Plott Hound Breed – Characteristics, Temperament, Traits, And Care Information
The Plott is, first and foremost, a hunting dog trained to pursue large game and anything else his master directs him to pursue. He has the potential to be a fantastic friend and watchdog for the person who can fulfill his need to hunt and keep him busy, and he is an excellent choice for family life.
The short length of his coat makes it simple to maintain, although it does shed. The Plott Hound is an intelligent and assured big-game hunting dog with a strong and tenacious attitude on the trail but an even-tempered, sociable, and loyal temperament in the home.
The Plott Hound was developed in the United States. He is the only Coonhound breed that is not a direct descendant of the foxhound, and he was born in the mountains of western North Carolina.
Both his speed and his spirit make him stand out. The Plott is an excellent choice if you need a dog capable of hunting various games, from raccoons to bears.
If you only want a pet, then he might be more responsible than you can or want to take on at this time. In case you want to purchase one of these beautiful, hard-working, and defensive dogs, the following information is crucial for you to be aware of.
The Plott is a dog that should be used for hunting first and foremost, but if his hunting instincts are satisfied, he will be content to spend the rest of his time as a loving and protective family pet.
He generally gets along swimmingly with other canines and youngsters, even though a puppy’s boundless energy might be overwhelming for younger children.
Plotts can get along with cats if raised with them, but if they are only exposed to wild cats, they may consider them prey to be hunted and climbed after.
Keep in mind that the Plott is a more enthusiastic dog than some of the other breeds of Coonhound. Every day, he has to go for at least a couple of long walks or runs.
In addition to that, he’ll be grateful for the chance to run around unleashed once or twice a week in a contained space that’s safe for him.
Keep a leash on your Plott at all times when you go for a stroll so that he doesn’t get distracted by an interesting smell. In addition, he needs a yard enclosed by a sturdy fence so that he can be contained when you are not there.
Plotts can adjust to living indoors or outdoors, but the essential fact to remember about these creatures is that they require the company of humans. It really would be a waste of money to have a Coonhound if you were going to let him out in the yard all by himself.
To lead a happy life, a Plott requires a lot of company and plenty of things to do. If that activity somehow involves following a scent trail, that’s even better.
Consider becoming involved in tracking or search and rescue operations even if you don’t plan on going after him. In addition to being a wonderful hiking companion, he possesses a high level of stamina and can successfully navigate any terrain.
The Plott’s height ranges from 20 to 25 inches, and their weight ranges from 40 to 60 pounds, depending on the gender. Females are often smaller than males.
People are drawn to the Plott because of its striking coat, which can be any shade of brindle, black with brindle trim, solid black, or bucksin, an unusual color that can be red fawn, sandy red, light cream, yellow ochre, dark fawn, or golden tan, among other possible variations.
Some Plotts have a double coat consisting of an inner layer of shorter, denser hairs that act as insulation and an outer layer of longer, smoother, and more rigid hair.
To maintain the lustrous quality of the silky, dense, yet fine coat, you need do nothing more than give it a once-a-week brushing with a rubber curry.
The Plott’s only additional grooming requirement is to have their nails trimmed, ears cleaned, and teeth brushed regularly.
What are his downsides?
To begin, Plotts can have a really loud voice. Your neighbors will be able to hear your Plott’s chop mouth, which is a loud, staccato, ringing bark unless you live at least around five miles away from your nearest neighbors.
Regarding their training, all hounds are independent thinkers who want to carry out tasks according to their preferences. In particular, plotts are known for their legendary obstinacy.
They are open to being trained and can pick up various new skills.
Training should start as soon as possible, sessions should be kept brief, and strategies that emphasize positive reinforcement rather than coercion should always be used.
History Plott Hound
The Plott Hound and the American Leopard Hound are the only two of the seven breeds of Coonhounds that are registered with the UKC that do not trace their history to the foxhound.
And concerning those seven breeds, we can know the most with absolute certainty about the Plott’s heritage and the men responsible for its growth.
In Germany, many years ago, the ancestors of the Plott Hounds that are utilized today were employed for boar hunting. In 1750, Jonathon Plott immigrated from his home country of Germany.
