AKC Dog Breeds: Plott Hound

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Hound Group
Height:20-25 inches  Weight: 40-60 pounds  
Color:
Any Shade Of Brindle; Liver, Orange, Tan, Red, Gray, Black, Blue

The Plott Hound is an American dog, and unlike other American hounds has no British ancestry. A hunting hound of striking color that traditionally brings big game to bay or tree, the Plott is intelligent, alert and confident. Noted for stamina, endurance, agility, determination and aggressiveness when hunting, the powerful, well muscled, yet streamlined Plott combines courage with athletic ability. An American breed, the Plott Hound was so named by the family that developed them in the Appalachian Mountain chain. They are highly prized for their hunting skill of bear, wolf, coyote, wildcat, and raccoon. The Plott Hound breed is a rarity outside of the Southern states and are not intended to solely be family pets. Plott Hound's are loyal, enthusiastic, and friendly. They are extremely intense and driven when hunting. The breed received official recognition in the mid 1940s.

General Appearance
The Plott Hound is a medium-sized, muscular dog that is soundly put-together. The Plott Hound has a thick weather-resistant coat that is glossy, smooth, and fine. Some may present as a double coat breed with a stiff, long, smooth outer coat and a soft, short, thick under coat. The short, glossy, dense coat usually comes in brindle but also comes in slate blue and buckskin; many with black saddles. It has a long, high-held tail when the dog is alert. The large, long ears are characteristic of the breed. The thigh muscles are lean and powerful giving it lots of energy. The strong feet have webbed toes.

Temperament

A cheerful and happy dog, the Plott Hound is a sociable creature that can make a great family pet. These dogs have stamina and determination, and make great companion dogs and pets for active owners and families. Loyal and loving, the Plott Hound has plenty of affection to give, and thrives on the affection and companionship of his owner, which means that he is not well suited to those with little time to dedicate to a pet. These dogs are very courageous, and will not think twice about standing up to a much larger creature. The Plott Hound will need to be socialized early on, and although he is intelligent and quick to learn he can be a challenge when it comes to obedience training. The sweet natured Plott Hound gets along well with children, as well as with other pets. These dogs have been bred to hunt big game, and if they catch a scent they will be on it right away, which means that you should ensure that the play and exercise area that you provide is safe and secure. The Plott Hound needs plenty of exercise and plenty of space in order to burn off all that energy, so he is not suited to apartment life or for inactive families. He will get along well with strangers in most cases. He has a tendency to bark and raise the alarm if something is amiss, making him an effective watchdog, but he is far too docile to make it as a guard dog.

Grooming

The Plott Hound requires minimal grooming. Occasional brushing and bathing will suffice. It is important to routinely check the ears and paw pads for debris particularly after hunting. These dogs hardly shed at all, and this means that they are ideal for those with allergies.

Health Problems and Life Expectancy
The life expectancy of the Plott Hound is around 10-14 years, and this is one of the healthier dog breeds around. The Plott Hound is considered the hardiest of the coonhounds. One thing to watch out for is the speed at which these dogs may consumer their food, which can put them at risk of gastric torsion.

Activity Level

The Plott Hound is not recommended for a sedentary owner or for apartment living. They prefer to be outside and do best in a large securely fenced yard or rural setting. This breed requires an inordinate amount of exercise and a job to do. This well-muscled and rather lean- boned dog  has the endurance and stamina to work all day and well into the night. The Plott Hound should have chances to run free but is born a natural hunter and has a tendency to run off and hunt if they are not kept in a well fenced area while exercising off the lead.












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Plott Hound dog featured in dog encyclopedia
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