Hound group
Plott Hound
A fearless brindle bear hound — loyal, athletic and loud.
Plott Hounds are tough, athletic scent hounds bred to hunt bear and boar in the Appalachian mountains. They are loyal and affectionate with family, but intense, vocal and in need of a lot of exercise.
- Height
- 20–25 in51–64 cm
- Weight
- 40–60 lb18–27 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12–14 years
- Size
- Large
- Group
- Hound
- Origin
- North Carolina, United States
Coat: Short to medium, smooth, glossy coat. Colours: Brindle, Black with brindle trim, Buckskin.
At a glance
Ratings describe typical dogs of the breed on a 1–5 scale. Individual dogs vary with lines, upbringing and training.
Temperament
Plotts are courageous, confident and devoted to their people. They are often friendly at home but can be protective and wary of strangers.
They are driven hunters with a loud, bugle-like bay. They need firm, consistent training, secure fencing and plenty of exercise.
Living with a Plott Hound
Exercise
Needs 90 minutes or more of vigorous daily exercise, ideally tracking or long runs on a line.
Grooming
Minimal: a weekly brush, weekly ear checks and regular nail trims. Check for ticks and cuts after outings.
Training
Intelligent but independent; consistent, reward-based training is essential.
Kids & other pets
Loyal with their own children; can be selective with other dogs. Unsafe with small pets.
Time alone
Bored Plotts bay and escape; secure fencing and exercise are essential.
Home fit
Best suited to a house with secure outdoor space; apartment living is hard on this breed and its neighbours.
Is a Plott Hound right for you?
Take the Breed Fit quiz to see how a Plott Hound matches your home, schedule and tolerance for shedding, barking and exercise — or find out which breed matches your personality with Dogsona.
Health
With good breeding and care, a Plott Hound typically lives 12–14 years. These are the conditions most associated with the breed — not a prediction for any individual dog.
Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat)
A deep-chested breed at risk; learn the warning signs.
Hip dysplasia
Screened parents reduce the risk of joint disease.
Ear infections
Hanging ears need regular cleaning.
Ask a breeder for
- Hip evaluation
- Eye examination
Sources: OFA health testing guidance: Plott Hound; National Plott Hound Association. This is general information, not veterinary advice — talk to your vet about your own dog.
Cost to own
After the first year, expect roughly $1,500–$3,000 a year for food, routine vet care, preventives, insurance and supplies (US estimate).
- Food, medication and anaesthesia are dosed by weight, so every vet visit costs more for a big dog.
- Pet insurance for a puppy typically runs $30–$60 a month; premiums rise with age and breed risk.
History
In 1750 German immigrant Johannes Plott brought hunting hounds to North Carolina. His family bred them for generations to hunt bear and wild boar in the Great Smoky Mountains.
The breed kept the Plott family name for over two centuries. It became North Carolina’s state dog in 1989 and was recognised by the AKC in 2006.
Did you know?
- The Plott Hound is North Carolina’s state dog.
- Plotts are one of the few coonhound-type breeds not descended from foxhounds.
- Their bay is often described as a bugle.
Library guides for Plott Hound owners
Training
Come (Recall)
High chase drive makes a reliable recall essential.
Exercise & Play
Fetch
A fast way to meet a high exercise need.
Exercise & Play
Dog Road Work
Structured conditioning for high-stamina dogs.
Exercise & Play
Tug of War
An energy outlet that also builds impulse control.
Exercise & Play
Dog Walking
Getting daily walks right for a Plott Hound.
Grooming
Nail Clipping
Every dog needs regular nail care.
Similar breeds
Frequently asked questions
- Are Plott Hounds good family dogs?
- For active, experienced owners, yes. They are loyal but intense.
- Do Plott Hounds bark a lot?
- They bay loudly, especially when bored or on a scent.
- Are Plotts aggressive?
- They are brave and protective, not inherently aggressive; socialisation is important.