The AKC has grouped all of the breeds that it registers into seven categories, or groups, roughly based on function and heritage. Breeds are grouped together because they share traits of form and function or a common heritage.
A hunting hound of striking color that traditionally brings big game to bay or tree, the Plott Hound is intelligent, alert and confident. Noted for stamina, endurance, agility, determination and aggressiveness when hunting, the powerful, well muscled, yet streamlined Plott Hound combines courage with athletic ability.
Head is carried well up with skin fitting moderately tight. Faults – Folds, dewlap, skin stretched too tightly.
Skull is moderately flat. Rounded at the crown with sufficient width between and above the eyes. Faults: Narrow-headed, square, oval or excessively domed.
Neck – Medium length and muscular. Clean and free of ponderous dewlap. Fault: Loose, wrinkled or folded skin. Topline – Gently sloping, slightly higher at the withers than at the hips. Fault: Roached. Body – Chest – Deep. Ribs – Deep, moderately wide, well sprung. Back – Well muscled, strong, level. Loin – Slightly arched. Tail – Root is slightly below level of topline. Rather long, carried free, well up, saber-like. Moderately heavy in appearance and strongly tapered. Sometimes typified by a slight brush.
Shoulders – Clean, muscular and sloping, indicating speed and strength. Elbow – Squarely set. Forelegs – Straight, smooth, well muscled. Pasterns – Strong and erect. Feet – Firm, tight, well-padded and knuckled, with strong toes. Set directly under the leg. Disqualification – Splayed feet. Nails – Usually black, although shades of reddish brown matching the brindle body color are permissible and buckskin colored dogs have light red nails. May be white when portions of the feet are white.
Smooth, fine, glossy, but thick enough to provide protection from wind and water. Rare specimens are double coated, with a short, soft, thick inner coat concealed by a longer, smoother and stiffer outer coat.
Angulation – Well bent at stifles and at the hocks. Hips – Smooth, round, and proportionally wide, indicating efficient propulsion. Legs – Long and muscular from hip to hock. From hock to pad short, strong and at right angles to the ground. Upper and second thigh – Powerful and well-muscled. Feet – Set back from under the body. Firm and tight. Toes – Strong.
The hound with the curious name (we’ll get to that) and unique history (we’ll get to that, too) is a streamlined, long-tailed, light-footed hunter standing as high as 25 inches at the shoulder. The flashy coat comes in an array of brindle-stripe patterns, from black flecked with gold to flaming orange and russet, in addition to some solid colors. The medium-length ears hang gracefully, and the leather of the nose, lips, and eye rims are black, setting off an inquisitive and confident expression.
The Plott Hound should do well on a high-quality dog food, whether commercially manufactured or home-prepared with your veterinarian’s supervision and approval. Any diet should be appropriate to the dog’s age (puppy, adult, or senior). Some dogs are prone to getting overweight, so watch your dog’s calorie consumption and weight level. Treats can be an important aid in training, but giving too many can cause obesity. Learn about which human foods are safe for dogs, and which are not. Check with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s weight or diet. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times.
The Plott’s smooth, fine, glossy coat can be any shade of brindle (a streaked or striped pattern of dark hair imposed on a lighter background), solid black, or have a saddle or markings. It requires minimal maintenance, with just a weekly brushing with a soft-bristle brush or a hound glove to remove dirt and loose hair. An occasional bath can help keep him from having a doggy odor. The Plott’s ears should be regularly inspected for debris or excess wax and cleaned if needed with soft gauze and an ear-cleaning solution—the dog’s breeder or the veterinarian can recommend a good brand to use. The nails should be trimmed often if not worn down naturally.
Plotts are tough, relentless athletes requiring lots of exercise and outdoor time. The breed’s standard says: “Noted for stamina, endurance, agility, determination, and aggressiveness when hunting, the powerful, well muscled, yet streamlined Plott combines courage with athletic ability.” Daily vigorous exercise such as long walks or runs or play sessions with his owner will help to keep the Plott mentally and physically healthy. Because the Plott is extremely prey driven, he should always be walked on leash.
