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Plott Hound
Hound breed from North Carolina, United States
Breed overview
Reviewed · Database recordAbout the Plott Hound
The Plott Hound is a medium-sized scent hound known for its distinctive brindle coat and athletic build. It is described as loyal, alert, courageous, intelligent, and devoted. Originally developed in the mountains of North Carolina, this breed was perfected over generations for big-game hunting, including bear and boar. The Plott Hound is the only coonhound breed not descended from foxhounds and is the official state dog of North Carolina. Its short coat is easy to care for, but individual temperaments can vary.
Quick facts
Plott Hound at a glance
Sizemedium
Breed groupHound
OriginNorth Carolina, United States
Lifespan12–14 years
Male weight23–27 kilogram
Female weight23–27 kilogram
Male height51–64 centimetre
Female height51–64 centimetre
Origin and history
Where the breed comes from
The Plott Hound was developed in the mountains of North Carolina by German immigrant Johannes Georg Plott. He brought German Hanoverian Schweisshunds to the United States in the 1750s, and the breed was perfected over generations for big-game hunting in the Appalachian Mountains. The Plott Hound is the only coonhound breed not descended from foxhounds and is recognized as the official state dog of North Carolina. Its origins are rooted in the United States, specifically North Carolina, and it belongs to the Hound group. Recognition status varies by registry.
Physical characteristics
Structured dataSize, build and coat
Female
23–27 kilogramAdult weight51–64 centimetreAdult heightCoat typesShortCoat colorsBrindleRecognitionvaries by registryData methodai assisted draft
Temperament
Typical breed tendencies
Loyalalertcourageousintelligentdevoted
Breed tendencies are general guidance. Individual behavior depends on genetics, socialization, training, health and environment.
Exercise, training and maintenance
1–5 methodologyDaily care profile
Higher daily exercise demand
Typically responsive to training
Lower coat-maintenance demand
Moderate compared with other breeds
Family suitability
Home and household fit
Supervise every dog–child interaction.
Introductions and socialization still matter.
Exercise, enrichment and noise tolerance affect fit.
Climate suitability
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Modelled tendency · low confidence
A general morphology-based tendency. Individual dogs still require shade, shelter, water, acclimation and weather-appropriate activity. Method: climate-morphology-v1.
Health overview
Veterinary sources requiredHealth considerations
No Plott Hound-specific screening programme or peer-reviewed disorder-prevalence study is currently attached to this profile. This is not evidence that the breed has no health risks. Owners should use routine preventive veterinary care and discuss screening appropriate to the individual dog's history, examination and family line.
Veterinary disclaimer: This profile is educational and does not replace examination, diagnosis or treatment by a veterinarian.
Feeding overview
Nutrition and feeding
Research in progress
Reviewed feeding guidance will appear after an approved source is imported and editorially reviewed.
Decision support
Potential advantages and challenges
Potential advantages
- Typically responsive to consistent training.Supported by trainabilityScore: 4
- Can be a strong family match when socialized and supervised.Supported by childSuitability: 4
- Commonly described as loyal.Supported by temperaments.loyal: true
Potential challenges
- Higher daily exercise and enrichment needs may not suit every household.Supported by energyScore: 4
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Growth chart
Plott Hound puppy growth
Modeled estimates
Open interactive chart From puppy weight to adult size
Compare male and female growth, check weight by age and estimate mature size.
Adult male weight23–27 kilogramAdult female weight23–27 kilogramGrowth modeladult-range-size-model-v1
Preview only. Open the complete chart to adjust age, current weight and measurement units.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions
What is the size and lifespan of a Plott Hound?
The Plott Hound is a medium-sized breed. Estimated adult weight for both males and females ranges from 23 to 27 kg, and estimated adult height ranges from 51 to 64 cm. The estimated lifespan is 12 to 14 years. These are modelled estimates and may vary.
What is the Plott Hound's temperament like?
The breed is described as loyal, alert, courageous, intelligent, and devoted. However, individual dogs may vary, and not every Plott Hound will exhibit all these traits consistently.
How much exercise does a Plott Hound need?
The Plott Hound has a high energy level (energy score 4 out of 5). It likely requires regular, vigorous exercise, but specific needs can vary by individual.
What are the grooming requirements for a Plott Hound?
The Plott Hound has a short coat and a low grooming score (2 out of 5), indicating minimal grooming needs. Shedding is moderate (score 3 out of 5).
Is the Plott Hound suitable for families with children or other dogs?
The breed has a high child suitability score (4 out of 5) and a moderate dog compatibility score (3 out of 5). It may be good with children, but compatibility with other dogs can vary. Early socialization is recommended.
Can a Plott Hound live in an apartment?
The breed has a low apartment suitability score (2 out of 5), suggesting it may not be ideal for apartment living due to its energy level and size. A home with a yard may be more appropriate.
Where did the Plott Hound originate?
The Plott Hound originated in the United States, specifically in North Carolina. It was developed by Johannes Georg Plott from German Hanoverian Schweisshunds brought in the 1750s, and was perfected for big-game hunting in the Appalachian Mountains.
Data transparency
✓ Published · VerifiedSources and review status
APIThe Dog API ↗The Dog API Terms of Service (effective 2023-07-01)
VETERINARY SOURCEWSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines and Toolkit ↗Copyright; factual citation and original summary only
Image source: The Dog API. Last reviewed 7/20/2026.