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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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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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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