild boar, and other large game.

The Plott Hound's distinctive brindle or black with brindle coat is one of its most recognizable features. This short, dense coat is well-suited for the breed's active lifestyle.

Here are some key facts about the Plott Hound's history and origins:

The Plott Hound's strong and muscular physique makes it well-suited for endurance and agility in hunting terrain. This, combined with its exceptional tracking abilities and treeing skills, makes it a valuable hunting companion.

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Plott Hounds are active dogs that require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. They need at least an hour of exercise daily, which can be broken up into two or three walks or playtimes.

Their high energy levels also mean they need a fenced yard to prevent them from wandering away and getting into trouble. Plott Hounds are not meant to spend their lives locked up in a crate or kennel, but a crate can be a useful tool for housetraining and protecting your belongings.

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Plott Hounds are also prone to obesity, so it's essential to monitor their calorie intake and feed them a high-quality diet that matches their life stage. A good rule of thumb is to divide their daily food into two meals, and to choose a dog food approved by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).

Caring for your Plott Hound requires attention to their physical and emotional needs. They have a short, low-maintenance coat that needs only a simple weekly brushing to keep it in top shape.

Plott Hounds are active and love to be outdoors, so they need regular exercise to keep them happy and healthy. Expect to give them about an hour of exercise daily, broken up into two or three walks or playtimes.

Their intelligence and eager-to-please temperament make them relatively easy to train, but they do have a dominant streak and require consistent rules and commands. Positive reinforcement is key, and corrections should never be harsh or cruel.

A Plott Hound's love of food can sometimes get the best of them, so it's essential to teach them to allow people to handle and remove their food dishes. Crate training can also help with housetraining and protect your belongings from destruction.

Regular socialization is crucial to prevent aggression problems, and many obedience schools offer puppy socialization classes. Gradually exposing your puppy to various stimuli within the community and in your home will also help them develop good social skills.

To keep your Plott Hound healthy, feed them a high-quality dog food suited to their age, activity level, and size. Monitor the amount of food and treats you give them to avoid overfeeding, especially as they age.

Feeding your Plott Hound requires some attention to detail to ensure they're getting the right amount of nutrients. Choose a high-quality dog food that matches their life stage, whether it's puppy, adult, or senior.

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) certification is a good indicator that the dog food meets the standard nutritional requirements.

To avoid obesity, keep an eye on your Plott's calorie intake, as they can be prone to it.

The recommended daily amount for an adult Plott Hound is 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food, divided into two meals.

However, the exact amount of food your Plott needs depends on their size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level.

A highly active dog will need more food than a couch potato dog, and the quality of dog food makes a difference in how much is needed.

If you're unsure whether your Plott is overweight, give them the eye test and the hands-on test. You should be able to see a waist and feel but not see their ribs without having to press hard.

Feeding your Plott two or three times a day rather than once a day can also help prevent gastric dilatation-volvulus, also known as bloat.

And, as with any dog, it's essential to monitor the amount of food and treats you give your Plott Hound to avoid overfeeding, especially as they age.

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The Plott Hound's unique history as the state dog of North Carolina is fascinating. They originated from Johannes Plott's Hanoverian Scenthound hunting dogs, which he brought to the United States in the 18th century.

Their distinct brindle-colored coat is a defining characteristic. They can reach up to 25 inches tall and weigh as much as 60 pounds, making them a sturdy breed.