Bloodhound vs Plott Hound
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Bloodhound
Hound Group
Plott Hound
Hound Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Bloodhound Overview
Majestic and powerful, Bloodhounds possess an unparalleled sense of smell with over 300 million scent receptors. Their distinctive features include long, pendulous ears, loose skin folds, and deep-set eyes that contribute to their noble yet gentle expression. Standing tall with a muscular build, they showcase a short, dense coat in colors ranging from black and tan to liver and red.
Plott Hound 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 Differences
- Energy Level: Bloodhounds are less energetic than Plott Hounds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Bloodhounds require more grooming attention compared to Plott Hounds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Bloodhounds tend to be more reserved with strangers than Plott Hounds.
- Trainability: Plott Hounds may be slightly easier to train due to their Plott Hound's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Plott Hounds adapt better to apartment living, while Bloodhounds typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Bloodhound and Plott Hound, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Bloodhound | Plott Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 10-12 years | 12-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | United States |
| Breed Group | Hound Group | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Bloodhound | Plott Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 23-27 inches 58-69 cm | 20-25 inches 51-64 cm |
| Weight | 80-110 lbs 36-50 kg | 40-60 lbs 18-27 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Medium coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Medium |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Bloodhound | Plott Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Independent, Inquisitive | Loyal, Alert, Intelligent |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Bloodhound | Plott Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Bloodhound Temperament
The Bloodhound is known for being friendly, independent, inquisitive, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Plott Hound Temperament
The Plott Hound is characterized by being loyal, alert, intelligent, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Bloodhound and Plott Hound, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Bloodhound
Rating: 3/5
Plott Hound
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Bloodhound
Rating: 3/5
Plott Hound
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Bloodhound
Rating: 3/5
Plott Hound
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Bloodhound
Rating: 2/5
Plott Hound
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Bloodhound
Rating: 3/5
Plott Hound
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
Bloodhound Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Bloodhounds require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Bloodhounds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Plott Hound Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Plott Hounds need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their medium coat coat, Plott Hounds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Bloodhound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Bloat
- Entropion
- Ectropion
- Ear Infections
Plott Hound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Bloat
- Eye Problems
- Ear Infections
- Heart Issues
Pros & Cons
Bloodhound
Pros
- Exceptional tracking abilities
- Gentle and patient with family
- Good with children
- Loyal and affectionate
Cons
- Heavy drooling
- Strong tracking instincts can lead to wandering
- Stubborn during training
- High maintenance grooming needs
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
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Bloodhound and Plott Hound, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.