Plott Hound

Breed Overview

The Plott Hound is a strong, athletic, and loyal breed of dog that was developed in the United States in the 19th century. Plott Hounds are scent hounds who first served as hunting dogs, though they now mainly serve as companions. Plott Hounds have a distinguished brindle coat, which can range in color from black, blue, or chocolate with striking tan markings. Plott Hounds also have a bold, dignified expression and an independent and determined disposition.

Care and Grooming

Plott Hounds require minimal grooming. A simple brushing every few days will suffice to keep the coat healthy and free of debris. They shed very lightly, so bathing should only be done when necessary but may help keep their coat in good condition. Regular cleaning of the ears, nails, and teeth are recommended to keep your Plott Hound in good health.

Training and Socialization

It is important to properly train and socialize your Plott Hound from a young age. Plott Hounds do best with positive reinforcement and reward-based training methods. Socialization should start early, by exposing your pup to a variety of people, animals, and experiences. Proper socialization is key in helping the Plott Hound become a socially adjusted and well-rounded companion.

Health and Wellness

Plott Hounds are generally healthy and robust dogs that are free of major inherited health problems. As with any breed of dog, however, Plott Hounds should receive regular veterinary check-ups to ensure they remain in good health. Common health issues for this breed include hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and epilepsy.

Living Environment

The Plott Hound is quite adaptable and can live in a variety of environments. They do, however, require regular exercise, so access to a fenced yard or area to run is ideal. They can make excellent indoor dogs as long as they are given ample opportunity to exercise.

Temperament and Personality

The Plott Hound is intelligent, independent, and protective breed. They have great stamina and are outgoing and sporting when in the outdoors. They are loyal and hardworking and can make excellent companions when trained and socialized properly.

Common Challenges

The Plott Hound may try to assert dominance if not properly trained. It is essential to show consistent leadership and set boundaries when training your Plott Hound. Additionally, they are scent hounds and can easily be distracted by strong scents, making them difficult to recall at times. As stubborn and independent dogs, they can also be difficult to house-train.