Plott Hound Pitbull Mix: A Dream Combo

Looking for a breed with that perfect blend of superb tracking and hunting abilities meshed with immense strength, energy, power, and confidence? You don’t need to look further than the Plott Hound Pitbull mix.

Combining the amazing sporting nature of the Plott Hound, with the feisty, tenacious yet loyal personality of the Pit Bull, these hounds come with their own unique character and identity.

As a successful example of a “designer breed” dog, this mix is ideal for dog lovers who enjoy interesting breeds, unusual traits, and the unique good looks that result from cross-breeding.

The bringing together of two genetic pools offers huge advantages in terms of immunity to breed-specific diseases, and a merging of personality traits, temperament, and even beauty. Let’s talk about Plott Hound Pitbull Mix.

Humans and Dogs: Sharing Time and Space

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But first, let’s digress a little and take a backward glance at the shared history of humans and dogs.

Humans and dogs have a relationship that goes back more than 30,000 years. There is archaeological evidence that proves that they shared living spaces and had an emotional bond with each other.

They were the first wild animal to be domesticated. Dogs were also seen as divine creatures in Ancient Egypt, Greece, and the Mayan civilization.

Humans and dogs have face environmental changes, dietary adaptations and served multiple roles in each other’s lives.

Over the centuries, humans have sought to genetically fine-tune and hone certain qualities they consider desirable in various dog breeds.

This has resulted in a complex system of cross-breeding and mixing, matching, combining and contrasting different breeds and genetic pools.

Before we talk about the Plott Hound Pit Bull mix, let’s get to know more about the two individual breeds that make up the composite.

Plott Hound Pitbull Mix: All About Plott Hounds

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Canine history books tell us that the original Plott hound was bred in North Carolina, more than 200 years ago, to hunt wild boar and bears.

The name can be traced back to the Plott family whose 18th-century ancestors migrated from Germany where they bred these dogs for boar hunting because of their immense strength, endurance, and sporting nature.

These dogs are “scent” hounds, which means that they hunt using their highly developed sense of smell rather than their sight.

Because of this, they are easily recognized by their large, long, and droopy ears, and big nasal cavities that help them gather smells more easily.

In terms of suitability, Plotts are best suited to large, open spaces and a country-style life, where they have lots of opportunities to expend their huge stores of energy and love of exploring.

Being pack hounds, they crave company and it’s a good idea to give them a canine companion or two to keep them in great spirits.

Plotts are the state dog of North Carolina, but they are also quite a rare breed. They are unique among the six American Kennel Club categories of coonhound breeds, because, unlike the others, they are not descended from English foxhounds, but from the German Hanover hound breed.

It’s quite unusual to keep them just as pets, especially in urban areas. They are basically hunters, and highly valued for this trait.

For this reason, professional Plott breeders hardly ever sell them to live in non-hunting environments. It’s also unusual to find many of them outside the Southern US. This is to ensure that their essential nature and temperament can be preserved.

Since they need long hours outdoors, plenty of hard exercise, and outlets for their tracking and hunting abilities. They generally don’t do well with smaller animals such as cats but can be gentle with young kids.

Main characteristics:

• Belongs to the hound breed group
• Height around 20-27 inches at the shoulder
• Weight up to 75lbs
• Can live up to 12-14 years
• Athletic, muscular, and very active
• Well-stretched skin
• Distinctive brindle coat
• Fine, medium texture fur, with a smooth and glossy appearance
• Affectionate, kid-friendly, and dog-friendly nature
• Generally keeps good health
• Easy to groom and train
• Loves wandering, has high energy levels
• Moderate to high intelligence

Plott Hound Pitbull Mix: All About Pit Bulls

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Though the American Pit Bull Terrier to give its full name is not officially recognized by the American Kennel Club, it is by the United Kennel Club and the American Dog Breeders’ Association.

The breed has a long and checkered history of specialized breeding where the sporty nature of the Old English terrier was sought to be blended with the athletic nature and strength of the English Bulldog and came to be known as the Bull and Terrier breed, originally used for bear-baiting and bull-baiting among other blood sports. Later, these dogs became popular in dogfighting.

These dogs were brought to the US in the 19^th century, and are the ancestors of the American Pit Bull. The word “pit” refers to the pit that the dogs were put in to fight each other in the bad old days when such animal cruelty was condoned.

