Plott Hound Dog Breed information

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The Plott Hound is a large scent hound, specifically a coonhound, originally bred for hunting boar.

History

The Plott brothers brought their dogs with them from Germany to the United States. They bred the dogs on Plott Creek in what is now Haywood County, North Carolina until they obtained the dogs they desired. Later, their neighbors referred to the type of dog as a "Plott boar hunting dog," named after the brothers and in recognition that the Plott had bred arguably the best boar hounds in the world.

The Plott Hound breed originated in the mountains of North Carolina around 1750 and is the only breed known to have originated in this State. Named for Jonathan Plott who developed the breed as a wild boar hound and bear hound, the Plott Hound is a legendary hunting dog. Plott Hounds are known to be courageous fighters and tenacious trackers, but they are also gentle and extremely loyal. The Plott Hound is very quick of foot with excellent treeing instincts and has always been a favorite of big-game hunters.

The Plott Hound has a brindle-colored coat and a bugle-like call. It is also one of only four breeds known to be of American origin.

The Plott Hound was officially adopted as the North Carolina State Dog on August 12, 1989. (Session Laws of North Carolina, 1989, c. 773; G.S. 145-13).

Appearance

The Plott Hound should be athletic, muscular, and agile in appearance. It should be of moderate build and proportion, being neither low-set and heavy, nor leggy and light. Its expression should be one of intelligence, confidence, and determination. Its skin should not be baggy like that of a Bloodhound.

The Plott may have an identification mark on the rump used to identify the dog when out hunting. Such a mark is not penalized in conformation shows.

Size

It is approximately 20 to 25 in (50 to 63.5 cm) at the withers for males, (50 to 58 cm) 20 to 23 in for females. Males should weigh 23 to 27 kg (50 to 60 lb). Females should weigh 18 to 25 kg (40 to 55lb)

Coat and colour

The coat is smooth, dense, hard, and fairly fine in texture. The colour is almost any shade of brindle. Small white patches are permissible on the feet and chest.

Temperament

Eager to please, loyal, intelligent, alert. Aggressive, bold, and fearless hunter. Disposition generally even, but varies among strains, with a distinction sometimes appearing between those bred for big game and those bred as coonhounds.