Breed History:

The Plott Hound originated in the United States and is the official state dog of North Carolina. Unlike most American coonhounds, it descends from German hunting dogs rather than English Foxhounds. In 1750, German immigrant Johannes Plott brought five Hanoverian Schweisshunds (Hanover Hounds) to North Carolina, where his family carefully developed the breed for tracking and hunting wild boar, black bears, and other large game in the rugged Appalachian Mountains.

Over generations, the Plott family selectively bred these dogs for courage, stamina, intelligence, and exceptional scenting ability while preserving their distinctive brindle coat. Today, the Plott Hound remains one of America's premier big-game hunting breeds and is also valued as a loyal and protective family companion.

Today, the Plott Hound is admired as a loyal family companion, exceptional hunting dog, and elite scent hound known for its endurance, intelligence, and remarkable tracking ability.

If you want to learn about other scenthound breeds, check out our page "Different Scenthound Dog Breeds".

Size: Medium to Large

Life Expectancy: 12–14 years

Breed Appearance:

The Plott Hound is a muscular, athletic, and well-balanced dog built for speed, endurance, and agility.

The breed commonly features:

• Broad, slightly flat head
• Long, powerful muzzle
• Brown or hazel expressive eyes
• Medium-length pendant ears
• Deep, well-developed chest
• Strong, muscular neck
• Long, straight limbs
• Medium-length tail carried in a gentle curve

Its short, smooth coat is dense, glossy, and weather-resistant.

Common coat colours include:

• Brindle
• Black brindle
• Brown brindle
• Buckskin brindle
• Red brindle
• Black with brindle trim
• Solid black (rare)

The brindle pattern is the breed's hallmark and varies from light golden brindle to dark black brindle.

Breed Type – Scent Hound:

The Plott Hound is an intelligent, courageous, and determined scent hound.

It is known for being:

• Loyal
• Courageous
• Intelligent
• Energetic
• Determined
• Protective

The breed forms strong bonds with its family and is generally affectionate with children. It can be reserved with strangers and has a powerful prey drive, making early socialisation essential.

Training:

The Plott Hound is intelligent but independent because of its hunting background.

Training should focus on:

• Early socialisation
• Positive reinforcement methods
• Basic obedience training
• Reliable recall training
• Leash manners
• Scent-based enrichment activities

The breed excels in:

• Tracking
• Scent work
• Hunting
• Search and rescue
• Mantrailing
• Canine sports

Consistent, reward-based training helps channel its strong hunting instincts while building responsiveness.

Health & Care:

The Plott Hound is generally healthy but may be prone to several health concerns, including:

• Hip dysplasia
• Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat)
  
• Obesity if under-exercised
• Hypothyroidism
• Progressive retinal atrophy
• Ear infections
  

Routine veterinary care, responsible breeding, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight help support long-term health.

Living Conditions:

The Plott Hound thrives in homes where it has ample space and opportunities for vigorous exercise.

Ideal environments include:

• Houses with large, securely fenced yards
• Rural or suburban homes
• Active families
• Experienced dog owners
• Homes with access to forests, trails, or open countryside

The breed prefers living indoors with its family but is not well suited to apartment living due to its energy level and exercise needs.

Exercise:

The Plott Hound has high exercise requirements.

Recommended activities include:

• Long daily walks
• Hiking
• Running
• Tracking games
• Scent work
• Mental enrichment activities

Regular physical activity and scent-based challenges are essential to keep the breed physically fit and mentally stimulated.

Grooming:

The short coat requires minimal maintenance.

• Brushing once per week
• Occasional bathing
• Regular ear cleaning
• Nail trimming
• Routine dental care

The breed sheds moderately throughout the year.