Plott Hound
PLAHT HOWND
Bold, Loyal, Intelligent, Alert. Originally bred for tracking and treeing bears and wild boar.
An adult Plott Hound weighs 50-60 lbs (male) or 40-55 lbs (female), needs 860-1,670 calories daily, and lives 12-14 yrs. This medium-sized breed balances well between manageable size and robust health. The breed's primary health watch is hip dysplasia. All numbers below come from AKC breed standards and NRC 2006 veterinary nutrition formulas.
Nutrition and feeding
A typical adult Plott Hound needs 860 to 1,670 calories per day. An average male (55 lbs / 24.9 kg) needs around 1,330 kcal; a female (48 lbs / 21.5 kg) roughly 1,190 kcal. These estimates use the vet-standard RER/MER formula.
Estimate for a typical adult Plott Hound. For puppies, seniors, or specific activity levels, use the full calorie calculator.
Health profile
The Plott Hound has a life expectancy of 12-14 yrs, which is typical for dogs in this size range. The breed's primary health concerns are hip dysplasia and bloat, which responsible breeders screen for before breeding.
Exercise and activity
60+ minutes of vigorous daily exercise. Bred for endurance in rough mountain terrain. Loves hiking and tracking activities. Hound breeds follow their noses (or eyes) with single-minded determination. Off-leash exercise for a Plott Hound requires a securely fenced area because recall is unreliable when a scent captures their attention. Nose work, tracking games, and long leash walks through interesting environments channel their natural instincts constructively. Without sufficient exercise, the Plott Hound is likely to develop destructive behaviors, excessive barking, or anxiety. This is a breed that needs daily commitment to physical activity.
Care and traits
Plott Hounds have a short, smooth, glossy, brindle coat. Origin: United States (North Carolina).
The official state dog of North Carolina. The only AKC breed that traces its lineage to Germany rather than Britain; brought to the US by the Plott family in 1750. Relatively rare outside the Southeast.
Grooming needs are minimal. A weekly brushing to remove loose hair and distribute skin oils is sufficient for most Plott Hounds. Bathing is only needed when the dog is noticeably dirty or smelly.
Tools for Plott Hound owners
Frequently asked questions
Daily calorie needs for a Plott Hound range from 860 to 1670 kcal. A 55-pound individual falls near the middle of that range. Medium breeds are flexible eaters. Two meals daily with consistent portion sizes keeps most at a healthy weight. Active hunting hounds burn significantly more than the resting estimate. Adjust for actual activity level. Use our calorie calculator with your dog's actual weight for a personalized number.
Males typically weigh 50-60 lbs (22.7–27.2 kg). Females run lighter at 40-55 lbs (18.1–24.9 kg). Medium breeds can carry extra weight without it being visually obvious, especially those with thick coats. Hands-on rib checks are more reliable than looking. Run your hands along the ribcage: you should feel ribs under a thin layer of flesh without pressing hard. From above, look for a visible waist narrowing behind the ribs.
The Plott Hound's most notable breed-specific vulnerability is hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is a developmental condition where the hip joint doesn't fit together properly. Screening through OFA or PennHIP before breeding is standard practice. In pet dogs, maintaining a lean body weight is the most effective way to manage and slow progression. Other conditions seen in the breed include bloat. Not every Plott Hound will develop these conditions, but knowing the breed's tendencies helps you and your vet monitor proactively.
Count on 30 to 60 minutes of active exercise every day to keep a Plott Hound balanced. Good activities for this breed include scent trails, tracking games, long rural walks. Mix physical activity with mental challenges like training, puzzle feeders, or nose work. An under-exercised Plott Hound will find outlets for pent-up energy, often in ways you will not appreciate: chewing, barking, digging, or restless pacing.
Disclaimer: General breed information based on AKC standards and veterinary sources. Individual dogs vary. Calorie estimates use the RER/MER formula (NRC 2006). Consult your veterinarian for advice specific to your dog. See our sources.
Last reviewed: April 1, 2026