The Plott hound is truly a homegrown American hound loved and appreciated by those who embrace all its charming characteristics. A hunter by design, this breed loves to pursue game and needs the space and routine that will allow it to do so. Urban living is out of the question when considering this dog; with its fierce and tenacious personality, they need room to explore.

Started in Germany the Plott’s ancestry begins with bloodhounds accompanied by Johannes Georg Plott in 1750 to western North Carolina where they were mixed with other breeds most likely Curs, the Plott hound was born. Specifically bred for hunting big game such as bear and wild boar thought to be a concern for the new settlers.

Today, Bob Plott, third generation descendant on Johannes Georg Plott, is still very much associated with the breed. The reputation of the Plott hound has expanded over the years from just hunting to also include search & rescue, herding, as well as a great family dog earning the designation of all-purpose dog. Since 1989, the Plott hound has been the State Dog for North Carolina.

Owning a Plott is not for the faint of heart. Although loyal and intelligent, they are not the best choice for the inexperienced dog owner. Plott’s do love kids and will do fine with other pets if brought up with them. They need plenty of room and lots of exercise to expend their enormous amount of energy. They will need to be supervised while outside as they enjoy digging and will climb the fence.

Plott’s as most hound dogs can be rather vocal. If you have neighbors close by they may not appreciate the hound dog song. Using a bark collar on this dog can be cruel; their song is something that comes with the breed and something owners need to be prepared for.

Training your Plott hound will take a firm and understanding hand, as they can be quite stubborn and independent. As with all dogs, positive reinforcement is the only acceptable method of training. Your affection is the reward and especially for hound dogs, it is important not to use dog treats as the primary reward for a job well done.

If you are planning to have your dog accompany you on a hunt, they need to want to do their job because the reward means a loving pat on the head. Plott’s can mature slowly so do not push the dog obedience training keep it steady and consistent. Repetition is the key; the more you practice the better your dog will become. They also do very well with an older Plott to show the way.

The Plott is generally a healthy dog with no real issues. They are prone to bloat or gastric torsion (twisted gut) so be careful with their diet. Always allow at least a couple of hours to pass after a full meal before you do any training, hunting, or exercising your Plott, that should avoid gastric torsion.

Plott hounds are wonderful dogs with a beautiful coat and a unique personality. If you are looking for a hunting dog that is fierce and unrelenting then there is no better choice than the Plott hound.

By Remarkable Dogs