INTRODUCTION

The Plott breed of pack hunting dog was developed in North Carolina over 200 years ago to hunt bear and wild boar. They are still used today as hunting dogs and have proven their worth as pack hunters. They are also involved in tracking and other dog sports. Although they are purebred dogs, some may end up in the care of shelters or rescues. Plotts are best suited to life in the country, where they have plenty of room to roam. They need plenty of exercise and, because of their pack hunting heritage, are likely to prefer a home with at least one other resident canine. Socialisation is a must with this breed. However, be sure to have a high fence, wherever you live, if you bring one of these puppies home. They love to chase and roam. Give your dog plenty of physical activity and consistent training, and you will be rewarded with a loyal companion for life.AniMall24 recommends a dog bed to give a good night’s sleep to your medium-sized Plott. You should also purchase this dog brush and massager for your short-haired puppy.

HIGHLIGHTS

Plott Hounds generally get along well with other dogs as they are a pack breed and many do best in homes where they are not an only dog.socialisation is a must for this breed. They can be very dominant and must be socialised outside the home to avoid behaviour.Plott Hounds should have training at an early age. They are generally eager to please, but without training problems of dominance and aggression can arise.although they do well with older children who understand how to treat dogs, they are not recommended for homes with younger children. They can become very possessive of food bowls and the like. Even the best trained or socialised dog should not be left alone with a small child. The Plott Hound is a rare breed and there can be long waiting lists for a puppy. If you do not wish to adopt an older dog, be prepared to wait and do not go to irresponsible breeders to make the wait shorter.Plott Hounds require at least an hour a day of walking or other exercise. They are not suitable for flat living.Plott Hounds require weekly brushing, as well as other regular grooming care, such as nail trimming and teeth brushing.Plott Hounds are not the best breed for an inexperienced or timid dog owner. Although they are very easy to train, they have a dominant personality and will disregard a less confident owner.Plott Hounds should have a fenced yard or be kept on a leash as they have a tendency to wander off in search of an interesting scent. To get a healthy dog, never buy a puppy from an irresponsible breeder, puppy mill or pet shop. Look for a reputable breeder who tests their breeding dogs to make sure they have no genetic diseases that can be passed on to the puppies and that they have a sound temperament.

HISTORY

The Plott Hound is descended from five Hanoverian Schweisshunds brought to North Carolina in 1750 by German immigrant Johannes Georg Plott. In Germany the dogs had been used as hounds, but in North Carolina there were bears, and that is what Plott trained his dogs to hunt. Plott’s descendants continued to breed the dogs, which became known as Plott’s hounds. They spread throughout the Smoky Mountains, with each hunter adding his own touch to the breed, and eventually returned to their roots by being used to hunt wild boar as well as bear. In the early 20th century, a crossbreeding with some black and brown hounds, owned by a man named Blevins, gave the Plott additional scenting talent, as well as the black brindle pattern. Today, most Plott Hounds can be traced back to the two legendary hounds that resulted from this crossbreeding: The breed began to be registered by the United Kennel Club in 1946. The Plott Hound became the official dog of North Carolina in 1989. It is also registered by the American Kennel Club and is beginning to make its way into the show ring. It is still relatively rare, however, and is most often found in the mountains of Appalachia, the Smokies, and other wild parts of the country where its hunting abilities are appreciated.