Plott Hound

The breed was developed in North Carolina by the Plott family, who bred their hounds in the Great Smoky Mountains for around 200 years. Its working history in the region, especially for hunting bear, made it part of local identity. The state legislature adopted it as the official state dog in 1989.

Yes. Their voice is loud and far-carrying, designed to let hunters follow the dog through the woods. Expect baying when they catch a scent, are excited, bored or left alone. Training and plenty of exercise reduce it, but a Plott is not a sensible choice for thin-walled apartments or noise-sensitive neighbors.

Only in securely fenced areas for most dogs. Once a Plott follows a scent, its focus is so strong that it may not hear or care about recall, and it can cover a lot of ground quickly. A long line lets it sniff and roam safely on walks, and scent sports provide a safe outlet for the trailing instinct.

For active families, often very much so. Most Plotts are friendly, patient with children and sociable with other dogs. The catch is energy: a Plott needs daily hard exercise, and without it it can become noisy and destructive. Supervise around small pets, since the hunting drive can include cats and rabbits.

It is classed among the American coonhounds and is used to hunt raccoons, but its background is different. The others mostly descend from English and French foxhounds, while the Plott comes from German hounds. It was originally bred for big game, especially boar and bear, which explains its bold, gritty temperament.