Plott Hounds reach their full height by around 12 months, but they will continue to fill out and develop muscle mass until they’re about 18 months to two years old. 

You’ll want to switch your canine BFF to adult food around their first birthday. At this point, they’ve finished most of their rapid growth, and their dietary needs shift to being less calorie-dense. It’s best to make the transition from puppy food to adult food over a week, gradually mixing the new food in with the old to prevent gastrointestinal upset.

Plott Hounds are beloved for their distinctive and glossy coats, which most commonly feature various shades of brindle — a pattern of dark stripes on a lighter background. The brindle can range from yellow, red, tan, blue, buckskin, or yellow to shades of black and brown.

In addition to brindle, Plott Hounds can also be solid black, which is less common but still recognized by the AKC. Some may have small white markings on their chest and feet. While rare, shades of solid buckskin can also occur in this breed.

Plott Hounds are medium to large-sized dogs. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), male Plott Hounds typically stand between 20 to 25 inches at the shoulder and weigh around 50 to 60 pounds. Females are usually a bit smaller, standing between 20 to 23 inches tall and weighing 40 to 55 pounds.

Their final size depends on a few key factors, with genetics being the primary one. If a Plott Hound’s parents were larger than average, there’s a good chance they will be too. Proper nutrition and regular exercise are also important for their development. Feeding them the right amount and ensuring they consistently get both exercise and restorative rest during their growth stages can support healthy development. Overeating or a lack of physical activity could cause them to grow too quickly or gain excess weight, which might affect their health and size in the long run.

Yes, Plott Hounds do shed, though their short, smooth coat means the shedding is quite manageable. Their coat is dense and water-resistant, designed to protect them in the field, but doesn’t require extensive grooming. Brushing once or twice a week keeps their coat healthy and minimizes shedding.

For brushing, a rubber curry brush or bristle brush works well to remove loose hairs and keep their coat shiny. During shedding seasons, like spring and fall, you might notice an increase in shedding, so brushing a bit more often can help. Plott Hounds are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming, but keeping up with weekly brushing will help keep their coat in top condition and reduce the amount of fur around your home.

Yes, Plott Hounds are often good with kids. These pups tend to be loyal, protective, and affectionate, which makes them wonderful companions.

Their active nature means they enjoy playtime and outdoor activities, which can be a great match for older kids who love to run around and explore. Teaching kids how to respect a dog’s space and interact with them gently is key to fostering a positive relationship. With the right environment and guidance, Plott Hounds can be loving and fun family dogs.

Supervision is still important, of course, particularly with younger kids, to ensure respectful and safe interactions. Teaching children how to properly approach and handle dogs is crucial to ensure positive experiences for both the dog and the child, as is teaching dogs how to interact gently with children.

Yes, some Plott Hounds can be good with cats, but it’s important to recognize that this breed has a high prey drive and does best with their feline counterparts when socialized alongside them from an early age.

If you’re considering adopting an adult Plott Hound with an unknown history of how they behave around cats, it’s best to set up meet-n-greets with the household kitty before adoption to make sure your pets will be safe together. 

Introducing and acclimating a Plott Hound who hasn’t been well socialized to a cat may take weeks of slow scent-based and on-leash introductions to ensure they learn not to chase their new feline friend. Still, some Plott Hounds may have too high of a prey drive and are best suited for homes without kitties or other small animals.

Yes, Plott Hounds tend to be good with other dogs. They’re often quite friendly and enjoy the company of other dogs, particularly if they’ve grown up in a multi-dog environment or have had positive interactions with different dogs during their early socialization period. Since they tend to be motivated to chase small animals, it’s important to teach them to play gently with smaller dogs and back off if the other dog becomes overwhelmed.

Proper socialization and positive reinforcement training are key to ensuring smooth interactions and fostering friendships with other dogs. With the right introductions and guidance, Plott Hounds can be great companions for their canine peers.

Plott Hounds come from North Carolina, USA. They were developed by the Plott family, who settled in the Appalachian Mountains in the mid-1700s. The breed’s ancestors were brought over from Germany and were used primarily for hunting wild boar. 

Over time, the Plott family refined these dogs into the skilled and tenacious hunters we know today. Plott Hounds are the only coonhound breed that isn’t descended from foxhounds, giving them a unique lineage among American hound breeds.

Plott Hounds live about 12 to 14 years on average. When you compare them to similar breeds like Bluetick Coonhounds or Treeing Walker Coonhounds, who have similar lifespans, Plott Hounds are right on par in terms of longevity.