The Plott is intelligent, alert, and confident. He can be a tail-wagging, people-loving dog, but may be a bit standoffish, since he is extremely smart and focused. Puppies should be socialized thoroughly with gentle exposure to a wide variety of people and other animals. Prospective owners should plan on an energetic puppy who requires a lot of attention. Because of his intelligence, the Plott needs mental stimulation to keep him occupied, or he will find ways to amuse himself that may be undesirable. Plotts may become food or toy aggressive, and need to be trained to avoid these behaviors. Owners should be prepared to hear the Plott’s “voice” in the home at times.
Plotts are generally healthy dogs. A responsible breeder will have had the dog’s parents screened for health concerns such as hip dysplasia. Pendant ears such as the Plott’s can be prone to infection, so the ears should be checked regularly. The teeth should be brushed often, using a toothpaste designed for dogs. Regular visits to the vet for checkups and parasite control help to ensure the Plott a long, healthy life.
Recommended Health Test from the National Breed Club:
A hunting hound of striking color that traditionally brings big game to bay or tree, the Plott Hound is intelligent, alert and confident. Noted for stamina, endurance, agility, determination and aggressiveness when hunting, the powerful, well muscled, yet streamlined Plott Hound combines courage with athletic ability.
Head is carried well up with skin fitting moderately tight. Faults – Folds, dewlap, skin stretched too tightly.
Skull is moderately flat. Rounded at the crown with sufficient width between and above the eyes. Faults: Narrow-headed, square, oval or excessively domed.
Neck – Medium length and muscular. Clean and free of ponderous dewlap. Fault: Loose, wrinkled or folded skin. Topline – Gently sloping, slightly higher at the withers than at the hips. Fault: Roached. Body – Chest – Deep. Ribs – Deep, moderately wide, well sprung. Back – Well muscled, strong, level. Loin – Slightly arched. Tail – Root is slightly below level of topline. Rather long, carried free, well up, saber-like. Moderately heavy in appearance and strongly tapered. Sometimes typified by a slight brush.
Shoulders – Clean, muscular and sloping, indicating speed and strength. Elbow – Squarely set. Forelegs – Straight, smooth, well muscled. Pasterns – Strong and erect. Feet – Firm, tight, well-padded and knuckled, with strong toes. Set directly under the leg. Disqualification – Splayed feet. Nails – Usually black, although shades of reddish brown matching the brindle body color are permissible and buckskin colored dogs have light red nails. May be white when portions of the feet are white.
Smooth, fine, glossy, but thick enough to provide protection from wind and water. Rare specimens are double coated, with a short, soft, thick inner coat concealed by a longer, smoother and stiffer outer coat.
Angulation – Well bent at stifles and at the hocks. Hips – Smooth, round, and proportionally wide, indicating efficient propulsion. Legs – Long and muscular from hip to hock. From hock to pad short, strong and at right angles to the ground. Upper and second thigh – Powerful and well-muscled. Feet – Set back from under the body. Firm and tight. Toes – Strong.
| Description | Standard Colors | Registration Code |
| Black | Check Mark For Standard Color | 007 |
| Black Brindle | Check Mark For Standard Color | 279 |
| Blue Brindle | Check Mark For Standard Color | 056 |
| Brown Brindle | Check Mark For Standard Color | 065 |
| Buckskin | Check Mark For Standard Color | 447 |
| Chocolate Brindle | Check Mark For Standard Color | 342 |
| Gray Brindle | Check Mark For Standard Color | 107 |
| Liver Brindle | Check Mark For Standard Color | 332 |
| Maltese | Check Mark For Standard Color | 448 |
| Orange Brindle | Check Mark For Standard Color | 449 |
| Red Brindle | Check Mark For Standard Color | 148 |
| Tan Brindle | Check Mark For Standard Color | 446 |
| Yellow Brindle | Check Mark For Standard Color | 368 |
| Description | Standard Markings | Registration Code |
| Black Saddle | Check Mark For Standard Mark | 065 |
| Brindle Trim | Check Mark For Standard Mark | 074 |
| Grayings Muzzle & Jaw | Check Mark For Standard Mark | 112 |
| White Chest & Feet | Check Mark For Standard Mark | 111 |
