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The Canine Chronicles Directory
Plott Hound
The Plott Hound is a bear and boar specialist. This medium, yet powerful breed is
usually brindle in color. It has a short, glossy coat that is thick enough to provide
sufficient protection from the wind and water. The long, droopy ears are never cropped
and should have very little to no erectile power. Plotts have wide nostrils and
usually work with their heads down close to the ground. The skin around the head
is moderately tight. The eyes are usually brown or hazel and are prominent rather
than deeply set. This breed's expression should be confident and determined, but
never sad. The muzzle is moderate in length and the teeth meet in a sissor or level
bite. The topline gently slopes and is slightly higher at the withers than at the
hips. They have webbed toes on their strong feet. The tail is long, saber-like and
is held high when the dog is alert.
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Temperament
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The Plott Hound's "family" background makes it a great companion dog. They are affectionate
and good with children. This scent-hound is determined, proud and courageous. Plotts
are very tough hounds who not only can cold-trail a 500-pound bear or a boar, but
can stand up to that type of game when they have it cornered. They have a fine nose,
a beautiful voice, and are easily trained. Early socialization and obedience training
of this breed is essential. This breed also slobbers and drools.
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Height, Weight
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Height: 20-24" ; Weight: 45-55 lbs.
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Health Problems
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The Plott is a very hardy coonhound. He tends to eat fast, sometimes causing gastric
torsion or the twisting of the stomach, which can be life-threatening. Allow the
dog to rest after a big meal.
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Living Conditions
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Plotts should not live in an apartment. They can survive outside with proper shelter.
This breed has no road sense, so keep them in a safe area as they may pick up a
scent and wander off.
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Exercise
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Plotts need plenty of exercise. These high endurance dogs can work all day and all
night. They should have the opportunity to run off their lead occasionally while
in a safe and enclosed area.
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Life Expectancy
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About 12-14 years
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Grooming
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The short, glossy coat of this breed is easy to care for. Brush or comb weekly to
remove dead hair. Check and clean ears often. Also check the pads and nails for
tears and check the skin for fleas and ticks.
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Origin
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When sixteen-year-old Jonathan Plott immigrated to the Great Smoky Mountains in
1750, he brought with him his Hanoverian-type schweisshunds. The descendants of
these hounds were fostered, bred and hunted by seven generations of Plotts. As generations
of Plotts grew, so did their generations of hounds. The Plott's hounds ran the mountainsides
for over 200 years. Used on a variety of game, these hounds were excellent bear
dogs. They are recognized by the AKC and the UKC.
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Group
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AKC Hound, UKC Scenthound
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