He took along a couple of dogs specifically trained to hunt wild boar. These canines’ hardiness and tenacity had been passed down through the family for many generations.
Plott and his family eventually made their home in the mountainous western region of North Carolina. In those days, our country did not have any wild boars.
Bear was one of the prey that Jonathon Plott employed his hounds to hunt.
It is said that Plott kept his strain completely pure and did not allow any outcrossing to occur. Henry Plott was the recipient of the Plott pack after it had been passed down to him in the year 1780.
Soon after that, a hunter who lived in Georgia and had been breeding his exceptional strain of leopard-spotted bear hounds became aware of the renown of the Plott Hounds and traveled to North Carolina to witness it for himself.
Because he was so blown away by the quality of Plott’s stud dogs, he decided to borrow one of them for a year to breed his females.
Since the Plott Hound initially arrived in this country, there has only been one known case of fresh blood being brought into the pack through this single cross.
It’s possible that other crossings took place around the year 1900. A proportionate contribution to the development of the Plott breed was made by G.P. Ferguson, who lived in the same area as the Plott family in North Carolina back in those days.
He did a lot of research on the Blevins hounds and the Cable hounds that were popular at that period. It is unknown how much he relied on these Plott bloodlines while developing his breeding program for Plotts.
In 1946, the Plott Hound became the first dog ever to be registered with the United Kennel Club. The Plotts of today are renowned for their extraordinary bravery and perseverance. They have a strong, clear voice that is easy to understand.
The Plott Hound’s Personality And Temperament
Before getting one of these dogs, it is important to understand the responsibilities that come along with the breed.
The Plott is an excellent choice for a family pet since he is intelligent and obedient. He adores and watches out for the children he was reared with.
Doesn’t it sound excellent up to this point? Certainly, to bring out the best in Plott, he requires an authoritative and patient leader. He is not the best option for a novice looking to become a dog owner.
A Plott may exhibit classic hound characteristics such as stubbornness and independence; therefore, he must be trained with patience and positive reinforcement.
And much like children who are out of school for the summer, Plott risks forgetting what he has learned if he does not get enough regular practice.
Repetition is one of his most effective learning methods, but he also does well following the example of another, more experienced dog.
Always be respectful toward your Plott. When it comes to people or other canines who have wronged him in the past, he has the potential to have a long memory, and if given the chance, he may try to make things right by seeking revenge.
It is possible for plotts to make a lot of noise, particularly if they are restless, have recently treed a cat or squirrel, or want to go hunting.
It is crucial to note that one of the characteristics shared by the breeds is a particularly long and drawn-out bark, known as “a huge bawl mouth.”
If you do not live a significant distance from your nearest neighbors, it is possible that they will not appreciate the wonderful voice of your dog.
Plotts are not only builders, but they are also explorers and excavators. They have an insatiable appetite for exploration, which, paired with their remarkable agility, makes them outstanding escape artists.
It is not difficult for a Plott to climb over or dig its way out of a pen or fence if it is not properly constructed or secured. This breed requires a great deal of attention and plenty of physical activity.
Because he needs to get his fidgets out, you should take him out for two long daily walks.
Exercising a Plott can be done in various ways, including going on long, off-leash runs in a secure environment or on difficult excursions once or twice a week.
You also have the option of taking him hunting. That will appeal to him the most.
If Plotts are raised alongside other animals, especially cats, they tend to get along well with all the household animals. However, every dog has its unique personality.
Some Plotts get along swimmingly with different kinds of animals, while others might feel the need to establish themselves, particularly with other canines of the same gender.
How a Plott acts with other animal species can also change depending on whether or not he was bred to hunt big game (which makes him more aggressive) or raccoons (less aggressive).
The Plott is a quick and tenacious runner out on the trail. One comparison that comes to me is that of an all-terrain vehicle to a pack of coonhounds.
He is an excellent water dog prepared to hunt in any terrain, whether it be mountains or swamps. When the Plott makes his move—that is, when he gets a whiff of his prey—he begins to bark.