Several factors can influence how long a Plott Hound lives. Genetics play a big role, of course, but things like diet, exercise, and vet check-ups are crucial too. Keeping them at a healthy weight and making sure they get plenty of physical activity helps them stay fit and avoid common issues like joint problems or heart disease.

Yes, Plott Hounds can bark a lot and are known for their distinctive, ringing bark, which can be loud and carries well over long distances. This bark was originally developed for hunting, where they needed to communicate with their handlers from far away. While this made them excellent at their job, it also means they can be quite vocal at home.

That said, whether a Plott Hound barks a lot often depends on how much mental and physical enrichment they’re getting and how well socialized they are. 

These dogs are active and intelligent, so they need plenty of exercise and enrichment to keep them from getting restless or bored. Daily exercise, like long walks, hikes, or playtime in a secure area, is key. Providing them with puzzle toys, scent work games, or training sessions can also keep their minds busy, reducing the chances of excessive barking. If they’re well-exercised, socialized, and mentally enriched, they’re less likely to bark out of boredom, anxiety, or frustration.

Yes, most Plott Hounds are good family dogs, especially for active households that enjoy spending time outdoors.

The ideal family for a Plott Hound is one that enjoys activities like hiking, running, or playing in a spacious yard. These dogs have high energy levels and a strong drive to stay busy, so they need daily exercise to keep them happy and healthy. Families who can dedicate time to their physical activity needs and who appreciate a dog with a strong sense of adventure will find a great companion in a Plott Hound. 

This breed is highly scent-oriented and may wander off if they’re following their nose, so it’s important to provide them with safe enclosed areas to explore and play in, go on leashed walks, or practice a reliable, consistent, and strong recall through positive reinforcement training.

Yes, Plott Hounds are often easy to train with positive reinforcement. Incorporating exercise and scent games into your training sessions can help keep this breed especially engaged and interested in learning. They can become quite distracted by wildlife, such as squirrels, so it’s best to start training sessions in low-distraction environments before building up to higher-distraction environments like parks. 

Also, keep in mind that even if a certain dog breed is known to be easy to train, training any dog requires a long-term commitment.

Yes, Plott Hounds are smart dogs, especially when it comes to tasks that require problem-solving and independent thinking. Their intelligence really shines in their natural hunting abilities — they have a strong nose, excellent tracking skills, and the determination to follow a trail for long distances.

Beyond hunting, their smarts and athleticism make them excellent candidates for dog sports. They excel in activities like scent work, tracking, and search-and-rescue, where they can put their natural abilities to good use. They’re also good at agility, thanks to their energy and quick reflexes.

Yes, Plott Hounds are typically very friendly dogs. They are well-loved for their affectionate and outgoing nature and don’t tend to be wary of strangers. Their sociable temperament makes them open and approachable, which often endears them to new people. They can be welcoming and enthusiastic around new people, making them great pups to share space with, not only for their families but also for visitors.

Yes, Plott Hounds can have health issues, but they are broadly a very healthy breed with few genetically inherited conditions. Historically, though, they have faced an increased risk of injury because they were bred to hunt large and powerful game, such as wild boar and bears.

No, Plott Hounds are not hypoallergenic. While they have short fur, they do still shed and produce a standard amount of dander, which can cause allergic reactions in affected individuals. 

To minimize the spread of dog allergens at home, vacuum regularly with a HEPA-filtered vacuum and use air purifiers. Wash your dog’s bedding and toys frequently, and consider creating a pet-free zone in your home, such as a bedroom. Weekly grooming of your dog can also help reduce allergens.

While Plott Hounds tend to be quite healthy, they can still face an increased risk of developing a small number of genetic conditions, including:

• Hip dysplasia: This is a genetic condition where the hip joint doesn’t fit into the hip socket properly, leading to arthritis and pain. It can cause discomfort and difficulty in movement, especially as the dog ages.

• Elbow dysplasia: Similar to hip dysplasia, this condition affects the elbow joint, causing pain and stiffness due to improper joint formation. It can lead to arthritis and mobility issues.

• Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV): Often called bloat, this serious condition occurs when the stomach fills with gas and twists on itself. It can cut off blood supply and is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate veterinary attention.

• Ear infections: Plott Hounds can be prone to ear infections due to their floppy ears, which can trap moisture and debris. Regular ear cleaning and check-ups can help prevent and manage infections.

Keeping up with vet check-ups and screenings helps catch issues like hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, GDV, and ear infections early, and good preventative care and quick treatment can keep your Plott Hound feeling great and staying healthy.