Origin
United States
Lifespan
12–14 years
Weight
18–27 kg
Height
51–64 cm
Personality
Colors & Patterns
Brindle · Black · Buckskin · Blue
Plott Hound
About This Breed
The Plott Hound is North Carolina's state dog, originally bred by German immigrants for boar hunting in the Appalachian Mountains. They are tenacious, courageous scenthounds with a distinctive brindle coat.
Characteristics
Scores describe general breed tendencies, not an individual animal. A higher score means more of the named trait or need; it does not always mean better.
Life with a Plott Hound
Origin
| Origin | United States |
| Group | Hounds |
For the breed’s history, see the reference sources and Wikipedia link below.
Size and coat
| Weight | 18–27 kg |
| Lifespan | 12–14 years |
| Height | 51–64 cm |
| Colors & Patterns | Brindle · Black · Buckskin · Blue |
These are approximate adult ranges. Individual animals may be smaller or larger.
Temperament
| Personality | Bold · Loyal · Alert · Intelligent |
Usually active. Make time for play, exercise, and activities that keep it interested.
Often seeks company and attention. Allow time together and help it get used to short periods alone.
Coat care
Usually needs relatively little coat care. Brush as needed for its coat and shedding.
Some shedding is expected, and it may change with the season.
Living together
A familiar routine can help it settle in.
Teach children to handle it gently and leave it alone when it rests.
Introduce other pets gradually and watch how each animal responds.
Training and activities
Practice in short sessions and reward the behavior you want.
Choose walks, sniffing games, and play to suit the dog’s age and health. Allow rest as well.
A lifespan range is not a prediction for an individual animal. Breed scores cannot diagnose illness or replace a veterinary assessment.
More from breed and care sources
Excerpts from the linked sources. Read the original for full details.
Breed Overview
The Plott Hound has a curious origin story compared to other hounds found in the U.S. These scent hounds were originally bred in North Carolina (where they’re now the state dog), and the name traces back to Johannes Plott, a German gamekeeper who arrived stateside in the 18th century with his Hanoverian Scenthound hunting dogs. He settled in what is now Cabarrus County, North Carolina, and his family began what would become a long history of breeding their own strain of these dogs, then known as “Plott’s hounds.” Today, Plott Hounds are known for their distinct brindle-colored coat, as well as their penchant for hunting and confident, courageous personality.
Care Guide
By the look of them, it’s easy to see why Plott Hounds have often been described as tenacious. This surely is because of their hunting roots—it’s not uncommon to see them with their nose to the ground or up a tree—but Plotts are also described as great family dogs who are loyal and eager to please. This breed requires minimal coat care, and Plotts adore both human and canine companionship. They also love to be active, whether it’s during a hiking expedition, a swim in the lake, or a long walk (with plenty of exciting smells) through the park.