If the scent is still relatively new, the hounds will continue their pursuit. They will bark less frequently as they deal with an older scent because it has more depth.
When they get closer, they start barking more and more. Hunters can recognize their dogs in the field thanks to the unique voices that each dog possesses.
When you bring your new puppy home, you should get started on his training. Even though he is only eight weeks old, he can already learn everything you have to offer him.
Do not wait until the dog is six months old before you begin training, or you will have a larger, more willful dog to deal with if you do. A young Plott will try to find out what he can get away with by playing you and seeing how you react.
It is important to enroll him in puppy kindergarten as soon as he is 10 to 12 weeks old so that you can begin developing a solid working relationship with him and socialize with him as much as possible.
Be aware, however, that many puppy training classes require certain vaccines (such as kennel cough) to be up to date.
Additionally, many veterinarians recommend limiting the time the puppy spends around other dogs and in public places until the puppy has completed its vaccinations (rabies, distemper, and parvovirus).
You can start to train your puppy at home and socialize him among family and friends in the interim while he is still getting his puppy vaccinations rather than enrolling him in formal training.
Talk to the breeder, be as specific as possible about what you want in a dog, and ask for help choosing a puppy from the available litter.
Once they are familiar with your way of life and personality, breeders can provide uncannily correct recommendations because they see the puppies daily.
Look for a Plott whose parents have pleasant personalities and have been properly socialized since they were young puppies. This will ensure that your Plott meets all of your expectations.
Care For The Plott Hounds
Nutrition
You should give your Plott Hound high-quality dog food that considers their specific age, the amount of activity they get, their size, and any additional health concerns they may have.
To prevent your Plott Hound from becoming overweight, it is essential, as is the case with any other breed of dog, to keep a close eye on the amount of food and treats they consume, particularly as they get older.
Your family veterinarian is always an excellent resource to help provide you with guidelines for appropriate nutrition and feeding.
Grooming
The stunning coat of the Plott Hound needs a small amount of brushing to keep it looking healthy and glossy. A grooming mitt or a brush with soft bristles should be used once a week to achieve the desired results.
The Plott’s signature floppy ears necessitate further embellishment as well. Be sure to regularly check and clean their ears with an ear-cleaning solution designed specifically for dogs.
Like all other breeds of dogs, the Plott Hound needs to have its teeth brushed regularly at home and by a professional to maintain healthy gums and teeth. They must practice appropriate dental hygiene to protect their overall health over the long term.
Exercise
These hardy hunters are a breed that is both active and energetic, and as a result, they demand a significant amount of strenuous daily exercise.
Activities in which you participate with your Plott, such as play sessions in the yard, will quickly become favorites for both of you.
This is because the Plott Hound strives to please its owners and enjoys spending time with other people. Taking brisk walks or long jogs are also great forms of exercise.
Like most other types of hounds, the Plott possesses a powerful drive to hunt. When you take this breed outside, you should always keep it on a leash or in an enclosed environment.
Training
If Plott Hounds are not well socialized and trained, they can be hostile toward other animals and people and possessive over their food and toys.
They could take up undesired hobbies if given too little attention or left to their devices too often. Early training is crucial, but patience is also required because this breed tends to be headstrong.
What You Should Know About Plott Hound Health
It is possible for any dog, just as it is possible for any human to inherit a particular illness, for a dog to suffer hereditary health problems.
If a breeder does not offer a health guarantee on their puppies, if they tell you that the dog breed is 100 percent healthy and has no known problems, or if they tell you that their puppies are isolated from the main part of the household for reasons related to their health, you should avoid working with that breeder as quickly as possible.
A breeder with a good reputation will be forthright and honest when discussing the prevalence of her lines’ health issues concerning those that affect the breed as a whole.
In general, Plott Hounds enjoy good health; nevertheless, there are a few potential health issues with which you should be familiar. Bloat, also known as stomach torsion, is a condition that can affect these dogs because of their deep chests.
Plott breeders refer to this condition as a “twisted gut.” It has been determined that certain Plotts suffer from hip dysplasia. However, injuries sustained while working in the field constitute most of Plotts’ most significant concerns.
