Appearance

The Plott Hound, like most hound breeds, is a powerful dog with a confident air. The head is carried high atop his muscular neck and the topline is sloped from withers to hip. The eyes are brown, the ears broad and set high atop the head. The muzzle is square and the teeth meet in a scissors bite. The coat is short, smooth and sleek. The ideal coat color is any shade of brindle, including yellow, buckskin, brown, liver, red, light or dark gray, or blue, although Plotts can also be solid black, black with brindle trim, or buckskin.

Size and Weight

Adult male Plotts should stand from 20 to 25 inches at the withers and weigh from 50 to 60 pounds. Females tend to be smaller, standing from 20 to 23 inches and weighing 40 to 55 pounds.

Coat and Color

The texture of the Plott Hound's coat ranges from fine to medium coarse. Though very short, it is a double coat, as all hunting dogs require protection from the elements. Plott Hounds are brindle, but they may be tan, chocolate, buckskin, chocolate, orange, gray, blue, liver, brown or black. Some may sport a black saddle. Some are solid black or solid buckskin which ranges in shade from light cream, to sandy red, red fawn, dark fawn or golden tan. Any color combination may sport a bit of white on the feet or chest.

Grooming Needs

Plotts are no-fuss in the grooming department. Though they are very light shedders, brushing once a week with a hound mitt will keep the coat gleaming and will prevent loose hair from falling around the house.

The floppy ears of the Plott Hound are prone to infection, so they should be checked on a regular basis for signs of wax buildup, or irritation. Clean them with a cotton ball and a veterinarian-approved cleanser; never use a cotton swab in a dog's ear canal. Teeth should be brushed on a weekly basis to prevent tartar buildup, promote gum health and keep bad breath at bay. Trim nails monthly if the dog does not wear the toenails down naturally outdoors.