Plott Hound

Plott Hound

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Bear hunting as its original purpose, a Plott Hound is a relentless, strong, fearless and at the same time affectionate and caring breed

Health
Personality
Lifetime Care

Breed Profile

Height

20 – 28

Inches

Weight

40 – 60

Pounds

Life Span

12 – 14

Years

Health

health

Twisted Gut

Affects
6%
of dogs

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

Reimbursement Rate

Amount a Spot accident & illness plan could cover*

$3,150

Your Net payment

$350

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*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

Affects
20%
of dogs

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

Reimbursement Rate

Amount a Spot accident & illness plan could cover*

$1,800

Your Net payment

$200

Click For Price

*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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