Plott Hound
BoldLoyalAlert
United States (North Carolina) · 12–14 years
About the Plott Hound
The Plott Hound is the official state dog of North Carolina and the only coonhound breed not descended from English Foxhounds. Their unique heritage traces to German Hanover Hounds brought to the Appalachian Mountains by the Plott family in 1750. These powerful, relentless dogs were originally bred for hunting bears and wild boar in the rugged mountains. Plott Hounds are bold, confident, and determined with a striking brindle coat that distinguishes them from other coonhounds. They are loyal and protective of their families while remaining gentle and affectionate at home.
Breed stats
- Height
- 20–25 in
- Weight
- 40–60 lbs
- Lifespan
- 12–14 years
- Group
- Hound
- Coat
- Short to medium, smooth, glossy, fine
- Origin
- United States (North Carolina)
Coat colors
- Brindle (various shades)
- Black
- Buckskin
- Blue
Temperament & ratings
Compatibility
Exercise & feeding
Daily exercise
60–90 min
per day recommended
Daily food
2–3 cups
high-quality dry food
Common health issues
- Hip dysplasia
- Bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus)
- Ear infections
- Hypothyroidism
- Eye problems
Not every Plott Hound will develop these conditions, but awareness helps with early detection. Regular veterinary checkups and choosing a responsible breeder who health-tests their dogs are the best preventive measures.
Can Plott Hounds eat...
- Can dogs eat blueberries?Safe
- Can dogs eat grapes?Toxic
- Can dogs eat bananas?Safe
- Can dogs eat chocolate?Toxic
- Can dogs eat watermelon?Safe
- Can dogs eat cheese?Caution
- Can dogs eat almonds?Caution
- Can dogs eat apples?Safe
Frequently Asked Questions
- Plott Hounds were originally bred to hunt bears and wild boar in the Appalachian Mountains — much larger, more dangerous game than the raccoons most coonhounds target. Their German Hanover Hound ancestry gave them the courage, determination, and physical toughness needed to trail and bay large, aggressive animals. A Plott Hound was expected to track a bear through rugged mountain terrain for miles and then hold it at bay until hunters arrived. This hunting heritage is reflected in their bold, fearless temperament. Today they also hunt raccoons, mountain lions, and participate in various canine sports.
- Plott Hounds are not aggressive toward people — they are loyal, gentle, and affectionate with their families. Their boldness in the field against bears does not translate to aggression with humans. However, they can be more territorial and protective than other coonhound breeds, making them better watchdogs. With other dogs, Plotts can be assertive, especially males with other males. Early socialization is important to prevent dog-directed aggression. Their prey drive means small animals may be at risk. Overall, they are confident, bold dogs rather than aggressive ones.
- Plott Hounds stand apart from other coonhound breeds in several ways. They are the only coonhound not descended from English Foxhounds — instead, they trace to German Hanover Hounds. Their distinctive brindle coat sets them apart visually from the tricolor and ticked patterns of other coonhounds. They tend to be more territorial and protective than other coonhounds, which are generally universally friendly. Plotts were bred for large, dangerous game rather than raccoons, giving them a bolder, more intense temperament. They are also more muscular and athletic-looking than many coonhound breeds.
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