When Judging the Plott, it should be remembered that representatives of the breed are used primarily for hunting large game but also smaller varieties as well. These are dog which are fully capable of brining bear, wild boar and mountain lion to bay or tree as well as trailing and treeing raccoon or bobcat. Judges therefore should immediately recognize an athletic, powerfully built, tight muscled, streamlined hunting canine capable of traversing all types of terrain. Breed specimens should in no way appear clumsy, flabby awkward or overly large. "Athletic" is an excellent adjective which describes the Plott. It is the Plott's athleticism, for example, which allows for the agility, speed, endurance and strength necessary for brining longwinded game to bay. Even when pacing or trotting, the Plott should display grace in movement and be athletic in appearance.
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In conjunction with athleticism, the Plott should exhibit an expression, manner, and personality indicative of a high degree of inquisitiveness and alertness. The Plott is intelligent and curious, seeing to please his or her master. As a result, there is a great deal of bonding between a Plott and his owner, and this should be evident both in the ring and in the field. Plotts should never display listlessness, laziness or inattentiveness but must be alert and desirous to please at all times.
Size, Proportion, and Substance
The Plott is not a large boned, heavy, oversized dog that is bloodhound like in appearance. Neither is it similar to some of the larger strains of bawl-mouthed black-and-tans, blueticks, and redbones. The Plott should be of ample size, not overly large or to small (see standard), moderately boned, with ample leg allowing for speed, drive, and distance. Legs should never be "basset-like" nor elongated in proportion to body like a greyhound. Again, we are speaking of dexterity and athleticism. A large 85-90 pound dog is a dead giveaway to something other than a Plott and should be eliminated immediately.
Head
The head is of critical importance when evaluating a Plott. It should be broad and flat, never domed, peaked elongated, or narrow. Ears should be online with the crown, short to medium in length. A slight inward curl is permissible, but not enough to compromise length. Dogs with long, pendulous bloodhound-like ears are to be disqualified. In fact, it is strongly recommended that Plott representatives exhibit a semi-erectile power with their ears. Such dogs should be able to lift or "box" up their ears so as to create a straight line from one ear across the top of the head to the other ear, exhibiting a curious, alert and inquisitive posture. In fact, some may actually tilt the head to the side demonstrating intense curiosity. Ears should never hang from half way down the temple but, again, should be on line with the crown. Eyes are never hawed, loose, and sagging but tightly set. Skin in the head should never be drooping or loose but tightly fitting as well. Bite is not overshot, nor undershot: flews are black and never pendulous. Obviously we are not speaking of what most consider common, hound-like characteristics-hence the request to be known as the Plott rather than the Plott Hound.
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Neck, Topline and Body
Chest should be broad and deep, appearing to accommodate sufficient lung capacity required for vigorous activity and races of long duration. Some tuck-up may exist, suggesting exercise and physical activity but never in an exaggerated manner. Tail should not be penciled or whip-like but rather moderately brushed with a slight flag. Hindquarters must indicate strength and power, and legs must be in harmony, lengthwise, with the forelegs, neither too long nor too short.
Coat
A Plott's coat is smooth, glossy, and in good health but sufficiently thick to provide protection from the wind and weather. Hair length usually varies from short to medium, but in a few rare cases, long and thick enough to hide the fingers. Some may exhibit a wave along the top of the back.
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Color
Color may be any shade of brindle (see standard). Some may have a black saddle with brindle trim and head. Still others will appear almost completely black with a small amount of brindle on the jaw, forelegs, hips or back legs. Remember, buckskin Plotts are acceptable and are to be considered on an equal footing with brindles and saddlebacks. Buckskins are Plotts without brindle and may range from red fawn, sandy red, light cream, bone white, yellow ochre, to wheaten, dark fawn, and rusty red.
Gait
Dexterous and graceful appearing, indicating speed and agility; body will not sway nor roll when in motion but will be taunt and muscular.
Temperament
A Plott should be eager to please, obedient, and easily handled in the ring. Plotts bred for show should lack the aggressiveness often associated with some strains of big game dogs. Unfortunately, one of the most outstanding characteristics which describe the Plott cannot be evaluated in the ring. This is the breed's courage. Plotts are unyielding in spirit and have "sand in their veins". No other American hunting dog can match them for sheer courage. Despite life threatening injury or severe wounding the Plott will return to face dangerous game time and again. Courage, when combined with athleticism, loyalty, and durability is the Plott breed's claim to fame.
