Plott Hound
Bear hunting as its original purpose, a Plott Hound is a relentless, strong, fearless and at the same time affectionate and caring breed
Breed Profile
Height
20 – 28
Inches
Weight
40 – 60
Pounds
Life Span
12 – 14
Years
Health
health
Twisted Gut
What is it?:
Because of their big stomachs and deep chests, plot hounds are usually prone to gastric and bloating problems which is referred as ‘Twisted Gut’ by the breeders. It is also called as gastric-dilatation-volvulus or GDV. Here, air gets filled in the stomach which prevents the blood from the stomach to return to the heart
Clinical signs
Swollen abdomen
Reverse movement of the stomach or the esophagus
Painful and loud whining
Abnormal drooling or salivation
Restlessness
Pain if pressed at the abdomen
Treatment
Treatment may include surgery.
Eligible vet bill
$3,500
*Hypothetical reimbursement examples illustrate reimbursement of an eligible vet bill at the noted reimbursement rate, assuming the annual deductible had already been satisfied and the annual coverage limit has not yet been met. Annual deductible, co-insurance, benefit and coverage limits, and exclusions may apply. Eligibility may vary. Visit https://www.spotpetinsurance.ca/sample-policy for full terms. For Canada enrollments only, reimbursement rate is based on the pet's age.
health
Hip Dysplasia
What is it?:
This genetic health issue is the one where the hip joint loosens up which causes dysfunction and pain. Over time, this may result into arthritis, muscle atrophy and limitations in mobility. It is commonly found in athletic dogs and the plot hound is one.
Clinical signs
Staying in bed instead of going out
Decreased range of motion
Difficulty or reluctance in climbing stairs, rising up, jumping or running
Loss of muscle mass in the thighs
Noticeable enlargement of the shoulder muscles as they compensate for the hind end
Flinches when the lower back muscles are touched
Treatment
Treatment may include surgery and chiropractic therapy.
Eligible vet bill
$2,000
*Hypothetical reimbursement examples illustrate reimbursement of an eligible vet bill at the noted reimbursement rate, assuming the annual deductible had already been satisfied and the annual coverage limit has not yet been met. Annual deductible, co-insurance, benefit and coverage limits, and exclusions may apply. Eligibility may vary. Visit https://www.spotpetinsurance.ca/sample-policy for full terms. For Canada enrollments only, reimbursement rate is based on the pet's age.
Personality
Protective
The plot hound love children and will often run to protect them from strangers, injuries, etc.
Loud
These hounds are very loud when it comes to barking as they love seeking attention and talking
Energetic
Plott hounds will need their sufficient dose of exercise daily to feed their high levels of energy and hunting instincts
Lifetime Care
Coat
Plott hounds have a double protective coat as needed for a hunting breed. The outer coat is however smooth with fine to medium textured hair
Colors
Usually found in darker shades, Plott hounds come in various brindle variants like black, brown, red, tan, blue and a plain black variant.
Hypoallergenic
No
Grooming
The smooth, fine and glossy outer coat of Plott hounds needs minimal maintenance which includes a weekly brushing with a bristle brush or a hound glove, periodic ear inspection and nail trimming.
Training
Although extremely smart, focused and confident dog, Plott hounds may not be very easy to train as they are known for not following commands thoroughly at times
The breed originated in the northern mountains of North Carolina in the United States. It is known to be the creation of Henry Plott, the son of George Plott who immigrated to the state in the later part of the 18th century. The state of North Carolina has named the Plott Hound their official state dog. Their scent hunting skills are excellent.
Plott Hound Dog: Introduction to the Breed
There are more green flags over red ones to get home a Plott hound puppy. Yet, it is important to know more things before we make the decision. Key features to note here are -
Plott Hound Dogs are generally:
Highly energetic and active
Loyal and devoted to the family
Highly social
Great with children in the family
Outdoorsy
Calm and level headed when at home
Plott Hounds are best suited for –
People living in the country where there is access to open spaces and parks
Families with at least one more pet
Families with children
Active house environment where the dog can stimulate its physical and mental needs
Cautions before getting a Plott Hound Puppy
The breed was bred to originally hunt down bears and guard the families. So they are inherently aggressive and have a hunting nature. If you might not be able to spend enough time or train it enough, it can develop some destructive behaviors out of pure boredom. Even during walks, you may see it barking at other bigger dogs and will most probably chase a cat.
Things to watch-out before deciding to own a Plott Hound Dog
The Plott Hound puppies are no doubt a family loving dog which are great with kids and other pets as well. But there are some check points which you should know before adopting one –
They are not best suited for an apartment life.
If not trained properly, they can get very aggressive over food and toys
They can be noisy at times given their loud barks and a need for talking
Socialization is must for this breed
You can’t leave the dog alone for a lot of time
They might howl frequently at night which originates from their hunting instincts
They are independent thinkers and may not listen to their masters all the time
Conclusion
If you are looking to get your other pets a wonderful mate, the Plott Hound is the perfect buddy. With its calm and loving temperament at home and energetic, strong and confident traits outside, it is perfect for the families which spend good amount of time with their puppies. Just give him/her good amount of physical and mental exercise and you have a loyal and devoted member in your family.
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