The Plott Hound could be your dog if you want a hunting dog. This dog specializes in big game, meaning large animals such as boars and bears, but it will hunt anything you are hunting.
Now…
If you aren’t a hunter or only hunt rarely but can satisfy this dog’s natural yearning to track and be active,e then this dog can be a watchdog, a good companion, and also does well with life in a family. Because this dog has short hair, it is relatively easy to groom, but it will probably shed.
But, just because we here at IndulgeYourPet appreciate the Plott Hound dog breed doesn’t automatically mean it will be the “right” dog for you. This is why we wanted to take a moment and discuss exactly what it might be like to own one of these incredible animals.
So, without further ado, let’s dive right in!
Plott Hound Dog Breed Facts
Country of Origin: United States
Original Purpose: Tracking large game trailing
Weight: 38 to 62 pounds
Height: 22 to 26 inches
Dog Breed Classification: Hound group
Life Span: 11 to 15 years
History of the Plott Hound Dog Breed
Interestingly, the Plott Hound is the only coonhound (named because they were often used to hunt raccoons and other such creatures) that is not a decedent of a Foxhound. You see, way back in 1750, the ancestors of the Plott, five Hanoverian Schweisshund (Hanoverian hounds), which is a type of bloodhound used for boar hunting, accompanied the German immigrant Johannes Georg Plott and were probably mixed with other dogs at the time of.
Which is why…
Unlike other “coon hounds,” the Plott Hound is unrelated to the Foxhound. The Plott Hound is also unique because, while it has German ancestry, it comes from a mountain ridge in Western North Carolina known as the Plott Balsams, a sub-range of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the Appalachian Mountains.
Early on, Plotts had many jobs besides just hunting, including; protecting the home, driving livestock, and watching out for the safety of the children in the family. Nowadays, this coonhound breed continues to be employed in many avenues, including tracking cougars for tagging by wildlife agencies, some are show dogs (excelling at agility), and others continue to use their hunting heritage.
In fact…
The “equipment” used by the emperor of Japan in 1960 to rid the countryside of bears, which were terrifying villages, was 10 Plotts. But it’s not only Japan that loves the Plott Hound, which is evident by the fact that in 1989 the Plott became North Carolina’s official state dog. In 1946 the United Kennel Club recognized this breed, as did the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 2006.
Personality and Temperament
As with all dog breeds, researching before getting one is a good idea. While Plott will not only love and protect the children he is raised with, he needs a firm and patient leader to bring this side out. So, if you are not an experienced dog owner, this breed will not be for you.
Now if you ask us…
At IndulgeYourPet, all dogs must be trained with positive reinforcement and patience. Still, it is essential when preparing a Plott to remember that they have the typical hound traits of being independent and stubborn.
It is also good to remember that without regular practice, Plott will likely forget much of what he learns. As with most children, this dog learns well with repetition and has a positive and experienced role model. And always remember to treat your dog kindly. Plotts especially have a long memory for dogs and people who have wronged them, and sometimes they seek to even the score.
Additionally…
Plotts tend, when bored, have treed a squirrel, or go hunting, to be quite noisy. This dog has what is called a bawl mouth,’ which is when a dog barks and it is long and drawn-out. So, if you live in close quarters with your neighbor, remember that they might not appreciate your dog’s voice as much as you do.
We should also note that…
Plotts, in particular, are excavators and explorers, and with their exhaustive curiosity, they are great escape artists. If your pen or a fenced yard isn’t vital and secure enough, your Plott will have no problem escaping. So, this dog will need a lot of attention and exercise, needing long walks at least twice a day to work the fidgets out. Off-leash, runs in a safe place, or some strenuous hikes are required to exercise your dog at least once, but more like twice a week. And, of course, if you hunt, your Plott will love to go with you.
The excellent news is…
Unlike some other “hound” dogs, if your Plott is brought up with other animals, they will do fine with them, but remember, every dog is an individual, so this is not always the case. With other dogs of the same sex, they have been known to assert themselves and be territorial. Your Plott’s disposition also depends on whether it was bred and trained to be a big game hunter, which will make them more aggressive, whereas if they are qualified and generated for a little game, it will be less aggressive.
Training
A Plott puppy needs to be trained early on. Even when a puppy is eight weeks old, they can learn everything you can teach them. If you are unfortunate enough to wait until your Plott puppy is six months old, it will be much harder to train because your puppy is already maturing into a headstrong dog.
If possible…
Try and get your puppy into a training class, puppy kindergarten per se, by the time they are 10-12 weeks old to socialize and begin to learn how to work. You need to be aware that many training classes require your dog to have certain vaccines (rabies, parvovirus, distemper, etc.) completed before enrolling. Instead of formal training, you can socialize your dog with family and friends in these cases.
Also…
When selecting a dog, speak with the breeder and let them know what you are after in a companion, and they will help you choose the right puppy; breeders are with the puppies daily and can make great recommendations. When thinking of what you want in a Plott, it is helpful to look for a puppy with parents with pleasant personalities who were socialized in early puppyhood.
Grooming
The Plott has a delicate and soft coat yet is still thick enough to shelter the dog when hunting in rough wet, or cold conditions. Some Plotts have a double coat, meaning that there is an undercoat that is soft, short, and dense, and then there is stiffer and longer hair on top. When looking at grooming, you will need to use a rubber curvy brush that will distribute the skin oils and remove the dead hair. Also, if you find that hair is winding up on your furniture, you will want to brush him more often. When you have a Plott with a double coat, you will find that they shed, meaning they must be touched every few days.
But be aware…
Scent hounds (what a Plott is) often have what some describe as a musty odor. Thus, regular baths can often assist in keeping the smell under control but know that this may be something you will need to live with. Otherwise, the care of a Plott is primary and includes; nail trims, teeth brushing, cleaning, and keeping their hanging ears dry.
Potential Health Concerns
While all dogs have the potential of developing genetic health conditions, do not get a Plott from a breeder that doesn’t give their puppies some health guarantee. Any reputable breeder will be honest about a breed’s health problems and the incident rate in their lines. You can consult the National Plott Hound Association or the American Plott Association to find a reputable breeder.
Overall…
Platt hounds are generally healthy, but as with all dogs, they are more predisposed to some conditions. Since Plotts have a deep chest, they can be prone to such things as:
- Bloat (gastric torsion); breeders often call it a ‘twisted gut.’
- And hip dysplasia.
Cost
- Gastric torsion: $1750-$7750
- Hip Dysplasia: $1800-$6500
This is why…
We here at IndulgeYourPet also recommend that any new pet owner take a moment and see what it might cost for you to purchase a pet insurance policy for your new animal.
Now will a pet insurance policy be suitable for everyone?
No, probably not. But until you fully understand what these policies “will” and “won’t” cover and how much these pet insurance policies cost, how will you know if one might be right for you?
For more information on who we feel currently offers the “best” pet insurance policies out there, we would encourage you to check out our Best Pet Insurance Policies article.
