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 |
| Origin | Great Smoky Mountains, North Carolina, USA |
Breed traits
Friendliness
Care
Mind
The Plott by the numbers
The Plott facts owners search for most — price, lifespan, weight, shedding and colours, in one place.
Widely bred, so you can usually find a litter from a registered breeder without a long wait. Plan for steady ongoing costs — mid-range food, routine vet care and insurance.
We don't quote a single figure: the real price swings with breeder, region, bloodline and health testing — and a rescue costs a fraction of a breeder's litter. Adopting is almost always the cheapest route.
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. |
Life expectancy
This breed has a typical life expectancy of 12–14 years.
Similar breeds
Breeds with a similar build and background — worth a look if this one isn't quite the fit.
Breeds that look like this
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.
Does the Plott shed a lot?
Moderately. The Plott sheds a fair amount, steadily through the year with heavier seasonal patches. A weekly brush keeps most of the loose hair off your floors and clothes.
Is the Plott hypoallergenic?
Not really. No dog is truly hypoallergenic, and the Plott's shedding coat releases plenty of the dander that sets off allergies. If someone at home is allergic, this isn't the easiest breed to live with — spend time around one first.
Is the Plott easy to train?
Reasonably. The Plott is trainable with consistency and rewards, though it isn't the quickest study. Keep sessions short and positive, and be patient with the basics like recall.