Plott Hound
North Carolina's state dog, and the only American hound that came from Germany rather than Britain. Brindle, and bred to hold bear and boar at bay.
Photo by Canarian, CC BY-SA 4.0
Overview
The Plott Hound is the only American coonhound not descended from English foxhounds. It traces to five Hanoverian hounds brought to North Carolina by Johannes Plott in 1750, and the family kept the line going for over two centuries, hunting bear and boar in the Appalachians.
It is the state dog of North Carolina and it is always brindle.
Temperament
Determined, courageous and intense. Plotts are affectionate with their families and they were bred to hold a bear at bay, which requires a level of nerve most dogs do not have.
They are vocal with a distinctive high ringing bay, they are stubborn, and the prey drive is very high. They are more protective than most hounds and they can be dog reactive. They need an experienced owner.
Care and grooming
A short glossy coat, a weekly brush. The ears need weekly cleaning.
The working gene pool has kept the breed sound. Hip dysplasia and bloat are the main concerns. Twelve to fourteen years.
Living and exercise
Two hours a day minimum with real work, ideally scent work or hunting.
Secure fencing and a lead. This is a working hunting hound and it is a poor fit for a suburban household that wanted a striking brindle dog.
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