Every time Matt and I head to the dog park, the woods, the store--virtually anywhere, everyone stops and asks "Ohhh what breed is your puppy?", we answer that she is a "Labrador/Plott Hound mix". I would say about 9 out of 10 people ask what a Plott is--the remaining percentage are usually hunters or farmers and know all about the breed. Anyway--here is some info on Plott Hounds...and some pictures of what Mocha will look like most likely when she grows up... 
(Mocha-4 Months)
About 12-14 years, with very few (if any) health or genetic problems.
We love our Lab/Plott mix--just getting the word out so people know more about the breed! They aren't just for hunting!
Below was also a great article on the breed:
(Mocha-4 Months)I should note that when we picked Mocha up at the shelter, they showed us the parents that were surrendered, the male was a hunting Plott--and we had no idea what the breed was--but he was sure cute! (Mom was an purebred yellow Lab named Gracie--she was cute too!)
Plott Hounds:
(info from dogbreedingfo.com & akc.com)
The Plott Hound is a medium-sized, muscular dog that is soundly put-together. The short, glossy, dense coat usually comes in brindle but also comes in slate blue and buckskin; many with black saddles. It has a long, sometimes curled, high-held tail when the dog is alert. The thigh muscles are lean and powerful giving it lots of energy. The strong feet have webbed toes. Their rump has an unusual marking that lets their owner's distinguish them in a hunt.
The Plott Hound is a medium-sized, muscular dog that is soundly put-together. The short, glossy, dense coat usually comes in brindle but also comes in slate blue and buckskin; many with black saddles. It has a long, sometimes curled, high-held tail when the dog is alert. The thigh muscles are lean and powerful giving it lots of energy. The strong feet have webbed toes. Their rump has an unusual marking that lets their owner's distinguish them in a hunt.
Origin
The Plott Hound is the only American hound without British ancestry. The breed's designated name honors its American founders and family tree. Seven generations of the Jonathan Plott family (in NC), beginning in the 1750's, bred their dogs exclusively within the family. A mix of bloodhounds and curs reportedly comprised the original stock. The dog's working claim to fame is coldtrailing bear and raccoons in the Appalachian, Blue Ridge, and Great Smoky Mountains of the Eastern United States. The Plott Hound is American through and through.
The Plott Hound is the only American hound without British ancestry. The breed's designated name honors its American founders and family tree. Seven generations of the Jonathan Plott family (in NC), beginning in the 1750's, bred their dogs exclusively within the family. A mix of bloodhounds and curs reportedly comprised the original stock. The dog's working claim to fame is coldtrailing bear and raccoons in the Appalachian, Blue Ridge, and Great Smoky Mountains of the Eastern United States. The Plott Hound is American through and through.
The Plotts family have only rarely put these dogs on the market; so while the breed was officially recognized in 1946, it is still rare outside the southern states. The breed is most commonly seen in NC, VA, WV, TN, KY, GA, and SC, as the Plott family was very "picky" to whom they bred their Plotts to. In addition to bears and boars, it is most efficient in the search for coyotes, wolves, and wildcats. They are extremely hardy and have superior hunting instincts. The breed has been carefully developed to be stronger and more persistent. They can make a good family companion but are seldom kept as one. Most people get these dogs for the hunt. The Plott is now a breed recognized by the AKC as of 2007. The Plott Hound is also the North Carolina state dog.
Temperament
This breed makes a fine companion. Loyal and intelligent, the Plott Hound is quick to learn and quick to love and is good with children. Their personable natures are surely not evident on the trail. This large game hunter and scenthound has great courage. Determined, courageous and proud, it will play chicken with a 500-pound papa bear or a ticked off boar. The Plott has a curiously sharp and high-pitched voice, unlike the deep-throated howl common to other coonhounds.
This breed makes a fine companion. Loyal and intelligent, the Plott Hound is quick to learn and quick to love and is good with children. Their personable natures are surely not evident on the trail. This large game hunter and scenthound has great courage. Determined, courageous and proud, it will play chicken with a 500-pound papa bear or a ticked off boar. The Plott has a curiously sharp and high-pitched voice, unlike the deep-throated howl common to other coonhounds.
Height, Weight
Height: 20-24 inches / Weight: 45-60 pounds
Exercise
The Plott Hound needs a lot of physical exercise, which includes a daily, long, brisk walk or jog. While out on the walk the dog must be made to heel beside or behind the person holding the lead, as in a dog's mind the leader leads the way, and that leader needs to be the human. This well-muscled and rather lean-boned dog has the endurance and stamina to work all day and well into the night. The Plott Hound should have chances to run free but is born a natural hunter and has a tendency to run off and hunt if they are not kept in a well fenced area while exercising off the lead. They are also excellent swimmers and enjoy a swim now and then.
Life ExpectancyHeight: 20-24 inches / Weight: 45-60 pounds
Exercise
The Plott Hound needs a lot of physical exercise, which includes a daily, long, brisk walk or jog. While out on the walk the dog must be made to heel beside or behind the person holding the lead, as in a dog's mind the leader leads the way, and that leader needs to be the human. This well-muscled and rather lean-boned dog has the endurance and stamina to work all day and well into the night. The Plott Hound should have chances to run free but is born a natural hunter and has a tendency to run off and hunt if they are not kept in a well fenced area while exercising off the lead. They are also excellent swimmers and enjoy a swim now and then.
About 12-14 years, with very few (if any) health or genetic problems.
Some photos of Plotts:
We love our Lab/Plott mix--just getting the word out so people know more about the breed! They aren't just for hunting!
Below was also a great article on the breed:
The Plott Hound is a Wonderful Dog
Plott hounds are fantastic dogs. They love to hunt and they are very protective of their family.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/258275/the_plott_hound_is_a_wonderful_dog.html
Plott hounds are fantastic dogs. They love to hunt and they are very protective of their family.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/258275/the_plott_hound_is_a_wonderful_dog.html
