Plott Hound

Plott Hounds typically live 12 to 14 years. Hip dysplasia and ear infections are the main concerns given their floppy ears and active build. Bloat is a risk given their deep chest. Otherwise, this is a hardy, resilient hunting breed.

The short, dense brindle coat is wonderfully low-maintenance. A weekly brush keeps shedding under control and the coat clean. Their long ears need regular checks to prevent infection. Bathe only when genuinely needed.

Bred for trailing and treeing big game including bear and boar, Plott Hounds need intense daily exercise — well over an hour of real activity. Running, scent games, and securely fenced play suit their incredible stamina well. Their nose can override recall instantly once they catch a trail. A securely fenced area is essential given their strong prey drive.

Intelligent but bold and nose-driven, Plott Hounds can be a genuine training challenge as household pets. Positive reinforcement and patience pay off well. Their strong scenting and hunting instincts make off-leash reliability genuinely tricky. Early socialization helps shape a well-rounded family companion.

An active working dog needs a protein-rich diet to match their incredible stamina. Two measured meals daily reduce bloat risk in this deep-chested breed. Avoid heavy exercise right after eating. Fresh water should always be available, especially after exercise.

Developed in the Appalachian mountains of North Carolina, the Plott Hound traces back to German hunting hounds brought by the Plott family in the 1750s, bred specifically for tracking and treeing bear and wild boar. The breed remained in the same family for generations, carefully preserved as a hardworking big-game hunting dog. It became North Carolina's official state dog in 1989. The breed remains a tough, capable hunting companion today.