These fights usually ended with one or both dogs maimed or dead. The dogs were bred for their aggressiveness and violent fighting habits. Dogfighting continued in America well into the 19^th century, long after it was banned in the UK.

The breed was recognized by the United Kennel Club as the American Pit Bull Terrier and in the 20^th century, these dogs were used as catch dogs to capture wild animals while hunting.

They gradually began to transition into family homes, where they were companions and guard dogs. Later, they were inducted as police dogs, attack dogs, and therapy dogs.

Pit bull enthusiasts rue the fact that these are one of the most misunderstood breeds. The backyard and illegal breeders have continued to focus on their aggressive temperament but these dogs are not all they’re made out to be in the popular imagination.

Main characteristics:

• Rectangular shape, medium size
• Powerful, muscular build with a big head, large neck, and broad chest
• Muscled hind-quarters with strong legs
• An adult male weighs between 35-60 lbs, females weigh 30-50 lbs
• Come in a variety of colors, but merle is not acceptable by the United Kennel Club
• Smooth glossy coat with stiff hair, requires little grooming
• Muscular, well-defined jaws with teeth meeting in a scissor bite
• When excited, the ears drawback giving the characteristic wrinkled forehead
• Straight tail with upward bend with a wide base that narrows down the length
• Confident and alert walk
• Naturally friendly, very intelligent, and happy to please
• Need lots of outdoor exercises
• Love children and make great family dogs, enjoy the attention, and crave approval
• Often used in search and rescue operations, bomb and drug detection
• May be susceptible to congenital, breed-specific illnesses such as cataract, dysplasia, congenital heart disease, etc
• Life-span about 12 years
• Subject to breed-specific legislation and even complete bans in some states and countries regarding ownership

Cross-Breeding (Plott Hound Pitbull Mix): Some Interesting Facts 

Intentional breeding between two different breeds is not a new development. This is known as crossbreeding.

In the 14th century, the lurcher or longdog was one such example of successful crossbreeding. Another notable example was the breeding of the English Greyhound which was improved by the addition of the genes of the English Bulldog by Lord Orford in the 18-19^th century.

In the 20^th century, the “designer” dog fad resulted in crossbreeding of various breeds with poodles because of the latter’s hypoallergenic coat.

That is how you got names like Schnoodle, Labradoodle, Shepsky, Puggle, etc. “Designer dogs” are those that have been scientifically created due to the perceived advantages of the individual parent breeds.

There are several differences between Crossbreeds and Designer dogs:

• Designer dogs are usually bred for certain prominent looks and temperament
• Mainly bred to serve as companions and pets
• Crossbred dogs are bred for qualities such as strength, skills and for working purposes
• Some are created to eliminate certain genetic anomalies and diseases
• Designer dogs and some crossbreeds are not generally recognized by traditional breed registries and kennel clubs
• Crossbreeds created from two pure breeds have the inherent vigor of both, but this advantage is reduced when two crossbreeds are themselves bred

Pros and Cons of Crossbreeding

An American Veterinary Medical Association report says in a 2017 study that out of all the dogs living in the US, around 53% were crossbreeds. There are similar figures across the world, but the study also suggests that these numbers estimate only the “owned” dog population because they don’t take into account feral, stray, and pariah dogs.

The advantages of crossbreeding include:

• Plott Hound Pitbull Mix has a Longer lifespan and better health
• Unique and unusual looks
• Crossbreeds respond better to training and can serve as service dogs
• Less expensive to acquire and maintain
• Some health and congenital problems
• Can serve as a starting point for a new breed of physically exotic and more efficient dogs
• Combines the best qualities and characteristics of both breeds

On the flip side:

• Plott Hound Pitbull Mix Difficult to predict looks and temperament in crossbreeding
• Pet owners cannot easily predict and plan for life
• Random colors, shapes, sizes
• Cannot estimate the lifespan
• Hard to tell what traits have been passed down
• If parent sizes are not matched properly, pregnancy and whelping can be hazardous to the mother
• Designer dogs and hybrids may sometimes cost more than purebreds
• Rarely come with the necessary paperwork and can’t be easily registered in Kennel Clubs

Choosing Your Plott Hound PitBull Mix

Plott Hounds with their amazing sense of smell and the Pit Bull with its loyalty and intelligence are indeed a winning combination of breeds that can create a superb new crossbreed, the Plott Hound Pit Bull Mix.

Breeders have noticed that you can get a sturdy, energetic, loyal and smart dog, with a distinct personality of its own, powerful, yet loving and very happy to please and obey.

