Plott Hound vs Otterhound
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Plott Hound
Hound Group
Otterhound
Hound Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
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.
Otterhound Overview
Majestic and powerful, the Otterhound stands out with its rough double coat and impressive webbed feet. Their large, athletic build features a broad head, substantial bone structure, and loose-hanging skin that creates distinctive facial expressions. Possessing keen swimming abilities and an exceptional nose, these hounds combine strength with agility, while their waterproof coat protects them in various weather conditions.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Plott Hounds are more energetic than Otterhounds, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Plott Hounds require less grooming attention compared to Otterhounds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Plott Hounds tend to be more reserved with strangers than Otterhounds.
- Trainability: Otterhounds may be slightly easier to train due to their Otterhound's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Otterhounds 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 Plott Hound and Otterhound, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Plott Hound | Otterhound |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Large |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years | 10-13 years |
| Country of Origin | United States | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Hound Group | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Plott Hound | Otterhound |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 20-25 inches 51-64 cm | 24-27 inches 61-69 cm |
| Weight | 40-60 lbs 18-27 kg | 80-115 lbs 36-52 kg |
| Coat Type | Medium coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Medium | Short |
| Shedding | Occasional | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Plott Hound | Otterhound |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Loyal, Alert, Intelligent | Even-Tempered, Amiable, Boisterous |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Plott Hound | Otterhound |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Plott Hound Temperament
The Plott Hound is known for being loyal, alert, intelligent, 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. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
Otterhound Temperament
The Otterhound is characterized by being even-tempered, amiable, boisterous, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Plott Hound and Otterhound, 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
Plott Hound
Rating: 3/5
Otterhound
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Plott Hound
Rating: 3/5
Otterhound
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Plott Hound
Rating: 4/5
Otterhound
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Plott Hound
Rating: 2/5
Otterhound
Rating: 3/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Plott Hound
Rating: 2/5
Otterhound
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Plott Hound Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Plott Hounds require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their medium coat coat, Plott Hounds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Otterhound Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Otterhounds need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Otterhounds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Plott Hound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Bloat
- Eye Problems
- Ear Infections
- Heart Issues
Otterhound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Bloat
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Glaucoma
Pros & Cons
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
Otterhound
Pros
- Excellent swimming ability
- Friendly temperament
- Good with families
- Strong tracking abilities
Cons
- High grooming needs
- Requires lots of exercise
- Can be stubborn
- Rare and expensive
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Plott Hound and Otterhound, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.