Plott Hound
Basics
The Plott Hound is a tough, track-driven scenthound best known for working big game, especially bear, in rugged country. It’s the only coonhound breed with clearly documented roots outside the British foxhound tradition, and it’s famously associated with the Plott family of western North Carolina. Many Plotts are mellow, steady house dogs when their exercise needs are met—but once they’re on scent, they can be intense, persistent, and hard to distract.
This is not a “low-maintenance” hound. Plotts generally do best with owners who enjoy outdoorsy routines and who appreciate a dog that was built to do a job for hours at a time. If you want a companion for hiking, hunting, trailing, or scent-based sports—and you’re willing to train consistently—this breed can be a deeply rewarding partner.
Description
The Plott Hound is a versatile and determined breed, known for its hunting prowess and loyal, friendly demeanor. Originally bred in the United States, the Plott Hound is the official state dog of North Carolina and carries a unique legacy. The breed traces its lineage back to 1750, when German immigrant Johannes Plott brought five Hanoverian Schweisshunds (a type of hunting dog) to North Carolina. These dogs were bred over generations with local stock and other breeds to create the Plott Hound, a powerful and fearless dog uniquely suited to hunting large game such as bears and wild boars in rugged terrain.
Physically, the Plott Hound is a medium to large breed with a muscular and athletic build, designed for endurance and strength. They typically stand 20 to 25 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 40 and 60 pounds. Their coat is short, smooth, and dense, often displaying the breed’s distinctive brindle pattern, though solid black or buckskin colors also occur. Their long, drooping ears and expressive eyes give them a keen, alert appearance, reflecting their sharp senses and intelligence.
Temperamentally, Plott Hounds are loyal, courageous, and intelligent. They are highly driven in the field, making them exceptional hunting dogs with an unparalleled tenacity for tracking and treeing game. At home, they are affectionate and friendly with their families, displaying a calm demeanor when properly exercised. However, they can be independent and require consistent training and firm, positive reinforcement. Early socialization is essential to channel their strong instincts and prevent unwanted behaviors, such as excessive barking or chasing.
The Plott Hound thrives in active households, especially those with outdoor space where they can run and explore. They are well-suited for hunting and tracking but can also excel in canine sports like agility and obedience. Their blend of work ethic and affectionate nature makes them excellent companions for experienced dog owners who can meet their physical and mental needs. With their rich history and unique traits, the Plott Hound stands as a testament to resilience, loyalty, and versatility.
History
The Plott Hound is a uniquely American breed with a history deeply rooted in the Appalachian Mountains of the United States. Its origins trace back to 1750, when Johannes Georg Plott, a German immigrant, brought a pack of Hanoverian Schweisshunds (a type of bloodhound) with him to North Carolina. These dogs, known for their exceptional scent-trailing ability and stamina, became the foundation of what would eventually be known as the Plott Hound. Plott began selectively breeding his dogs to adapt them to the rugged terrain and the large game found in the region, such as bear and boar.
Over generations, the Plott family and other local hunters refined the breed by crossing it with other carefully selected dogs to enhance its tenacity, strength, and hunting instincts. Unlike many other coonhounds that trace their lineage to foxhounds, the Plott Hound maintained a distinct bloodline rooted in its German heritage. The breed became highly valued for its ability to track and tree game, as well as for its courage and determination in confronting large predators.
The Plott Hound’s reputation spread throughout the Appalachian region, and it became a favorite among hunters for its versatility and work ethic. Despite its local fame, the breed remained relatively unknown outside the southeastern United States until the mid-20th century. In 1946, the Plott Hound was recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC), which helped bring more attention to the breed. Later, in 2006, it gained full recognition by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and was designated as the state dog of North Carolina, cementing its status as a symbol of the region's hunting heritage.
Today, the Plott Hound is celebrated for its loyalty, intelligence, and athleticism. While it remains a popular hunting dog, it has also gained recognition as a companion animal for active families. The breed’s history reflects its unique heritage and the dedication of the Plott family and others who preserved its working abilities and distinctive characteristics.
Appearance
Plott Hounds are medium-sized, strongly built working hounds with a body made for speed, stamina, and endurance. The overall outline is athletic and functional: a deep chest for lung capacity, a level back, and a balanced, agile frame that can keep moving across uneven terrain.
The coat is short to medium and lies smooth and glossy, designed to shed weather and brush. The signature look is brindle—dark striping over a lighter background (or lighter striping over a darker background)—though other colors can occur in the breed standard. Ears are soft and of medium length, the tail is carried freely, and the expression is typically alert and confident rather than “soft.”
