Plott Hound
普羅特獵犬
Updated 2026-09-09
At a glance
The Plott is North Carolina's state dog and the odd one out among the coonhounds: descended not from English foxhounds but from five Hanover hounds a German immigrant brought to the Carolina mountains in 1750 to hunt bear. Streamlined, brindle-coated and light-footed, it is a rugged, relentless hunter that is fearless and implacable at work but a mellow gentleman at home — loyal, alert and intelligent, sometimes a little standoffish. It is extremely prey-driven and needs vigorous daily exercise, mental stimulation and always a leash, and owners should expect to hear its "voice" indoors. It is not recognised by the CKC, The Royal Kennel Club or the FCI.
Facts
| Size | Medium |
|---|---|
| Height | 51–64cm |
| Weight | 18–27kg |
| Life expectancy | 12–14years |
| Breed group | AKC: hound |
| Role | Hound |
| Coat | Short coat |
| Shedding | 2/ 5 |
| Exercise | 60–120min/day |
| Can be left alone | up to 4 hours |
| Companionship need | 4/ 5 |
| Trainability | 4/ 5 |
| Barking | 4/ 5 |
| Good with children | 3/ 5 |
| Good with other dogs | 5/ 5 |
| Heat tolerance | 4/ 5 |
| Cold tolerance | 2/ 5 |
Health
This page is general information compiled from published sources. It is not veterinary, legal or purchase advice. Dogs vary within a breed — talk to a vet or a reputable breeder about the dog in front of you.
Health notes are not veterinary advice. Conditions listed are those reported for the breed, not a diagnosis of any dog. Always consult a veterinarian.
Hip dysplasia
Commonly reported in the breed; breeders screen hips by X-ray. Ask your vet about hip screening and about keeping your dog lean and fit.
Inherited eye conditions
Various inherited eye conditions are reported in the breed; annual eye examinations by a veterinary ophthalmologist are recommended for breeding stock. Ask your vet about eye screening.
Ear infections
The AKC notes that pendant ears such as the Plott's can be prone to infection and should be checked regularly. Ask your vet how to check and clean the ears.
Behaviour
Fearless at work, mellow gentleman at home
The AKC calls the Plott intelligent, alert and confident — a tail-wagging, people-loving dog that may nonetheless be a bit standoffish because it is so smart and focused. Puppies should be socialised thoroughly with gentle exposure to many people and animals, and owners should plan for an energetic puppy that needs a lot of attention; without mental stimulation it will amuse itself in undesirable ways, some can become possessive of food or toys and need training to prevent it, and the breed's "voice" will be heard in the home at times.
Relentless athlete — always on leash
The AKC describes Plotts as tough, relentless athletes requiring lots of exercise and outdoor time, quoting the standard's praise of their stamina, endurance, agility, determination and aggressiveness when hunting; daily vigorous exercise such as long walks, runs or play with the owner keeps them mentally and physically healthy, and because they are extremely prey-driven they should always be walked on leash.
Training and barking
AKC trait chart: trainability 4/5, barking level 4/5. Individual dogs vary; early socialisation and reward-based training are recommended for every breed.
Official guidance
Summaries of official documents are ours; the source is linked. Breed standards, laws and licensing rules change — check the issuing body for the current version.
American Kennel Club — Plott Hound
Breed overview, breed-trait chart, history, official standard summary and health notes from the AKC and the national parent club.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
Sources
- [1]Plott Hound — Dog Breed Information — American Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [2]How do I help my dog adjust to spending time alone? — The Royal Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [3]Incidence and risk factors for heat-related illness (heatstroke) in UK dogs under primary veterinary care in 2016 (Hall, Carter & O'Neill, Scientific Reports 10:9128) — Nature / Scientific Reports (Accessed 2026-09-09)
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Breed data compiled by PocketPaw from the sources credited on each entry. Text and layout © 2026 NextPath Solutions Limited. Please link to a page rather than copying it.