The pursuit of big game is fraught with peril; even raccoons can inflict some degree of physical harm on a dog.
Check the ears once a week, clean them if required, and keep them dry to avoid creating a warm and moist environment where yeast and bacteria might flourish.
Remember that once you’ve brought a new puppy into your home, you can shield him from one of the most prevalent health issues, obesity.
One of the simplest and most effective ways to lengthen the life of a Plott is to ensure that he maintains a healthy weight. Utilize your preventative skills to their full potential to ensure a healthier life for your dog.
Questions People Also Ask: (FAQs)
Is A Plott Hound A Suitable Dog For A Family?
Because the Plott Hound adores children and frequently looks out for their safety, this breed is ideally suited to life in a family setting. He has a pretty loud bark, and he takes great pleasure in talking, especially when he is bored because he craves attention.
He wants to be the center of attention. Plotts require a good deal of physical activity and would welcome the opportunity to go on a great long walk or trek with you.
How Rare Is A Plott Hound?
Plotts are the official canine representative of the state of North Carolina; nonetheless, they are extremely uncommon. To this day, they are most usually seen in the Carolinas, where they are still highly prized as hunting dogs (though they now hunt more than just boar!).
They are not maintained as pets very often, but when they are, they are most commonly found in the state of North Carolina.
What Is The Parent Breed Of A Plott Hound?
According to reports, the initial stock consisted of Bloodhounds and Curs mixed together. Plott’s hounds were the name given to these canines throughout the next two centuries since they were produced and owned by successive generations of Plott family members.
How To Tell What Kind Of Dog A Plott Is?
The Plott Hound is a coonhound breed exclusive among the six AKC coonhound breeds since it is not descended from English Foxhounds but rather from German “Hanover hounds.” In the year 1750, a man called Johannes Plott immigrated from Germany to the state of North Carolina.
Is It Difficult To Train Plott Hounds?
Hounds are known for their fierce independence and will take advantage of any chance they get to investigate an intriguing odor or chase after a moving animal. Hounds have a reputation for being independent-minded and difficult to train due to this trait.
How Many Years Do Plott Hounds Typically Live?
The Plott, which has a lifespan that is typically between 11 and 13 years, is not predisposed to any significant health problems.
Canine hip dysplasia affects a number of Plotts, but not all of them (CHD). It is possible that a veterinarian will advise hip checks for dogs of this breed so that the disease can be detected early on.
What Makes Plott Hound Dog Plott Hound?
The hound dog breeds are a group of canines that were intended to assist humans in hunting, either on horseback (often the longer-legged hound dogs) or on foot.
Hound dogs have been around for centuries (the shorter-legged hounds). They accomplish this goal in one of two very different ways: either by relying on their acute sense of sight or by following a scent.
How Can I Know If My Dog Is A Plott Hound?
Characteristics of a Plott Hound
This hound is built like a tank and has a sleek profile; it has a long tail and a showy coat that comes in a variety of brindle-stripe patterns.
In addition to that, you can get them in solid colors like black and even a rare buckskin color. They feature floppy ears that are about shoulder-length and a visage that exudes self-assurance.
What Is The Size Of A Mature Plott Hound Pitbull Mix?
The Plott Hound Pitbull Mix is a breed of dog that ranges in size from toy to medium. This crossbreed can weigh anything from 25 to 75 pounds and stand between 20 and 27 inches tall at the shoulder.
Are Hound Dogs Known To Be Aggressive?
Bloodhounds are known to be quite protective of their homes, which means that they are more prone to attack strangers who come to their property or try to break in.
According to the Dog Breed Info Center, this breed is, on the other hand, often sociable toward people and other dogs when it is outside of the household.
How Often Does A Plott Hound Need To Be Bathed?
The Plott Hound is another breed of dog that does not need to be bathed frequently. If they go through a bog, you might want to give them a bath, but other than that, their thick coats are likely to avoid dirt and grime on their own.
In any other case, you should make plans to give them a bath around once every other month. They should get their nails trimmed every three to four weeks so that they can walk without discomfort.
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