The Plott Hound is a unique American coonhound with a distinctly different heritage from the other six AKC-recognized coonhound breeds — descended not from English foxhound lines but from German Hanover Hounds (Hannoverscher Schweisshund) brought to North Carolina in the 18th century by German immigrant Johannes Plott and his family. North Carolina’s official state dog and an AKC-recognized Hound Group member since 2006, the Plott Hound is a bold, versatile, and vocal big game coonhound prized throughout the American South for its courage and stamina.
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Plott Hound
Lifespan12 - 14
Average Price$300 - $800
Weight23 - 2718 - 25
Height51 - 6451 - 58
PedigreeYes
Health tests availableOFA Hip Dysplasia Evaluation (recommended for breeding animals), Bloat awareness — prophylactic gastropexy discussion with veterinarian, Weekly ear cleaning protocol (elevated infection risk), General health screening by licensed veterinarian
NicknamesPlott, North Carolina State Dog, Plott Cur
Pros
The official state dog of North Carolina — an authentic American breed with a distinctive German heritage and unique brindle coat
Bold, courageous, and hardworking — one of the most capable big game coonhounds in the American South
Generally sweet and loyal with family when not hunting
Very affordable and accessible for hunting hound enthusiasts
Cons
Bloat is a life-threatening risk given the breed’s deep chest — feeding management is critical
Extraordinary exercise demands make the breed unsuitable for sedentary or urban households
Bold hunting character and baying voice create management challenges in residential settings
Scent drive makes reliable off-leash recall essentially unachievable on a trail
The Plott Hound’s origins are precisely documented — unusually so for an American hunting dog. Johannes Georg Plott emigrated from Germany to North Carolina’s Smoky Mountains around 1750, bringing five Hanover Hounds. These German blood-trailing dogs were selectively bred over the next five generations by the Plott family for bear and boar hunting in the rugged Appalachian terrain, producing a distinct American hound with German blood-tracking heritage and American working character. The Plott family maintained the breeding program essentially unchanged for nearly two centuries before the breed began to spread beyond their holdings. North Carolina designated the Plott Hound as its official state dog in 1989. The AKC granted full Hound Group recognition in 2006.
The Plott Hound is a medium to large athletic hound standing 51 to 64 cm at the shoulder and weighing 18 to 27 kg. The build is muscular and lean, designed for sustained trailing and confrontation with large game. The most distinctive feature is the brindle coat — virtually unique among American coonhounds. Colors include various shades of brindle (black brindle, yellow brindle, red brindle, brown brindle), sometimes with black saddling or blanket markings. The coat is short and dense. The deep baying voice carries considerable distance across mountain terrain.
The Plott Hound is loyal, eager, and affectionate with its family — the gentle side of a bold hunting hound that is genuinely devoted to its people when not working. The AKC describes the breed as loyal, eager to please, and alert. The hunting character is primary and intense; on a trail, the Plott is a single-minded, courageous, and vocal tracking dog. The breed’s boldness makes it an effective watchdog but its sociability means it lacks true guardian aggression.
The Plott Hound is trainable in a hunting and basic obedience context. Positive reinforcement works well for household manners and field training. Recall in open hunting environments is unreliable when a trail is live — this is a breed characteristic rather than a training failure. Early socialization broadens confidence and social grace in non-hunting environments.
The Plott Hound is typically gentle and good-natured with children in its family, reflecting its loyal, pack-oriented character. Active rural families with older children who participate in hunting or outdoor activities will find the Plott a devoted and capable companion. The breed’s baying voice can be startling for young children, and its high exercise demands require active management.
The Plott Hound is generally a healthy breed. Bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus) is the most significant acute health risk given the breed’s deep chest; feeding management — multiple smaller meals, no vigorous exercise around mealtimes — is essential, and prophylactic gastropexy surgery is worth discussing with a veterinarian. Hip dysplasia can occur; OFA evaluation of breeding animals is advisable. Ear infections are common given the long, pendant hound ear structure; weekly cleaning is essential. A healthy Plott Hound typically lives 12 to 14 years.
The Plott Hound thrives in rural settings with access to hunting land and an active working role. Secure fencing is essential; the hound will follow a trail once engaged. Weekly ear care is the most important routine health maintenance task. Bloat prevention feeding management is a daily practice.
The Plott Hound's dense, weather-resistant coat requires weekly brushing with a soft bristle brush or hound glove to remove loose hair and maintain coat health. The pendulous ears are prone to moisture accumulation and infection, particularly after field work; check and clean weekly with a veterinarian-approved ear solution. Bathe only when dirty. Trim nails monthly and brush teeth several times per week. Professional grooming is not required for this naturally low-maintenance hound coat.
The Plott Hound is the state dog of North Carolina and is recognized by the AKC in the Hound Group. Plan for at least 30 to 60 minutes of daily exercise including brisk walks, runs, hikes, and scent work activities. As a hunting hound developed for pursuing boar and bear over rugged mountain terrain, the Plott has significant stamina and benefits from activities that engage its powerful nose. Off-leash exercise must be in a securely fenced area — the breed's hunting drive overrides recall on an interesting trail.
Feed the Plott Hound a high-quality dry kibble formulated for active medium-to-large hunting breeds. The daily amount varies based on individual size, age, and activity level; consult your veterinarian or food packaging for portion guidance based on the dog's actual weight. Divide into two daily meals. Hunting-season dogs need significantly more calories than companion dogs. The Plott Hound is the only AKC breed that originated in the United States from German stock without English ancestor breeds.
Plott Hound puppies in the United States typically cost between $300 and $800, consistent with other working coonhound breeds. Hunting-line dogs from proven field stock are the most valuable. The Plott Hound Club of America and UKC maintain breeder resources. Lancaster Puppies features Plott Hound listings from established US hunting breeders.
Contact the Plott Hound Club of America or North Carolina hunting dog networks to find responsible breeders. Request OFA hip evaluations for breeding animals and discuss prophylactic gastropexy with your veterinarian. Be honest about your living environment and hunting lifestyle before purchasing — the Plott Hound is a demanding working hound that needs a genuine hunting context to thrive. Lancaster Puppies is an excellent resource for finding established Plott Hound breeders.
