Plott Hound

The Plott Hound is the state dog of North Carolina and the only major coonhound not derived from Foxhound stock. The breed began in the mid-1700s when German immigrant Johannes (George) Plott brought boar-hunting Hanoverian hounds to the Appalachians. For generations, the Plott family and local hunters selectively bred hard-driving, cold-nosed hounds for bear, boar, and raccoon. The United Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1946; the American Kennel Club added the Plott to the Hound Group in 2006. Today the Plott remains a rugged working dog and devoted companion.

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A medium-large, powerful scenthound with a sleek, weatherproof coat and classic drop ears.

• Weight: 45–60 lb (male), 40–55 lb (female)
• Height: 22–27 in (male), 20–25 in (female)
• Coat Type: Short to medium, smooth and dense; low maintenance
• Coat Colors: Brindle in many shades (from buckskin/yellow to red or dark brindle); solid black or black with brindle saddle also seen
• Distinctive Physical Traits: Deep chest, level topline, long tail, broad nose with large open nostrils, expressive drop ears, powerful stride

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Low grooming demands—routine upkeep keeps skin and coat healthy.

• Brushing: Weekly rubber curry or bristle brush to lift dead hair and dirt
• Bathing: Every 6–8 weeks or as needed after muddy hunts
• Ear Care: Clean/dry weekly (floppy ears + outdoor work = moisture buildup)
• Nail Trimming: Every 3–4 weeks
• Dental Care: Brush teeth 2–3×/week
• Shedding: Low to moderate; seasonal uptick in spring/fall

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Built for endurance—this is a high-drive athlete.

• Daily Exercise: 60–90+ minutes (brisk hikes, trail runs, field searches)
• Ideal Activities: Scent work, tracking, canicross, hiking, jogs, long-line decompression walks
• Suitability: Best for active homes with access to safe off-leash areas; apartment life only with serious daily exercise and enrichment

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Intelligent, determined, and nose-driven—keep training positive and purposeful.

• Approach: Reward-based methods, short varied sessions; avoid harsh corrections
• Focus Areas: Rock-solid recall around wildlife, loose-leash walking, “quiet” on cue, settle/place for an off-switch
• Socialization: Early exposure to people, dogs, livestock, travel, and different surfaces/sounds
• Mental Work: Tracking lines, scent puzzles, problem-solving retrieves on rest days

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Fuel the worker and keep a lean, athletic outline.

• Food Type: High-quality performance kibble or balanced fresh diet for active medium/large breeds
• Daily Quantity: ~2–3.5 cups total, split into two meals (adjust to age/workload)
• Feeding Schedule: Twice daily; small third snack on heavy training days if needed
• Diet Advice: Prioritize animal protein; add omega-3s (EPA/DHA) for skin/joints; avoid heavy exercise 60–90 minutes before/after meals to reduce bloat risk

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Look for temperament-sound, health-tested dogs from transparent sources—or consider rescue.

• Breeders: Choose preservation breeders who hunt/test dogs and provide hip/eye results and lifetime take-back
• Adoption: Plott-specific rescues, coonhound/scenthound rescue groups, regional hunting-dog rehoming networks
• Canadian Resources: Canadian Kennel Club directory (limited listings), provincial hound/field clubs (ON/BC/QC/AB), nose work/tracking clubs for training and networking

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Generally hardy; routine screening is still important.

• Common Issues: Hip dysplasia, ear infections (moisture/debris), hypothyroidism, occasional bloat risk, eye issues in some lines
• Life Expectancy: 12–14 years
• Health Testing: Hips (and elbows where available); ophthalmologist (CAER) exams; thyroid panel as advised; regular ear checks for working dogs

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Are Plott Hounds good family dogs?
Yes—loyal and affectionate with proper exercise, socialization, and training; supervise around small pets due to prey drive.

Do Plott Hounds bark a lot?
They’re vocal baying hounds. Teach a reliable “quiet,” manage triggers, and meet exercise needs.

Do Plott Hounds shed?
Light to moderate; weekly brushing keeps hair and dander down.

Are Plott Hounds hypoallergenic?
No.

How much exercise does a Plott Hound need?
Plan for 60–90+ minutes daily, ideally with scent work or trail runs.

Plott Hound vs. Black and Tan Coonhound—what’s different?
Both are scenthounds; Plotts are typically more brindled, slightly lighter and quicker, and traditionally used for bear/boar as well as coon.

Are Plott Hounds good apartment dogs?
Only for very active owners committed to daily vigorous exercise and bark management.

How are Plotts with other dogs?
Usually good with friendly dogs, especially if raised or hunted in groups; early socialization is key.

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