The Plott hound breed is recognized by the American Kennel Club, which holds bench shows for conformation, obedience trials, and field events that the breed can participate in and earn titles. The purpose of these events is to preserve the breed’s physical, temperamental, and working qualities.
Gun dog breeders who belong to breed clubs follow the AKC standard that lists the important characteristics that each Plott hound should display. Dog show judges use this standard to evaluate entries, awarding championship points to dogs that excel, and gun dog breeders look for the same characterisitcs to produce top field dogs.
A Plott hound’s general appearance should reflect its ability to work in the field.
URGENT: Do You Support Obama's Plans for Stricter Gun Control? Vote Now
Males should be 20 to 25 inches tall at the shoulder, and weigh 50 to 60 pounds. Females are slightly smaller.
The dogs should be well-muscled, with a powerful appearance. The dogs should be strong, yet agile, not heavily boned,
according to the AKC.
A Plott hound should carry its head up, without seeing folds in the skin.
The face should convey confidence and intelligence.
Eyes can be brown or hazel without drooping eyelids.
Ears should be of medium length, set moderately high to high. The ears are very expressive and lift when the dog is at attention, but the ears should not extended past the tip of the nose.
The teeth should form a scissors bite, neither undershot nor overshot.
The neck should be muscular, and the topline slopes from the withers to the tail.
The chest is deep and the ribcage is well sprung.
The tail is long, carried freely, like a sabre.
VOTE NOW: Do You Support a Ban on All Fully Automatic Rifles?
Plott hounds are seen in several colors and most coats are smooth. Occasionally a Plott hound will be seen with a double coat — short soft fur under a longer, stiffer protective coat.
Any color of brindle (striped) is acceptable in the breed. Solid colors are black, black saddle, and black with brindle trim; and white patches on the chest and/or feet are also permissible. Gray is often seen on the face.
Sound structure is essential for this athletic dog. They should be solid when standing or moving.
The dogs should show good reach and drive, enabling them to negotiate various terrains while hunting. The dogs will single track when they meet full speed, and they should display agility on turns.
The overall appearance of the Plott hound is one of a canine athletic performer; strong, alert, and ready to go.
ALERT: Should Obama Have More Control Over Guns? Vote Now
Related Stories:
© 2026 Newsmax. All rights reserved.