Plott Hound is a medium-sized coonhound that originated in Germany and was originally bred for large game tracking and hunting. It has a short coat with rough and coarse hair, short pendant ears, a long, square muzzle with a black nose, and brown eyes.
Information about the Plott Hound’s history is important to know why he may have been created and what character traits may have been passed down to him based on his ancestors. See below for a complete list of his history, characteristics, caring aspects, and temperament.
Plott Hound History
The Plott Hound is a large scent hound from Germany originally bred for large game tracking and hunting, such as bears and wild boars. It became the official state dog of North Carolina in 1989. In 1750, Johannes Georg Plott took five of his Hanoverian Hounds left Germany bound for the Great Smoky Mountains. For the next 200 years, Plott family members kept on breeding these dogs.
Thus, they were known as “Plott’s hounds.” These dogs remained rare as they were limited to their area, and the Plott family did not market them. However, they were crossed with the black-saddled hounds resulting in having the black-saddled brindle patterns. This dog was finally named Plott Hound, and the UKC registered it officially. In 2006 the AKC also added it to the Hound Group.
Plott Hound Characteristics
The Plott hound is a medium-sized coonhound with a stocky and compact body. It has a short coat with rough and coarse hair in red, black, black, tan, or belge (a mix of black and reddish-brown) color assortments. He has short pendant ears, a long, square muzzle, with a black nose. A pair of round close-set hazel eyes is set above the snout and is filled with an alert, playful expression.
How Big to Plott Hound Get
Plott Hound usually weighs between 51-60 lbs with a height of 23-28 inches. The female dog is marginally smaller, around 20-23 inches tall, and weighs approximately 40-55 lbs.
How Long Does Plott Hound Live
The average lifespan of a Plott Hound is 12 to 14 years which you can increase with high-quality foods and enough exercise. A good lifestyle and suitable living conditions can help him increase his longevity.
How Much Does a Plott Hound Cost
Plott Hound, on average, costs around $1500-$3,000 for a puppy. However, the prices may vary depending on the breeder. He will also be able to help you with other aspects of your pup, such as health concerns, training, and overall traits.
Plott Hound Temperament/Personality
Plott Hound is known to be very friendly and eager to please older children and familiar adults. We recommend it as a perfect option for owners and families that live an active life. This dog tends to be dominant, so you should be gentle but firm with him from a young age.
He will become the leader of the pack if you do not lead properly. A positive training method combined with patience, consistency, and Dog Training Treats can give you the best results. You may find this dog a little more reserved around strangers and if so, make sure to polish his social skills.
He needs daily exercise as the energy needs can be aggravated if he is not stimulated adequately. Due to his hunting instincts, you should monitor him around small pets and small children. A sum up, he is a very loyal and affectionate dog that craves human interaction.
Caring for Plott Hound
Owning any pet or dog is a big commitment and one that you should not take lightly. Below, we will talk you through everything the Plott Hound needs from you as its owner.
Plott Hound Nutrition
Your Plott Hound has an insatiable appetite for food. You will need to provide up to two cups of High Protein Dog Food a day. Feed him Dog Food for Sensitive Stomachs in his puppyhood and if he is not getting a lot of exercises, be careful not to overfeed him as it can lead to obesity.
How to Groom a Plott Hound
Plott Hound needs to brush occasionally and maintains its coat with little maintenance. He does not usually need to be bathed unless he gets into something, but you may need to use special Dog Shampoo due to their susceptibility to skin conditions. In addition, his nails may need trimming with Dog Nail Clippers once a month if he spends more time inside than outdoors.
Plott Hound Activity Levels
Plott Hound has moderate energy levels. He enjoys daily walks happily while spending time outdoors. Please don’t take him on a long walk or hectic activity to protect their bones and joints, particularly during his formative years. This crossbreed is much more comfortable when given the ample room that a house provides.
Caring for Plott Hound
Plott Hound is best suited to more moderate climates and a house with a yard. It needs a high-quality diet and sufficient exercise. The games of fetch, Frisbee, and fly ball, in addition to the planned exercise routine, can make it happy.
Regular water breaks will help the insulating body from overheating. Make sure to train and socialize from an early age because if you don’t set boundaries and teach good behavior, this canine can quickly become bored, leading to antisocial activities. The health care of this breed is given below.
Plott Hound Health
Plott Hound is a healthy dog with few health issues. However, he might be prone to Hip Dysplasia and Gastric Torsion (bloat caused by the sudden influx of gas and air in the stomach). These diseases can be severe, and the latter can even be fatal if not treated. Therefore, it is crucial to examine your dog regularly and notice if there are any uncommon signs. A regular visit to a vet is also essential for his health.
Breeds Similar to Plott Hound
Best Dog Food For Plott Hounds
The best dog food for Plott Hounds is Hill’s Science Diet Adult Chicken & Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food. This delicious recipe is thoughtfully balanced with fresh chicken and other nutrients to build lean muscle. Made from pure ingredients, this dog food is easily digestible and shows visible results within a month.
- Fortified with antioxidants for better immunity.
- Makes a delicious and healthy meal for dogs up to 6 years of age.
- Made without any artificial flavors or fillers.
Best Puppy Food For Plott Hounds
The best puppy food for Plott Hounds is Purina Pro Plan Puppy Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice Formula with Probiotics Dry Dog Food. It is an optimal source of carbohydrates for growing puppies who need extra energy. Apart from this, the antioxidants and probiotics promote healthy digestive and immune health.
- Comes in small-sized kibble that’s specially formulated for puppies.
- Essential phosphorus, minerals, and calcium promote healthier bones and teeth.
- DHA present in omega-rich fish oil supports better eye and cognitive development.
Best Dog Crate For Plott Hounds
The best dog crate for Plott Hounds is MidWest iCrate Fold & Carry Single Door Collapsible Wire Dog Crate. This crate is slightly elevated to keep the pet dry and safe, even in case of accidents. It also has two access points and replacement pans that can be easily removed for cleaning.
- The floor grid elevation can be adjusted to suit growing pets.
- The crate is made from durable material with a dust-resistant coating.
- Provides easy access to the pet at all times and can be folded for storage.
Best Dog Bed For Plott Hounds
The best dog bed for Plott Hounds is FurHaven Calming Cuddler Long Fur Donut Bolster Dog Bed. Made to promote relaxing sleep, this bed calms and soothes anxious pets. This round-shaped bed has bolstered edges with deep crevices to hide his favorite toys and treats.
- Makes a great place for dogs to snuggle up at night or day.
- The soft, vegan fur is made for relaxing tired paws and aching joints.
- The bed is made from high-quality fabric that is machine-washable and dryer-safe.
Best Dog Harness For Plott Hounds
The best dog harness for Plott Hounds is PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness. It gives you control during walks and discourages pulling on the leash. The harness is also easy to strap on and comfortable to wear.
- Comes in beautiful colors with multiple adjustment points for a perfect fit.
- Makes it easy to train dogs to walk on the leash.
- Differently colored belly straps and quick-release buckles make it easy to put on, even in a hurry.
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