Plott Hound vs Australian Shepherd
Breed Compatibility
50% Compatible
Energy Level
Plott Hound: Energetic0.8
Australian Shepherd: Energetic0.8
Very Compatible
Trainability
Plott Hound: Independent0.4
Australian Shepherd: Eager to Please1.0
Less Compatible
Grooming Needs
Plott Hound: Occasional Bath/Brush0.2
Australian Shepherd: Weekly Brushing0.4
Very Compatible
Cost Category
Moderate
Premium
Very Compatible
Compatibility with Others
Good with Children
Plott Hound0/5
Australian Shepherd5/5
Good with Other Dogs
Plott Hound0/5
Australian Shepherd3/5
Good with Strangers
Plott Hound0/5
Australian Shepherd3/5
Living Requirements
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
Health & Care Comparison
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
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
Pros & Cons Comparison
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
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 Fun Fact
Plott Hounds are the only officially recognized breed developed in North Carolina.
Australian Shepherd Fun Fact
Australian Shepherds, despite their name, were actually developed in the western United States, not Australia!
Heritage & Purpose
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.
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.
Special Considerations
Plott Hound
Needs secure fencing due to strong tracking instincts. Regular exercise crucial for good behavior. Occasional grooming required but generally low maintenance.
Australian Shepherd
Regular grooming needed during shedding seasons. Requires extensive daily exercise and mental stimulation. Health testing for MDR1 gene mutation recommended.
Shedding
OccasionalShedding
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