| Official P.K.C. Breed Standard for the Plott Hound (Revised September 1, 1999) The purpose of this standard is to provide a guideline for breeders and judges in their efforts to preserve and to improve the Plott Hound in conformation and performance as those terms relate to the sport of hunting raccoon and big game. The standard also serves to standardize the Plott Hound in appearance so that it is readily identified among all hound breeds. HISTORY The Plott Hound derives its name from the family of German immigrants who settled in eastern North Carolina in 1750 and later migrated to what is known as the Smoky Mountain region of the southern Appalachians. Two brothers set sail from Germany bringing with them brindle-colored hounds used in the hunting of game, primarily wild boar and stag, on the estates of wealthy German landholders. One of the brothers died in passage, and the remaining sibling, Johannes Plott survived. The Plott Hound in its imported form, is said to have been preserved by descendants of Johannes Plott who shared the love of bear and wild boar hunting. The breed was ultimately passed down to the last surviving, active hunter of the family, Von Plott who is now deceased. Various accounts of out-crossing of the breed exist and some are no doubt accurate. The Plott Hound became immensely popular in the 1940's and 1950's as individual specimens were sold commercially. The primary color of the Plott Hound is brindle, with solid "fawn" colored individuals, commonly called "buckskins" appearing occasionally, as is the case with all breeds having brindle as the principal color. Although controversial in some circles, the buckskin coloration is believed to be indicative of pure breeding in the Plott Hound and is thus permitted, although not preferred, under the terms of this standard. HEAD Head: The Plott Hound carries the head high in an ever-alert position. The head is generally flat with ample width between dark-colored eyes. Eyes: The eyes are dark brown or hazel in color, set tightly in the head with no droop to the eyelid. Ears: The ear set of the Plott Hound is one of its most distinguishing characteristics. The ears, although not erect, are set higher on the head than other hound breeds and are generally not as long. They should not hang from the side of the head but rather attach firmly from the top, breaking over to form an ear of medium length, extending to a well-rounded, but not pointed tip. Muzzle: The muzzle is of medium length and should not be square in appearance. Teeth: The correct bite is the scissors bite, with the upper and lower teeth meshing in a scissors movement. Even teeth will not be penalized but they must not be undershot or overshot. The teeth of the upper and lower jaw must touch at the front of the dog's mouth. Any other arrangement of teeth will be penalized. NECK The neck is graceful, moderately long, not goose-necked, or too short. The neck rises gracefully from the withers to carry the head in an alert and noble position. SHOULDERS The shoulders are smooth and firmly attached with ample space between the blades at the withers to permit freedom of movement of the head and neck. Faulted are shoulders that do not lay properly back, are too flat or visibly protrude from the sides of the body. The correct shoulder assures a fluid movement rather than a bounce or choppy gait at the withers as the dog moves. CHEST and RIBS The chest is proportionately deep and wide, assuring ample lung space. Depth is preferred over width should the two not be equal. The rib cage is rounded rather than flat-sided, with well-sprung ribs that provide space and protection for the lung cavity. BACK and LOINS The back is arched, yet not roached, indicating strength. The length of the back from the withers to the tail is approximate to the height of the dog at the withers. The loins are gracefully arched, with visible "tuck up" and are moderately long to indicate speed. HINDQUARTERS Correct hindquarters indicate strength needed for physically stressful performance. The Plott Hounds' hindquarters are wide and smooth in appearance and are well muscled as they extend downward to the stifles and hocks. The tail is heavy and strong at the root and of medium length, tapering to the tip. Some brush permitted. Never rat-tailed or whip-like in appearance. |
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