Plott Background Information & History

Originally a descendant of the Hanoverian Schweisshund, the Plott breed was created in North Carolina during the late 1700’s. These hounds were a popular companion for hunters throughout the Great Smoky mountain range.

Plotts had a lot of stamina and were extremely tough and able to hunt aggressive animals such as boars, bears, and even mountain lions. Today this breed remains relatively rare but can be found utilizing their hunting skills in rough terrain or mountain communities.

Plott Temperament & Personality

Courageous, loyal, and loving are the main characteristics of the Plott breed. These dogs are known to be natural protectors and will defend their family whenever needed. They can also be wary of strangers, so it’s important to socialize your dog with different people starting at a young age. Although they are alert and suspicious, they are also very intelligent, which will make training a breeze.

Plott Training Tips

As said before, Plotts are quick learners. Their intelligence makes simple commands and tricks an easy task to achieve, and should be constantly challenged to further their mental stimulation so they do not become bored.  

Command training is also very important for this breed because they have a tendency to develop aggressive behaviors. Make sure the canine training process starts at a young age to ensure favorable behavior later on in life. If you are having trouble training your Plott, try enrolling him in a puppy obedience course.

Plott Exercise Needs

Once a Plott gets outside, they become revitalized with energy and are ready for activities. Expect to walk your Plott at least an hour every day in order to keep him mentally and physically at his best. These dogs love to roam around fenced in yards, therefore they would not work well in apartment living.

Plott Lifespan

The Plot breed has a lifespan of 12 to 14 years.

Plott Breed Popularity

Even though these dogs are popular in North Carolina, they are not as well-known throughout the rest of the United States. As of right now, Plotts are ranked as the 158th most popular breed by the American Kennel Club.

Plott Feeding Requirements

Because of their high endurance and large-built, the Plott breed requires 2 to 3 cups of high-quality food a day, split into two equal meals. When choosing the right food for your dog, try to stay clear of products that contain byproducts, fillers, or preservatives. What you feed your dog can have a major impact on his overall health and that’s why it’s important to choose a food that contains all-natural and healthy ingredients.

Plott Grooming

The thick double coat of the Plott is meant to protect themselves against harsh weather conditions and unstable terrain. When it comes to dog coat grooming, they only require a weekly brushing to rid their coat of dead hair or debris. Also, trim your dog’s nails every couple of weeks and brush his teeth weekly to avoid tartar from building up. Lastly when grooming your Plott, be sure to check his ears, eyes, and nose for any signs of infection.

Are Plotts Good With Kids?

Plotts do very well in households with children, however, toddlers are not the best option for this breed. Their size alone can be overbearing for small children, and they may knock a child down unintentionally if they are too small.  

Plott Health Problems

Plotts are fairly healthy dogs, however, they are still prone to a number of different health problems. These Plott dog health concerns may include:

Bloat or Gastric Torsion: This condition is very common in large, deep-chested breeds. Bloat in dogs occurs when the stomach fills with air or gas, expands, and then twists. Once this happens, the dog is unable to rid the body of the gas, which causes a blockage and can lead to death.

Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia in dogs occurs when the hip socket and thighbone do not properly fit together how they should. This inherited condition can cause pain, lameness, and even arthritis in severe cases.

Other Resources

National Breed Website: National Plott Hound Association

Rescue: Plott Rescue Groups