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
We've got a Plott too, looks JUST like the second to last photo, but younger.
ReplyDeleteKindest, smartest dog I've ever owned. Grew up with labs and retrievers, but this ol' boy takes the cake.
Go Plotts!
I thinkwe have a plot Mix too :) not 100% sure she was a rescue. But looks just liek all the pictures I have seen and has teh most fantastic temperment. WE adore her! and Everyone stops us they want to know what she is becuase she looks liek a tiger :) Thanks for spreading the word found your blog while looking up plott hounds :) Wish I could send you a pic :)
ReplyDeleteWe have a Plott/Pittbull cross, brindle, very very short coat. At 6 months, I purchased a pomeranian and this gentle giant raised her, rough and tumble play and extremely gentle mouth.
ReplyDeleteShe has separation anxiety so someone always stays home with her.
Runs like the wind at the 23 acre dog part, swims in the lake as is a much loved 2 yr old baby in our home
After reading your description of a Plott Hound, I am 100% convinced our puppy is Plott Hound. I knew she was a hound, I just didn't know which kind. She really didn't look like or meet any of the other description types.
ReplyDeleteI am so excited to have found your page. Now when someone asks me what breed she is, I can finally answer with something other then "some sort of hound". Thank you for sharing.
We have a plott hound & he's the best dog ever!! He's wonderful with our kids, loves on everyone who meets him, & he's very loyal!
ReplyDeleteWe have a Plott/Retriever mix. Thinking he might be either a Flat Coat Retriever or a Golden because Sam has a longer silky wavy coat, but still retains his Plott brindle and facial features. Excellent dog and very lovable.
ReplyDeleteWe have a plott/lab mix, and he is the best dog I have ever had. His name is Max, and he is HUGE! Neither type usually gets as big as he did - taller than a Lab male, and 120 lbs.......not overweight either. Our only problem has been our 6 year old boy.......a very rowdy child who does not listen! The other kids have no problem, but the 6 year old has been "bit" three times. Max is smart, loving, obedient, and protective. His coat looks like a black and tan tiger, and he has a wonderful voice.
ReplyDeleteWe just rescued what looks to be a plott/lab mix too. She is the sweetest dog ever! This blog is so informative! Thank you
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I recently adopted a beautiful lab mix - his color is a dark brindle. The previous owner was my nephew who had to give the dog up due to family circumstances. When I asked what the lab-mix was, my nephew said he was told hound terrier and lab, but pictures I'd found of hound terriers didn't fit. However, the pictures of the dark brindle Plott/Lab mix look exactly like our Hardy!! He's tall (easily 24" at the shoulder), with long, slender legs, a beautiful coat and extremely intelligent eyes! The personality descriptions of the Plott hound also fit him perfectly - he's an absolute sweetheart!! We love this dog to pieces, and he has so enriched our life! So glad you have this site!
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with EVERYONE about this breed. We got our brindle colored fuzz ball at 6wks(dad-red golden retriever;mom-Plott). Best puppy until he teethed (chew corner out of wall; shaved paint off the wall). Bear's now 8 months old; love him as much as my teenager, sometimes more...lol! Was 40-lbs@6-months ago, now 60lbs+; doesn't overeat HIS food, adorable retriever face, 36"+ back...bigger than dad, has fairly short silky black/orange brindle hair with blond undercoat that lightens/darkens all the time. With cold weather has thicker tail and very thick/long coat around neck, webbed/very strong large paws. LOVES sticks, bones bones & more bones, tug toys, balls, stuff animals, his blanky, ruff-housing, but mostly people, then dogs/everything else. Christmas tree is safe, just not boxes/any paper/plastics. The cat will grow to love him once Bear calms down and stops pawing/running after him...many years from now. Still mouths as a first touch but has gentlest bite, very deep protective growl and bark/howl mix, but playful high pitch voice. Loves outdoors, rain, dirt; adjusts well as an inside dog in a very small home. Hardly ever complains, not even to go potty(have to keep a schedule), very patient, but hates dryers, vacuum cleaner, nail trimmers. Follows room to room to be around us. Intimidating to people who have not met him or don't like dogs...especially as he barks deeply for attention...not to scare. He does have very itchy/aggravating skin,red eyes,allergies...goes with East Texas, try to use natural products on skin and brewers yeast tabs for fleas/ticks, and OTC allergy meds for red eyes...any thoughts on how to help this pup get relief?
ReplyDelete