The Plott Hound is a breed of dog that originated in Germany and was brought to the United States in the 18th century.
These dogs were initially bred for hunting large game such as boar and bear, and their distinctive appearance reflects this heritage.
One of the most recognizable features of the Plott Hound is its short, smooth coat, which comes in a variety of colors including black, blue, and red.
The breed's strong prey drive and energetic nature make them well-suited to active families or individuals who enjoy outdoor activities.
Physical Traits
The Plott Hound is known for its striking appearance, with a fine and glossy coat that's a real head-turner. This breed comes in a stunning variety of colors, including red brindle, blue brindle, black brindle, and many more.
Their coat is actually quite thick, offering protection against the elements when hunting. The Plott Hound coat is smooth, fine, and glossy, and can be any shade of brindle, including yellow, buckskin, tan, and brown.
They may also be solid black, or any shade of brindle with black saddle, and black with brindle trim. The rare buckskin color ranges from red fawn or light cream to dark fawn or golden tan.
Characteristics
The Plott Hound is a devoted and protective breed, making them wonderful family pets. They have a strong instinct to defend their loved ones, but with proper socialization, they can get along with other dogs.
Their high energy level is a key characteristic of the Plott Hound, which means they require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. A daily run or hike is perfect for burning off their excess energy.
Here's a quick rundown of the Plott Hound's temperament and needs:
Breed Group
If you're curious about your dog's breed group, there's a DNA test that can help. Wisdom Panel's DNA tests can reveal the breed group of your dog.
Plott Hounds are a type of scent hound, which means they have a strong instinct to follow their nose.
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History of
The Plott Hound has a rich history that sets it apart from other breeds. It originated in the United States, specifically in the mountains of North Carolina.
Johannes "George" Plott, a German immigrant, brought five Hanoverian Hounds to America in 1750. These dogs were bred for seven generations, eventually becoming the iconic Plott Hound breed.
The Plott Hound's ancestors were known for their excellent nose, a trait that's still prized today. This breed is one of the few Coonhound breeds to originate in the United States without any English Foxhound ancestry.
In 1989, the Plott Hound was officially recognized as the state dog of North Carolina. This designation is a testament to the breed's enduring popularity and importance in the region.
Characteristics of the
The Plott Hound is a breed that's known for being devoted and protective of its family. They can be wary of strangers, but with proper socialization, they can get along with other dogs.
Plott Hounds have a medium affection level, which means they'll show love and attention to their family, but they're not overly clingy. They're also medium friendly, so they'll take some time to warm up to new people.
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If you have kids, a Plott Hound might be a good fit, but they're only medium kid-friendly. This means they'll tolerate children, but they might not be the best breed for a household with very young kids. On the other hand, they can be quite playful, with a high playfulness level.
Exercise is crucial for Plott Hounds, as they require high exercise needs. This means they need regular walks, runs, or playtime to keep them happy and healthy. Their high energy level means they can get bored or restless if they don't get enough physical activity.
Here's a quick rundown of the Plott Hound's characteristics:
Plott Hounds are also intelligent, with a high intelligence level. However, their high tendency to bark can be a challenge for some owners. With patience and consistent training, they can learn to bark less and be a well-behaved companion.
Temperament & Intelligence
The Plott Hound's temperament is a unique blend of loyalty, courage, and protectiveness. They're devoted to their family and can be wary of strangers.
One of the most notable traits of the Plott Hound is their high energy level, which makes them perfect for an active lifestyle. They thrive on exercise and mental stimulation.
With proper socialization, Plott Hounds can get along with other dogs, but they might view smaller household pets as prey. This is why it's essential to introduce them to other pets carefully.
Here's a breakdown of the Plott Hound's temperament and intelligence:
Plott Hounds are naturally wary of strangers and vocal, making them great watchdogs. They have a good heart and are family-oriented, but with enough confidence to go off on their own escapades.
Their independent streak can sometimes turn into pigheaded stubbornness, making training a bit challenging. But with patience and consistency, you can overcome this obstacle.
Grooming
The Plott Hound's coat is a stunning feature, and with minimal grooming, it can maintain its health and shine. Weekly brushing with a soft-bristle brush or grooming mitt is all it needs.
Their floppy ears require some extra attention, so be sure to inspect and clean them regularly with a dog-specific ear cleaning solution.
All Plott Hounds need regular dental care, including at-home teeth brushing and professional dental cleanings, to keep their teeth and overall health in top shape.
Intriguing read: Black Mouth Cur Teeth
Family and Pets
Plott Hounds can be a great fit for active families with experience owning dogs or a willingness to learn.
They're very affectionate and mellow towards their family, but with an intense loyalty that makes them a fantastic watchdog.
Plott Hounds are generally tolerant of children, but it's still important to supervise interactions to prevent snappish behavior.
Early socialization is crucial to helping your Plott Hound feel secure and learn proper boundaries with kids.
If you have other pets, it's best to introduce them to your Plott Hound from puppyhood to prevent chasing and other mishaps.
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Good Family Dogs?
Plott Hounds can be a good fit for active families with experience owning dogs or those willing to learn. They're very affectionate and mellow toward their family, but with an intense loyalty that makes them a fantastic watchdog.
Early socialization is crucial for Plott Hounds to feel secure and learn boundaries with kids.
For another approach, see: Basset Hounds Good Apartment Dogs
Getting Along with Other Pets
Getting along with other pets can be a challenge, especially if you're considering bringing home a new furry friend. Plott Hounds usually do best with other dogs.
Their strong prey drive can make them a handful around smaller pets like cats. This can be overcome with early socialization.
It's essential to supervise interactions closely to prevent mishaps.
Return
The Plott Hound is a versatile hunting dog, and as such, they need to be able to return to their handler quickly and efficiently after a hunt.
They have a strong instinct to follow their nose and track their quarry, but they also need to be able to come back to their handler when called.
Plott Hounds are known for their strong prey drive, but they can be trained to return to their handler by using positive reinforcement techniques.
Their short, easy-to-maintain coats are a bonus for hunters who don't want to spend a lot of time grooming their dog after a long day of hunting.
In fact, the Plott Hound's short coat is one of the reasons why they're a popular choice for hunters who spend a lot of time in the field.
Check this out: Black Mouth Cur Hunting
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my dog is a Plott Hound?
Check for a muscular build, long tail, and distinctive brindle-stripe or solid coat patterns, such as black or buckskin, to determine if your dog is a Plott Hound
How rare is a Plott Hound?
The Plott Hound is an exceptionally rare breed, with a limited presence as pets and a strong presence in the Carolinas as a valued hunting dog.
Do Plott hounds like to cuddle?
Yes, Plott Hounds are affectionate and love to cuddle with their owners. They make loyal and devoted companions who enjoy physical affection.
What is the toughest hound dog?
The Plott Hound is a rugged and relentless hunting dog known for its fearless and bold nature. This breed is a great choice for those seeking a tough and capable companion for outdoor activities.
Sources
- Plott Hound Pics (texasbowhunter.com)
- Plott Rescue (rescueme.org)
- American Plott Association (americanplottassociation.com)
- Plott Hound Puppies and Dogs (adoptapet.com)
- Plott Hound Dog Breed Information (akc.org)
- Pet Health Network (pethealthnetwork.com)
- http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/dog-health/dog-breeds/plott-hound (pethealthnetwork.com)
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