Australian Shepherd vs Plott Hound
Breed Compatibility
50% Compatible
Energy Level
Australian Shepherd: Energetic0.8
Plott Hound: Energetic0.8
Very Compatible
Trainability
Australian Shepherd: Eager to Please1.0
Plott Hound: Independent0.4
Less Compatible
Grooming Needs
Australian Shepherd: Weekly Brushing0.4
Plott Hound: Occasional Bath/Brush0.2
Very Compatible
Cost Category
Premium
Moderate
Very Compatible
Compatibility with Others
Good with Children
Australian Shepherd5/5
Plott Hound0/5
Good with Other Dogs
Australian Shepherd3/5
Plott Hound0/5
Good with Strangers
Australian Shepherd3/5
Plott Hound0/5
Living Requirements
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Health & Care Comparison
Australian Shepherd
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation risk
MDR1 Gene: Drug sensitivity issue
CEA: Hereditary eye condition
Epilepsy: Neurological disorder
Cataracts: Vision impairment risk
Elbow Dysplasia: Joint development
Plott Hound
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation risk
Bloat: Digestive emergency condition
Eye Problems: Various vision issues
Ear Infections: Common in hanging ears
Heart Issues: Cardiac health concerns
Skin Allergies: Environmental reactions
Pros & Cons Comparison
Australian Shepherd
Pros
Highly intelligent
Excellent work ethic
Versatile abilities
Strong protective instincts
Athletic and agile
Cons
High exercise needs
Intense herding instinct
Heavy shedding
Can be too energetic
Requires constant mental stimulation
Plott Hound
Pros
Excellent tracking abilities
Loyal companion
Athletic and enduring
Low grooming needs
Cons
High exercise requirements
Strong prey drive
Independent nature
Not apartment suitable
Australian Shepherd Fun Fact
Australian Shepherds, despite their name, were actually developed in the western United States, not Australia!
Plott Hound Fun Fact
Plott Hounds are the only officially recognized breed developed in North Carolina.
Heritage & Purpose
Australian Shepherd
Origin:
Developed in western United States during the 1800s, these dogs excelled in herding livestock across challenging terrain. Their versatile skills and keen intelligence made them invaluable to ranchers.
Plott Hound
Origin: United States
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.
Special Considerations
Australian Shepherd
Regular grooming needed during shedding seasons. Requires extensive daily exercise and mental stimulation. Health testing for MDR1 gene mutation recommended.
Plott Hound
Needs secure fencing due to strong tracking instincts. Regular exercise crucial for good behavior. Occasional grooming required but generally low maintenance.
Shedding
SeasonalShedding
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