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Dog Breed

Plott Hound

Breed Overview

Breed Name: Plott Hound

Origin: United States (North Carolina)

Breed Group: Hound

Physical Characteristics

Size: Medium to Large

Height: Male: 20–27 inches (51–69 cm), Female: 20–25 inches (51–64 cm)

Weight: Male: 50–75 lbs (23–34 kg), Female: 40–65 lbs (18–29 kg)

Coat Type: Short, dense, and smooth

Coat Colors: Brindle (in various shades), black with brindle trim; sometimes with white chest or feet

Grooming Needs: Low (occasional brushing)

Shedding: Low to Moderate

Behavioral Traits

Temperament: Bold, loyal, intelligent, athletic, determined

Intelligence Level: High

Energy Level: High

Health Information

Lifespan: 12–14 years

Common Health Issues: Generally healthy; possible risk of hip dysplasia or ear infections

Care

Nutrition Needs: High-quality, protein-rich diet for active breeds

Exercise Needs: High – needs daily vigorous exercise, mental stimulation, and scent-based activities

Space Requirements: Best with a yard or rural area; not ideal for apartments without plenty of exercise

Noise Sensitivity: Moderate (known for a distinctive baying voice)

Socialization and Training

Socialization Needs: High

Socialization Tips: Intelligent and driven—responds well to firm, consistent, reward-based training

Good with Children: Yes, especially when raised together

Good with Other Dogs: Yes, especially when raised together

Good with Other Pets: No, strong prey drive can make them unreliable around small animals

Training: Intelligent and driven—responds well to firm, consistent, reward-based training

Description

The Plott Hound is the state dog of North Carolina and the only coonhound breed not descended from foxhounds. Originally developed to track and hunt large game like bear and boar, Plotts are tenacious, bold, and intensely loyal to their families. They are excellent for active homes and outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy a dog with a strong work ethic and powerful nose.

Their short, dense coat is low-maintenance, though it does shed seasonally. Plotts are intelligent but independent, so training should be consistent, engaging, and reward-based, with extra focus on recall and scent control.

History

Origin: The Plott Hound is the only dog breed developed in North Carolina and one of only four breeds native to the United States. Its origins trace back to the mid-1700s when Johannes George Plott, a German gamekeeper from Heidelberg, immigrated to America in 1750, bringing with him a group of Hanoverian hounds. These dogs were bred by his father, Elias Plott, to be versatile working dogs capable of hunting large game and protecting property. Johannes settled in North Carolina, and his son Henry Plott later moved to Haywood County, where he refined the breed in the rugged Appalachian Mountains, an area that now bears the Plott family name in landmarks such as Plott Creek and the Plott Balsam Mountains.
Development: The Plott family carefully bred these dogs over generations to emphasize stamina, courage, tenacity, and alertness, creating a breed well-suited for hunting large game such as bears, boars, coyotes, and wolves. The dogs were prized for their tracking ability, strong hunting instincts, and distinctive high-pitched bark used to alert hunters to treed prey. The breed’s coloration evolved to predominantly brindle, though black, brown, buckskin, and combinations also occur. The Plotts rarely sold their dogs outside the southern U.S., keeping the breed relatively rare until the 20th century. The Plott Hound is known for a stocky build, shorter ears, and a more massive head compared to other hounds.
Recognition: The Plott Hound was officially designated the state dog of North Carolina in 1989. It gained recognition by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1998 as a distinct breed. The breed is also recognized by other registries and is celebrated for its unique American heritage, being the only breed to have originated in North Carolina. The Plott Hound remains popular among hunters in the Appalachian region and beyond for its prowess in tracking and treeing big game.
Today, the Plott Hound is known as a bold, energetic, and loyal hunting dog with a gentle disposition toward people. It typically stands 20 to 25 inches tall, weighs 45 to 55 pounds, and is strong and fast. The breed continues to be used for hunting bears, boars, and other large game, especially in mountainous terrain. Outside of hunting, Plotts make devoted family companions, though their strong prey drive and vocal nature require experienced owners who can provide ample exercise and training. The Plott Hound holds a unique place in American canine history as a symbol of rugged endurance and hunting excellence.

Ideal Owner

Active owners or hunters who want a loyal, hardworking, and tough scent hound