The Plott Hound is a medium-to-large American scent hound bred for hunting big game, known for its signature brindle coat and fearless drive.
Most people picture a black-and-tan dog when they hear “coonhound,” but the Plott Hound breaks that mold. A true Plott Hound Dog carries a striking brindle coat — dark streaks over a warm base — and a heritage that runs straight back to Germany and the Southern Appalachians. This is North Carolina’s state dog, a breed built not for the couch but for the chase. If you’re weighing whether this hound fits your life, the answer starts with one honest question: are you looking for a hunting partner or a house pet?
A Heritage Rooted in the Appalachians
The Plott Hound’s story starts in the mid-1700s. Johannes George Plott and his brother left Heidelberg, Germany, bound for Pennsylvania, bringing along their prized Hanoverian hounds. From those dogs, the Plott family developed a distinct breed in the rugged Southern Appalachians — a hound with stamina to match the steep terrain and courage to face bruins and boars. The breed’s working roots are so central that the AKC calls it a “relentless hunting dog” and “fearless” at work.
Recognition followed slowly. The UKC registered the breed in 1946, while the AKC did not follow until 2007. It became North Carolina’s official state dog in 1989. The UKC’s official breed standard was revised as recently as January 1, 2020.
Size, Coat, and the Brindle Standard
The Plott Hound is solidly built. Males stand 20–25 inches at the shoulder and weigh 50–60 pounds per the AKC standard. Females are slightly smaller at 20–23 inches and 40–55 pounds. The UKC standard allows for a bit more size range, with males reaching up to 27 inches and 75 pounds.
The coat tells you a lot about the breed’s job. The preferred color is any shade of brindle — that tiger-striped pattern that offers natural camouflage in the woods. Solid black and black with brindle trim are also acceptable.
| Breed Standard | Height (Males) | Weight (Males) |
|---|---|---|
| AKC Standard | 20–25 inches | 50–60 pounds |
| UKC Standard | 22–27 inches | 50–75 pounds |
If you ever see a Plott with a white mark on its rump, that’s not a flaw. The AKC standard notes identification marks used during hunting are not penalized.
Temperament: Built for Work, Not the Sofa
The UKC describes this hound as active, fast, bright, kind, confident, and courageous. That “courageous” part cuts both ways. The Plott Hound was bred to corner bears, and it approaches its work with bold determination. In the field, that aggression toward game is exactly what you want. In the living room, it translates to a dog that needs a job and a fenced yard.
This breed aligns best with active homes and hunting work. Someone logging hours on the trail will find a eager and loyal companion. Someone expecting a mellow lap dog will find an escape artist with a nose that follows every scent. the best dog food for Plott Hounds matters, too, since an active hunting dog has different nutritional needs than a sedentary pet.
FAQs
Is a Plott Hound the same as a coonhound?
No. While the Plott Hound is sometimes grouped with coonhounds, it is a distinct breed with a unique German heritage. Unlike the other coonhound breeds — the Treeing Walker, Bluetick, Black and Tan, and Redbone — the Plott was not bred primarily for raccoon hunting. Its ancestry traces to Hanoverian hounds brought from Germany.
Are Plott Hounds good family dogs?
They can be, but only in the right home. Plotts are kind and loyal toward their people, and they generally get along well with children they’re raised with. The catch is their drive. A bored Plott Hound in a small yard will find ways to entertain itself, and that often means digging or climbing. They do best with a job and plenty of exercise.
Do Plott Hounds have health problems?
The breed is generally healthy, though responsible breeders screen for hip dysplasia and eye conditions common to larger dogs. The UKC standard disqualifies dogs with cryptorchidism and albinism, which signals the breed club’s focus on structural health. Working lines tend to stay lean and robust.
References & Sources
- AKC. “Plott Hound Dog Breed Information.” Official breed profile and history.
- AKC. “Plott Hound Breed Standard.” Official standard governing height, weight, and coat.
- UKC. “Plott Hound Official Breed Standard.” Revised standard effective January 1, 2020.