Pet Wiki

Plott Hound

Also called Plott

Recognised breedFCI group 6Short profile

From United States (North Carolina), from German Hanoverian hounds12

At a glance the quick version

Weight, male23 to 34 kg213
Weight, female18 to 29.5 kg213
Height, male51 to 69 cm21
Height, female51 to 64 cm21
Lifespan12 to 14 years3
Sizelarge

UKC: males 50-75 lb, females 40-65 lb; Wikipedia gives a narrower 23-27 kg and 18-25 kg.

brave and determined
loyal to family
quick to learn
234

Coat and looks how to spot one

short to medium, smooth

A muscular, athletic scenthound with a smooth, glossy coat of fine to medium texture.21

Coloursbrindle (many shades)brindle with black saddleblack with brindle trimsolid blackbuckskin21

Personality what they are like

Relaxed and gentle at home but bold and tireless on a trail. It is bright, confident and devoted to its people, may be wary of strangers at first, and has an independent mind that responds best to calm, consistent training.234

Daily activity how busy a day looks

High. Plan on about an hour of activity a day, split into walks or play. It follows its nose, so keep it on lead or in a securely fenced area.3

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Weekly brushing with a hound mitt or rubber curry brush, weekly ear checks, plus routine nail trims and tooth brushing.3

Home where they are happiest

Best suited to a home with a large, well-fenced yard or acreage.3

Company who they like around

Loyal and affectionate with its family; takes a little time to warm up to new people and enjoys an experienced, consistent owner.3

The story where it all began

Johannes Plott emigrated from Germany to North Carolina around 1750 with five Hanoverian hounds bred for boar and bear hunting. His family kept and developed the line for generations, with his son Henry settling the pack in Haywood County, and it became a distinct American coonhound, registered by the UKC in 1946 and the AKC in 2006.123

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    It has been the official state dog of North Carolina since 1989.1

  2. 2

    It is the only coonhound breed that does not descend from foxhounds.1

  3. 3

    It was originally developed to hunt bear and wild boar rather than raccoons.3

  4. 4

    It is the only dog breed known to originate in North Carolina.1

  5. 5

    Brindle is the preferred colour in the UKC standard.2

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed is named after the Plott family, specifically Johannes George Plott, who brought the foundation dogs from Germany to North Carolina in 1750.5

Famous ones stars of the breed

Name ideas for your new friend

SmokyBlueAppalachiaRidgeBiscuitMapleBooneHickoryDaisyCreekCopperPiper

A day in the life told by a Plott Hound

I stretched on the porch as the sun rose, then sniffed the breeze, squirrel! I gave a deep bay and my human smiled. We walked the wooded trail, and I followed a scent for half a mile before circling back. At home, I chewed a stick on the rug and wagged when the mailman came. After lunch, I dozed in a sunbeam. Later, we played fetch until dusk. Now I'm curled at my human's feet, dreaming of tomorrow's adventures.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

UKC
First registered 19462
AKC
Hound Group; recognised 20061

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Plott Hound. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Plott Hound tip

For a Plott Hound, choose low-calorie treats like baby carrots or green beans, and account for them in their daily food allowance to help prevent weight gain. Always check with your vet for treat recommendations tailored to your dog's needs.

Source: petmd.com

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Frozen Yoghurt & Berry Kong Stuffing

A cooling, low-calorie treat that’s perfect for large dogs who love to lick and work for their food. Blueberries provide antioxidants, and plain yoghurt is gentle on the stomach.

You need

  • 120g plain Greek yoghurt (unsweetened, no additives)
  • 50g fresh or frozen blueberries (chopped if large)

How

  1. Mix the yoghurt and blueberries together in a small bowl.
  2. Spoon the mixture into a Kong or similar treat-dispensing toy.
  3. Place the stuffed Kong upright in a cup or on a tray in the freezer.
  4. Freeze for at least 3-4 hours or until solid.
  5. Give to your dog as a supervised treat.

How much: One stuffed Kong per day for a large/giant dog, reducing their dinner portion accordingly.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Plott Hound, and at what times?

Feed your Plott Hound at least two meals a day for an adult, and three to four smaller meals for a puppy. Consistent meal times help their digestion, so aim for the same times each day. Check the food label for exact amounts and ask your vet for a tailored plan.7

What should a Plott Hound eat, and which foods are dangerous?

A high-quality dog food that suits their age and activity level is best. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts. Always avoid giving them human treats like these, and consult your vet for a safe diet plan.8

How often should I bathe a Plott Hound?

Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 8 weeks, but you can bathe more often if they get very dirty or have skin issues. Use a gentle dog shampoo and avoid over-bathing to keep their coat healthy.9 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Plott Hound need brushing?

Brush your Plott Hound weekly with a hound mitt or rubber curry brush to keep their smooth coat shiny and remove loose hair. This also helps distribute natural oils and is a nice bonding time.39 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Plott Hound's nails, and how often?

Trim nails every 4 weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part inside), and use a proper dog nail trimmer. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for a demo.9 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Plott Hound need?

Your Plott Hound needs about an hour of activity daily, split into walks or play. They love to follow their nose, so always keep them on a lead or in a securely fenced area. This breed is tireless on a trail but relaxed at home.3 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Plott Hound's teeth and ears?

Brush their teeth at least twice a week, ideally daily, using a dog-safe toothpaste. Check their floppy ears weekly for dirt or moisture and dry them gently, never push anything into the ear canal. This helps prevent infections.39 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Plott Hound live?

A Plott Hound typically lives between 12 and 14 years. With good care, regular vet visits, and a healthy lifestyle, they can enjoy a long, happy life by your side.3

Is a Plott Hound good with children and other pets?

Yes, they are loyal and affectionate with their family and can be good with children when properly socialized. They may be wary of strangers at first and have an independent mind, so early, consistent training helps them get along with other pets too.234

Can a Plott Hound be left alone?

Plott Hounds are devoted to their people and may not enjoy long periods alone. They do best with an owner who is home often or can provide company, as they can become bored or anxious. If left alone, ensure they have plenty of exercise and mental stimulation beforehand.3

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. Wikipedia: Plott Hound en.wikipedia.orgused for history, recognition, sizes, facts
  2. UKC breed standard: Plott Hound ukcdogs.comused for history, temperament, coat, colour, height, weight
  3. DogTime: Plott dogtime.comused for lifespan, care, exercise, facts
  4. AKC: Plott akc.orgused for temperament summary
  5. dncr.nc.gov dncr.nc.gov
  6. akc.org akc.org
  7. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  8. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  9. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.