Plott Hound
Quick Summary
Energetic tracking hounds best suited for experienced owners with active lifestyles. Excellent hunting companions requiring substantial exercise and secure outdoor space.
Contents
Weight Range
40-60 lbs
♂ Male: 50-60 lbs
♀ Female: 40-55 lbs
Height Range
51-64 inches
♂ Male: 20-25"
♀ Female: 20-25"
Life Expectancy
12-14 years
Average lifespan with proper care and nutrition
Intelligence
Rank #72
Average Intelligence
Breed Group
Hound Group
Originally bred for Developed in the mountains of North Carolina during the 1750s for tracking and treeing large game
Popularity
#171
Less common breed
Compatibility Ratings
Behavior & Training
Physical Characteristics
| Male Height | 20"-25" |
| Female Height | 20"-25" |
| Male Weight | 50-60 lbs |
| Female Weight | 40-55 lbs |
| Coat Length | 0/5 |
| Drooling Level | 0/5 |
Cost & Ownership
Cost Category
Initial costs include $800-1500 for puppy, plus supplies. Monthly expenses average $100-150 for food and basic care. Annual veterinary costs typically $500-800 for routine care and preventive treatments.
Training & Socialization
Training Difficulty
Alert and intelligent hounds with strong tracking instincts and independent personalities. High energy levels require substantial exercise. Generally good with family but may be reserved with strangers and have strong prey drive.
Social Needs
Moderately social dogs that bond strongly with family but can be reserved with strangers. Do well with consistent human interaction and can tolerate some alone time if properly exercised.
Breed Overview
Plott Hounds are muscular, agile hunting dogs with distinctive brindle coats and keen tracking abilities. Their athletic build features strong legs, deep chest, and powerful shoulders suited for endurance in rough terrain. Alert expressions and well-proportioned heads complement their determined, intelligent nature. These hounds display remarkable stamina and tenacity while maintaining a dignified, confident bearing.
Key Highlights
Pros
- ✓ Excellent tracking abilities
- ✓ Loyal companion
- ✓ Athletic and enduring
- ✓ Low grooming needs
Cons
- ✗ High exercise requirements
- ✗ Strong prey drive
- ✗ Independent nature
- ✗ Not apartment suitable
Breed Characteristics
| Temperament | Loyal, Alert, Intelligent |
| Energy Level | Energetic |
| Trainability | Independent |
| Grooming Needs | Occasional Bath/Brush |
| Shedding | Occasional |
Exercise & Nutrition
Exercise Requirements
Requires 2-3 hours of daily vigorous exercise including tracking activities, long hikes, and intense play sessions. High-energy breed that excels in scent work and needs both physical and mental stimulation to remain balanced.
Diet & Nutrition
Requires 3-4 cups of high-quality dry food daily, divided into two meals. Active hunting dogs may need additional calories. Monitor portion sizes to prevent weight gain and consider supplements for joint health.
Feed 3-4 cups premium dry food daily, split into two meals. Active hunting dogs need performance formula with higher protein content. Monitor weight and adjust portions accordingly. Fresh water always available.
Environment & Living Space
Living Requirements
Best suited for homes with large, securely fenced yards. Thrives in rural settings where they can exercise their tracking abilities. Adapts well to various climates but needs indoor access.
Requires minimum half-acre fenced yard. Ideal setting includes secure outdoor space for exercise and tracking activities. Can adapt to suburban homes with sufficient exercise but not suited for apartment living.
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
History & Origin
Mountain settlers in North Carolina developed these hardy hunting dogs from German hunting stock. Johannes Plott's family brought the original breeding stock from Germany in 1750, refining the breed for bear and boar hunting in the Appalachian Mountains.
Historical Purpose
Developed in the mountains of North Carolina during the 1750s for tracking and treeing large game. German immigrant Johannes Plott refined the breed for bear hunting.
Fun Fact
Plott Hounds are the only officially recognized breed developed in North Carolina.
Grooming & Maintenance
Special Considerations
Needs secure fencing due to strong tracking instincts. Regular exercise crucial for good behavior. Occasional grooming required but generally low maintenance.