Plott Hound
Athletic, determined, and loyal, the Plott Hound thrives on adventure and companionship. This energetic breed is known for its tracking skills and affectionate nature with families.
Breed Characteristics

Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.
HEIGHT
51–66 cm (male)
51–61 cm (female)
WEIGHT
18–27 kg (male)
18–25 kg (female)
LIFE EXPECTANCY
12–14 years
Plott Hound: Breed snapshot
Everything you need to know about this beloved breed at a glance

Key Breed Characteristics
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Species
Canis lupus familiaris
Diet
Omnivore
"A Plott Hound isn't just a pet — they're a loyal companion, a playful friend, and a loving family member all in one."
Temperament & personality
Understanding Plott Hound's temperament is key to knowing if they're the right match for your lifestyle.
Personality Overview
The Plott Hound is known for its loyal, courageous, and determined temperament, often displaying a calm demeanor with family and a strong instinct for tracking.
Key Personality Traits
Generally sociable but reserved with strangers
Quick learner, responsive to training
Very active, thrives on vigorous exercise
Enjoys games and interactive activities
May struggle with sudden changes in routine

Strengths
- Excellent scent tracking ability
- High stamina for long hunts
- Loyal and devoted to family
- Generally healthy and robust breed
- Adaptable to various environments
Challenges
- Prone to strong prey drive outdoors
- Needs consistent daily physical exercise
- Can be stubborn during training sessions
- May be reserved with unfamiliar people
- Vocal when stimulated or left alone

Protect your Plott Hound
Plott Hound are active and energetic, but they can develop hip dysplasia and gastric torsion. Get peace of mind with PetSecur's comprehensive coverage.
Intelligence & exercise needs
Plott Hounds are both highly intelligent and energetic, requiring mental and physical stimulation to thrive.
🧠 Intelligence & training
Trainability
Learns with consistency
Overall rating
This breed is intelligent and learns quickly, but can be independent and may require consistent, firm training methods to remain focused and responsive.
Trainable Tasks:
🏃 Exercise & energy levels
Daily Exercise
60–90 minutes daily
recommended per day
Plott Hounds are highly energetic and need ample daily exercise, including vigorous physical activity and mental stimulation, to prevent boredom and promote overall well-being.
Recommended Activities:
Is this breed right for you?
Plott Hounds are versatile dogs that adapt well to many lifestyles, but they're not the perfect match for everyone. Here's a quick guide to help you determine if a Plott Hound would fit well in your home.
First-time Owner
Needs consistent training and strong leadership skills to thrive
Apartment Living
High energy and vocal nature make small spaces challenging
Active Lifestyle
Thrives with frequent exercise, outdoor activities, and active engagement
Kids
Generally gentle but may be too boisterous for toddlers
Multiple Pets
Can be territorial, especially with unfamiliar pets
Being Left Alone
Dislikes isolation and may develop behavior issues if left alone too long
Breed comparisons
Wondering how Plott Hounds compare to other popular breeds? Check out our detailed comparison pages.
Frequently Asked Questions about Plott Hound
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about this breed
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