Plott Hound

The Plott Hound is the only AKC-recognised coonhound breed not descended from English Foxhounds — it has a unique lineage tracing back to German Hanoverian Schweisshund (bloodhounds) brought to North Carolina by Johannes Georg Plott, a German immigrant who arrived in 1750. His family kept the line pure for generations, and the resulting hound — the Plott — became one of the finest bear, boar, and mountain lion hunting dogs in the American South. It is the state dog of North Carolina and was recognised by the AKC in 2006. It stands out for its distinctive brindle coat, relentless courage, and exceptional cold-nose trailing ability.

The Plott Hound is loyal, alert, and devoted to its family. It has a strong bond with its people and can be an excellent companion for active families with space and time for its exercise needs. It tends to be wary of strangers — a trait from its guard and hunting role — so early socialisation is important. It gets on well with other dogs due to its pack heritage but can be assertive. Its prey drive means cats and small animals must be carefully managed. The Plott Hound is best suited to experienced dog owners in a rural or suburban setting with a large, securely fenced property.

The Plott Hound is a high-stamina working hound that needs substantial daily exercise — at least 1.5–2 hours of vigorous activity. It was bred to track large, dangerous game across mountain terrain for extended periods, so its endurance is formidable. Long runs, hikes (particularly in hilly terrain), swimming, and safe off-lead exercise in enclosed areas are ideal. Without adequate exercise, Plott Hounds become restless, noisy, and destructive. They are an excellent choice for very active owners who hike or run regularly. City or apartment living is not appropriate for this breed.

The Plott Hound stands apart from the other five AKC coonhound breeds in several ways. First, its ancestry: it is the only coonhound descended from German bloodhounds rather than English Foxhounds — giving it a very different genetic background and physical type. Second, its traditional quarry: while most coonhounds specialize in raccoon, the Plott was developed primarily for bear, boar, and large game — prey that requires exceptional courage and physical toughness. Third, its coat: the distinctive brindle pattern (striped combination of colours) is unique among coonhounds. These qualities make it one of the most distinctive and historically significant of all American hound breeds.

The Plott Hound is generally a robust, healthy breed with good working constitution. Hip dysplasia is possible, particularly given the breed's mountain hunting background. Ear infections are a routine concern due to long ears that trap moisture and debris — weekly ear inspection and regular cleaning are essential. Bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus) is a risk for deep-chested breeds and should be managed through appropriate feeding practices. Cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy have been observed in some lines. Polyradiculoneuritis — a neurological condition causing acute weakness — has been noted as a concern in coonhound breeds generally. Routine veterinary care supports long-term health.

The Plott Hound is highly intelligent and capable, but its independent, confident nature makes it a challenge for inexperienced dog owners. It was bred to make its own decisions in the field — to pursue and engage dangerous game without waiting for handler direction — and this self-reliance makes training an exercise in mutual respect rather than simple obedience. Positive reinforcement works best; it is sensitive to harsh treatment. Recall training is critical but very challenging, as its nose and hunting drive override commands. An experienced owner who understands scent hound psychology and can be consistent and patient will find the Plott Hound a deeply rewarding training partner.

The Plott Hound has a short, dense, smooth coat that comes in a variety of brindle patterns — combinations of dark stripes on a lighter or darker base coat — along with solid black. The brindle can range from light tan brindle to dark mahogany brindle, and all shades are accepted. The coat is relatively easy to maintain: a weekly brush with a rubber grooming mitt or bristle brush removes loose hair and keeps the coat gleaming. They shed moderately year-round. Bathing as needed (roughly every 4–6 weeks or when particularly muddy from outdoor activity) is sufficient. Ear, nail, and dental care complete the regular maintenance routine.

The Plott Hound typically lives between 12 and 14 years, which is notably good for a large working hound breed. Its hardy German bloodhound ancestry and history of selection for physical toughness contribute to its robust constitution. The main factors for longevity are maintaining a lean body weight (overweight hounds age poorly), providing ample daily exercise, proactive ear care, appropriate feeding to prevent bloat, and routine veterinary care including eye examinations given the breed's predisposition to certain ocular conditions. A well-exercised, attentively cared-for Plott Hound can be a long-lived, devoted companion.