Character & Temperament

The characteristics of the Plott Hound are closely linked to its original use as a hunting dog. They are intelligent, eager and have a strong hunting instinct. They are considered to be exceptionally courageous and determined dogs that do not shy away from larger prey. Despite their strong hunting instinct, Plott Hounds are very friendly and loyal to humans. They are loyal companions who are closely connected to their family and would also protect them. Their intelligence makes them easy to train, but it also requires a consistent and loving hand because they can be a bit stubborn at times. As a rule, Plott Hounds are not hyperactive, but rather calm and balanced as long as they get enough physical and mental activity. This doesn't mean you have to keep them busy for hours, but regular walks and perhaps a little nose work are important for their well-being. When it comes to the ability to stay alone, Plott Hounds are quite flexible. Of course, most dogs don't like being alone for long periods of time, but if they're trained early and given enough to do when you're not there, they usually do well. Their strong hunting behavior means that they sometimes tend to track down and hunt prey. This means that you have to be particularly careful when walking them without a leash and that it is advisable to train them early so that they are easily accessible despite their hunting instinct. Plott Hounds are also quite alert and have strong protective instincts. So they will probably let you know if someone is at the door or if something moves near the house. However, they are not overly loud or aggressive dogs and with good socialization and training they should get along well with people and other dogs.

What Awaits You

The Plott Hound, a dog with a curious name and a unique history, is a rough, relentless hunting dog who is a gentle gentleman at home but fearless, relentless and bold at work. This eye-catching sniffer dog is the state dog of North Carolina.

Housing & Care

The Plott Hound is more of an active dog and feels more comfortable in the country or in a house with a garden than in a city apartment. He needs room to run around and run around. Small children are not a problem for the Plott Hound as long as they treat the dog respectfully. The Plott Hound is generally friendly with other dogs, but you should be careful with cats and small animals as their hunting instincts could come through.

Training & Education

The Plott Hound is intelligent and versatile. You might consider trying dog sports such as mantrailing or tracking with your dog, as these suit his nose and hunting instincts well. Make sure that you do not overwhelm the dog, because although he is active, he also needs periods of rest. It is also important to train impulse control and frustration tolerance, especially because the Plott Hound has a strong hunting instinct. Retrieving from free range should be practiced intensively, and it may be useful to offer him alternatives to hunting, such as search games. Since the Plott Hound can tend to fixate on one task such as playing ball, it is advisable to keep the game varied and not to overdo it so that he does not become a "ball junkie".

Nutrition & Care

A Plott Hound's diet should be balanced and nutritious to support his active lifestyle. A mixture of high-quality dry food, fresh meat and vegetables is ideal. It is important to ensure that the dog does not become overweight as this can place additional stress on the joints. The Plott Hound has a short, smooth coat with no undercoat. This makes care relatively easy. Regular brushing, about once a week, is enough to remove dead hair and keep the coat clean and shiny. The Plott Hound sheds moderately and generally gets along well with the climate in Germany.