Plott
A brindle mountain hound with German blood, bear-dog nerve, and no quit in it.
Vital stats
| Size | Medium-large · 51–64 cm |
| Weight | 18–27 kg |
| Life expectancy | 12–14 years |
| Energy | Very high — 90+ min/day |
| Shedding | Light–moderate |
| Coat | Smooth, fine double coat · brindle, sometimes black |
| Group | Hound · AKC |
Breed traits
Friendliness
Care
Mind
Temperament
Generations of trailing bear through the Smokies made the Plott courageous, tenacious and cooler-headed than most hounds — a dog that keeps thinking on a hot trail. At home it bonds hard to its people, stays watchful of strangers, and needs a proper job or serious daily mileage.
Habits & quirks
Trail bulletins
A ringing bawl on scent — bred to be heard clear across a mountain valley.
The tree stare
Whatever went up that trunk, the Plott will hold the spot and tell you about it.
Endurance mode
It paces itself like the working dog it is — two hours in, it's just warming up.
One-family heart
Plotts choose their people and guard the bond quietly but completely.
Care
| Exercise | Ninety minutes plus of hiking, running or scent work daily — a genuine job beats any walk. |
| Containment | A trailing hound needs tall, secure fencing and a lead anywhere a scent might lead. |
| Training | Socialise early and build recall on a long line; it's biddable for a hound but the nose votes first. |
| Health | A hardy breed overall; it's deep-chested, so know the signs of bloat and avoid exercise straight after meals. |
Common questions
Are Plotts good family pets?
For active, experienced homes, yes — they're loyal, affectionate and steady with their own children. Suburban life with light exercise is where the arrangement falls apart.
What makes the Plott different from other coonhounds?
Ancestry — every other American coonhound descends from foxhounds, while the Plott comes from German boar-hunting stock. It's also the state dog of North Carolina.
Do Plotts bark a lot?
On scent or at the door, emphatically yes — the voice was a job requirement. Well-exercised and settled, they're calmer indoors than the reputation suggests.