Havanese 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.
Havanese
Toy Group
Plott Hound
Hound Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Havanese Overview
Havanese dogs captivate with their silky, flowing coats and expressive dark eyes. Standing 8.5-11.5 inches tall with a sturdy yet compact frame, these charming companions showcase a distinctive springy gait. Their coat comes in various colors, featuring a soft texture and slight wave. Alert and spirited, they carry themselves with a gentle, intelligent expression that perfectly matches their affectionate nature.
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: Havaneses are less energetic than Plott Hounds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Havaneses require more grooming attention compared to Plott Hounds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Havaneses 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: Havaneses 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 Havanese and Plott Hound, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Havanese | Plott Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 14-16 years | 12-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | United States |
| Breed Group | Toy Group | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Havanese | Plott Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 9-12 inches 22-29 cm | 20-25 inches 51-64 cm |
| Weight | 7-13 lbs 3-6 kg | 40-60 lbs 18-27 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Medium coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Medium |
| Shedding | Occasional | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Havanese | Plott Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Intelligent, Outgoing, Funny | Loyal, Alert, Intelligent |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Havanese | Plott Hound |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Havanese Temperament
The Havanese is known for being intelligent, outgoing, funny, 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 Havanese 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
Havanese
Rating: 5/5
Plott Hound
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Havanese
Rating: 5/5
Plott Hound
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Havanese
Rating: 3/5
Plott Hound
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Havanese
Rating: 1/5
Plott Hound
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Havanese
Rating: 4/5
Plott Hound
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
Havanese Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Havaneses 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, Havaneses require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
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
Havanese Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Chondrodysplasia
- Legg-Calve-Perthes
- Deafness
- Heart Murmurs
- Cataracts
Plott Hound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Bloat
- Eye Problems
- Ear Infections
- Heart Issues
Pros & Cons
Havanese
Pros
- Excellent companion dog
- Good with children
- Highly adaptable
- Low shedding
- Intelligent
- Social nature
Cons
- Regular grooming needed
- Separation anxiety prone
- Can be vocal
- Frequent brushing required
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 Havanese and Plott Hound, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.