Plott Hound

• ExerciseHigh

  Needs a good workout or long walk every day.

• GroomingWash & go

  The occasional brush and bath is plenty.

• Living spaceFlexible

  Adapts to most homes with enough activity.

• Owner experienceFor experienced owners

  Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• Commitment12–14 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Hip dysplasia · Bloat (GDV) · Ear infections

The Plott Hound is a brindle-coated big-game tracking hound — unusual among American coonhounds for descending from German boar-hunting dogs — bred in the Appalachian mountains to trail and bay bear and boar. Fearless, determined and hardy on the trail, it is loyal, affectionate and surprisingly easygoing at home, making a good family companion for an active household. But it is very much a working scent hound: it has real stamina and a strong prey drive and nose, so it needs plenty of daily exercise and a securely fenced yard, and recall is unreliable once it locks onto a scent. It is trainable but independent, responding best to patient, positive, motivating methods, and like most hounds it is vocal. The short coat is wonderfully easy, needing only a weekly brush, with regular cleaning of the drop ears. Health-wise the Plott Hound is a relatively robust, healthy breed, but buy from a reputable breeder and be aware of hip dysplasia, ear infections (from those drop ears), bloat (feed measured meals and rest after eating) and hypothyroidism. Give a Plott Hound serious daily exercise, secure containment, scent work and patient training, keep the ears clean, and this fearless, good-natured tracker will be a devoted companion for twelve to fourteen years.

• How much exercise does a Plott Hound need?

  High. Needs a good workout or long walk every day.

• How much grooming does a Plott Hound need?

  Wash & go. The occasional brush and bath is plenty.

• Is a Plott Hound suited to apartment living?

  Flexible. Adapts to most homes with enough activity.

• Is a Plott Hound a good fit for first-time owners?

  For experienced owners. Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• How long do Plott Hound live?

  12–14 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Plott Hound?

  Keep an eye out for Hip dysplasia, Bloat (GDV), Ear infections. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

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