Colors
• Black
• Black Brindle
• Blue Brindle
• Brown Brindle
• Buckskin
• Chocolate Brindle
• Grey Brindle
• Liver Brindle
• Maltese
• Orange Brindle
• Red Brindle
• Tan Brindle
• Yellow Brindle
Health
Plott Hounds are generally hardy working dogs, but they can still face the common issues seen in active, medium-to-large breeds. When choosing a breeder, ask for documented health screening on the parents (orthopedic screening is a common starting point for athletic breeds) and a clear plan for temperament selection.
As a deep-chested, active hound, some individuals may be at risk for gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat/GDV). Learn the warning signs (sudden unproductive retching, restlessness, a distended abdomen) and talk with your veterinarian about risk reduction—especially if your dog is a fast eater or does intense exercise around mealtimes.
Working and hiking also increase the chances of minor injuries and irritation: cuts, strains, paw-pad wear, and ear infections from moisture and debris. Keeping the dog lean, well-conditioned, and on a sensible conditioning plan helps support long-term soundness.
Care
Daily exercise needs to be more than a slow neighborhood stroll. Plan on brisk walks, long hikes, supervised runs in secure areas, or structured work like trailing games, nose work, and tracking practice. A tired Plott is usually a much easier dog to live with; an under-exercised Plott can become noisy, restless, and destructive.
Coat care is straightforward: a weekly brush or rubber curry to remove loose hair, plus occasional baths as needed. More important is “hound maintenance”—regular ear checks and cleaning (especially after wet or brushy outings), nail trims to support traction, and routine dental care.
Because Plotts often love the outdoors, owners should also get in the habit of post-adventure inspections: check paws for abrasions, look for burrs/ticks, and rinse off mud or allergens. Their lifestyle tends to expose them to more of the environment than many couch-centric breeds.
Training
Start training early and keep it consistent. Plotts respond well to clear rules, short sessions, and rewards that matter to them (food, play, and especially scent-based games). Prioritize foundations that keep everyone safe: recall, leash skills, a solid “leave it,” and a reliable stop/settle cue.
Expect the nose to compete with you. Rather than fighting that instinct, channel it—use tracking lines, scent trails, and structured sniffing as reinforcement. When a Plott is allowed to use their brain and nose appropriately, they’re often more focused in other contexts.
Harsh, repetitive corrections can create conflict or avoidance in many hounds. Calm structure, good timing, and lots of practice around distractions typically produce better reliability. For hunting homes, build steadiness and handling skills gradually before asking for difficult work around game.
Temperament
A good Plott is confident, courageous, and very determined when working. They’re often described as kind and bright, and they tend to learn quickly—especially when the training connects to what they naturally love: scent, tracking, and purposeful movement.
In the home, many Plotts are affectionate with their people and can be pleasant companions, but they’re not usually a “laid-back beginner” breed. They can be vocal, independent-minded, and highly aroused by wildlife smells, and some may be reserved with strangers.
Because they were developed to pursue and hold dangerous game, early socialization and clear household boundaries matter. With consistent leadership and enough daily outlets, the same intensity that makes them effective hunters can translate into a steady, self-assured family dog.
Lifestyle
This breed fits best with people who like to be outside and who want a dog with real purpose. Plotts can adapt to many living situations, but they are typically happiest when they have room to move and a daily routine that includes exercise plus mental work.
A securely fenced yard is helpful, but it’s not a substitute for activity—many Plotts will happily patrol the perimeter and then look for more to do. Because scent can override common sense, off-leash freedom should be earned carefully and only in safe areas.
They often do best in homes that enjoy training and structure. If your schedule is sedentary or you prefer a dog that naturally ignores squirrels and rabbits, a Plott may feel like too much dog. If you enjoy building skills and giving a hound a job, the match can be excellent.
Ownership
Owning a Plott Hound means committing to management as well as affection. You’ll likely need secure containment, thoughtful introductions to new people and animals, and a long-term training plan that accounts for strong prey drive and an independent streak.
Look for breeders (or rescues) who can speak specifically about working style, stability around people, and how their dogs behave off the hunt. A well-bred Plott should have the confidence and courage to work, but also the steadiness to live safely in a modern home.
Before bringing one home, make sure your household is on board with the realities of hounds: vocalizing, scent-driven decision-making, and the need for daily outlets. When those needs are met, Plotts tend to be loyal, entertaining, and deeply bonded companions.
Interesting Facts
- The Plott Hound is North Carolina’s official state dog.
- It’s known for grit and stamina as a big-game scenthound, especially in bear hunting.
- The breed’s history is strongly tied to the Plott family in western North Carolina, with roots traced to German boar-hunting dogs.
- Brindle is the classic coat pattern, though the breed standard allows additional colors.
- Many Plotts have an “open” trailing voice (bawl/chop) that carries well when they’re on scent.
- They usually thrive with scent work, tracking, or other nose-forward activities, not just casual exercise.
