The Plott Hound - A Loyal and Courageous Companion

The Plott Hound has an interesting history. Two were brought to North Carolina from Germany around 1750 by a 16-year old boy, Jonathan Plott, and bred to hunt bear, boar, mountain lions, and other large animals.

The Plott Hound will not only tree a bear, but have been known to bring down bears as big as 500 pounds. They will trail an animal over rough terrain and through water in all weather with their incredible endurance and power.

These dogs were bred by the Plott family for generations, and interbred by North Carolina mountain men with their own hounds. Two very famous Plott Hounds were produced from breeding a Plott Hound with a Blevins (another hound).

These two offspring were such excellent hunters that the Plott family bred them with their own dogs so that almost all Plott Hounds of today can trace their line back to one of the two offspring.

Plott Hounds also make exceptional family dogs. They are eager to please and loyal. But as a natural hunter, they might try to tree your family cat.

In 1989 North Carolina designated this breed as the official state dog. You can visit the official state website at: North Carolina State Dog. It wasn't until 1998 that they were registered by the AKC.

Here are some more facts:

Energy level - 3 (out of 5)

Exercise requirement - 3

Affection level - 3

Ease of training - 2

Watchdog ability - 4

Protection ability - 4

Can endure heat and cold tolerably, and does not back down from a challenge. If you don't take your Plott Hound out hunting, be sure to take him for hikes in the woods or for swims, as they enjoy both.