Border Terrier 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.
Border Terrier
Terrier Group
Plott Hound
Hound Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Border Terrier Overview
Border Terriers possess a distinctive otter-like head, alert expression, and sturdy, well-proportioned frame. Their rough double coat, typically grizzle and tan or blue and tan, provides protection in all weather conditions. Standing 12-15 inches at the shoulder, these agile terriers combine a determined spirit with an affectionate nature, displaying remarkable stamina and intelligence in their movements.
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: Border Terriers are less energetic than Plott Hounds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Border Terriers require more grooming attention compared to Plott Hounds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Border Terriers tend to be more outgoing 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: Border Terriers adapt better to apartment living, while Plott Hounds typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Border Terrier and Plott Hound, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Border Terrier | Plott Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 12-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | United States |
| Breed Group | Terrier Group | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Border Terrier | Plott Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 12-15 inches 30-38 cm | 20-25 inches 51-64 cm |
| Weight | 11-15 lbs 5-7 kg | 40-60 lbs 18-27 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Medium coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Medium |
| Shedding | Occasional | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Border Terrier | Plott Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Affectionate, Happy, Plucky | Loyal, Alert, Intelligent |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Border Terrier | Plott Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Border Terrier Temperament
The Border Terrier is known for being affectionate, happy, plucky, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. 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 Border Terrier 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
Border Terrier
Rating: 5/5
Plott Hound
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Border Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Plott Hound
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Border Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Plott Hound
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Border Terrier
Rating: 1/5
Plott Hound
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Border Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Plott Hound
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
Border Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Border Terriers 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, Border Terriers 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
Border Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip dysplasia
- SLEM
- Heart defects
- Epilepsy
- Eye problems
Plott Hound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Bloat
- Eye Problems
- Ear Infections
- Heart Issues
Pros & Cons
Border Terrier
Pros
- Excellent with families
- Adaptable to different living situations
- Low grooming requirements
- Good with children
Cons
- Can be stubborn
- Strong prey drive
- May dig and bark
- Needs consistent exercise
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 Border Terrier and Plott Hound, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.