Plott Hound

The Plott Hound is a uniquely American breed with a history deeply rooted in the mountains of western North Carolina. Unlike most other coonhound breeds that descend primarily from English Foxhounds, the Plott Hound traces its ancestry back to Hanoverian Schweisshunden (bloodhounds) brought to America from Germany in the mid-18th century by Johannes Georg Plott. The Plott family settled in the western North Carolina mountains and, for over 200 years, meticulously bred these hounds, focusing on their ability to hunt large and often dangerous game such as bear, wild boar, and mountain lions.

The Plott family selectively bred for courage, stamina, intelligence, and a powerful voice. They kept their breeding lines relatively pure, though some outcrosses to other hounds may have occurred over generations to enhance specific traits. Plotts were prized for their tenacity on the trail, their ability to track cold scents, and their fearlessness in confronting formidable game. They typically hunt by trailing, then treeing or baying their quarry. The Plott Hound was officially recognized as the state dog of North Carolina in 1989. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 2006, placing it in the Hound Group. They remain valued by hunters for their working abilities and are also gaining appreciation as loyal companions for experienced owners.

The Plott Hound is known for its courageous, loyal, and intelligent temperament. They are typically very alert and possess a strong work ethic, with a tenacious determination when on a scent trail. With their families, Plotts are generally loyal and affectionate, forming strong bonds, though they are not usually overly demonstrative. They are confident dogs, often with a bold and fearless nature, which was essential for their historical role in hunting dangerous game.

Their intelligence means they learn quickly, but their strong hunting instincts and independence can also make them stubborn or easily distracted by scents. Early and consistent socialization is crucial to ensure they are well-adjusted, especially regarding their interactions with strangers (towards whom they can be reserved) and other dogs (as they can be assertive or territorial if not properly managed). They are known for their powerful and distinctive baying voice, which they will use readily on the trail or to alert. Plott Hounds require an owner who understands and respects their working hound nature and can provide confident, positive leadership.

The Plott Hound has a short, smooth, dense, and fine-textured coat that is glossy and provides good protection from the elements and rough underbrush without being high-maintenance. Their coat is typically some shade of brindle (yellow, red, tan, brown, black, or blue/maltese brindle), solid black, or black with brindle trim.

Grooming is very straightforward. They are considered average shedders. A weekly brushing with a rubber curry mitt or a hound glove is usually sufficient to remove loose dead hair, distribute skin oils, and keep their coat looking sleek and healthy. Baths are needed only occasionally, as their coat tends to stay relatively clean. One of the most important aspects of their grooming is regular ear care. Their moderately long, floppy hound ears can trap moisture and debris, making them prone to ear infections if not checked and cleaned frequently with a vet-approved solution. Routine nail trims and dental care are also essential for their overall well-being.

Plott Hounds are high-energy, athletic dogs with exceptional stamina, bred for long, arduous hunts in challenging mountain terrain. They require a significant amount of vigorous daily exercise to stay physically fit and mentally stimulated. This is not a breed suited for a sedentary lifestyle or confined apartment living; they need ample space and opportunity to run and use their keen senses, particularly their powerful nose.

Aim for at least one to two hours of robust activity per day, if not more, especially if not actively working. Excellent exercise options include:

• Long, brisk walks, jogging, or running alongside a bicycle (once fully mature and conditioned) in natural environments.
• Off-leash running and exploring in a very large, extremely securely fenced area. Their powerful nose and hunting drive mean they should **never** be trusted off-leash in an unsecured environment as they will follow a scent with unwavering determination and may roam for miles.
• Hiking in rugged terrain.
• Participating in scent work trials, tracking activities, or competitive hunting events (like coon hunting or big game trials where appropriate and legal).

Without a sufficient outlet for their energy and strong instincts, Plott Hounds can become bored, restless, and may develop undesirable behaviors such as excessive baying, digging, or escape attempts. They thrive in active homes, ideally with access to ample safe space for running and exploring scents, and with owners who understand their need for purposeful activity.

The Plott Hound is generally considered a very hardy and healthy breed, having been developed primarily for working ability and resilience in demanding conditions. Their history of functional breeding has contributed to their robustness. However, like all breeds, they can be susceptible to certain health conditions. Potential concerns common to hounds of their size include:

• Hip Dysplasia: A malformation of the hip joint, common in many medium to large active breeds. Elbow dysplasia can also occur.
• Ear Infections (Otitis Externa): Due to their floppy ears trapping moisture. Diligent, regular ear cleaning is crucial.
• Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus – GDV):** A life-threatening emergency common in deep-chested breeds.
• Hypothyroidism:** An underactive thyroid gland has been occasionally reported.
• Hunting-Related Injuries: If used for hunting, they can be prone to cuts, scrapes, sprains, or encounters with wildlife.