Some qualities of the Plott Hound could surface in some dogs, making them a little wary of strangers and not very amenable to training. They enjoy tracking and being scent hounds, you’ll enjoy watching them follow a trail with their noses to the ground.

Choosing the right Plott Hound PitBull Mix puppy or rescue dog should be done after careful consideration of several factors:

1. Your Lifestyle: Before you fall in love with this cute and attractive mix breed, consider your own lifestyle, age, family, living accommodation, amount of time you can spend with the dog, and your location. If you live in rental accommodation, remember that you will find it that much more difficult when your lease runs out and you have to move if you own this breed. Evaluate whether this is the right fit.

2. Characteristics: This mix combines the qualities of both breeds and one thing they do have in common is that they need lots of exercise and time spent outdoors. Plott Hound Pitbull Mix will weigh at least 50 lbs and they are scent hounds, so they’ll want a lot of room to explore and run about in, following their strong hunting instincts. You can expect your dog to live for at least 12 years with the right amount of care.

3. Other pets: If you have other animals and/or kids, especially smaller ones, it’s wiser to get a puppy. Dogs’ socialization is usually fully set by 3-6 months, and it’s difficult to change these established behaviors.

4. Time: When you plan to take on a Plott Hound Pit Bull mix, ensure that you have enough time to spare. They need regular walks, vet check-ups, and lots of attention. Puppies need training and constant care to keep them safe and out of trouble. If you travel frequently, it’s probably a better idea to get a cat.

5. Your Age: If you don’t live an active and sporty lifestyle, this is not the right breed for you. Unless you have someone who can take charge of walking and exercising your dog, don’t make the mistake of taking this chap home. Ask about grooming and coat shedding so that you can plan to farm out these activities at the right time.

6. Laws and Regulations: Some states, counties, and cities have regulations regarding licenses and leash laws. They may also dictate how many dogs per household are permitted. You also need to understand whether your dog would be comfortable in a city setting. If you have neighbors who are likely to be disturbed by barking, remember that like most hound breeds, your dog will probably have a loud bark that could go on for a while.

7. Space: With a high-energy breed like this, you need to evaluate the amount of space you have for it. Plott Hounds are meant to live in countryside settings, where they can hunt, track and explore to their heart’s content. Pit Bulls love the outdoors and enjoy having enough stimulation for their intelligence. In an urban setting, evaluate whether you have a fenced yard where you can exercise the dog or take it to a nearby dog park.

8. Expenses: Dogs can cost next to nothing if you adopt from a shelter or rescue home. Otherwise, costs can zoom up to more than $10,000 for certain breeds. Spaying/Neutering, vet visits, monthly tick/flea treatment, bed, collar, leash, grooming, food, and treats can add up to a tidy sum. Additional expenses could also come up such as a crate, licensing/registration, microchip, day-care or boarding, training, dog-walker, and emergency vet visits. Budget these before you decide.

Once you’ve matched the requirements of the Plott Pit mix to your own, remember to get a buy-in from the whole family before you bring the dog home. This is to ensure that you don’t have to regret your decision. Statistics show that 3.3 million dogs end up every year in shelters, and of these, nearly 20% have to be euthanized annually.

Caring For Your Plott Hound Pit Bull Mix

Get Ready: Before you bring your dog home, there are a few things to be done. Stock up on the right food based on age and breed, buy the right kind of leash/collar/name-tags, get good quality food and water bowls and dog bed.

If it’s a pup, get a folding crate to restrict the play areas, and provide plenty of toys. Puppy-proof your home, stow electrical cords, and cleaning supplies out of reach.

Talk to Your Vet About Feeding: Get the right advice about feeding schedules and ensure a perennial supply of fresh, clean drinking water. The type and quantity of food depend on the age, size, and preferences of your dog.

Make it a house rule never to feed table scraps to your dog, however much they beg. Many foods contain ingredients that are toxic to dogs such as chocolate, raisins, grapes, etc.

Ensure that your dog doesn’t have the habit of chewing on house plants because some can be poisonous for dogs. Avoid foods with too much protein or calcium for this breed as they can develop health issues as they grow older.

Housing: Plott Hound Pit Bull Mixes love company and they are basically pack dogs. If you’re planning on outdoor housing, ensure that it’s a dry, draft-free, and comfortable structure, close to a shady tree or spot for when it gets warm.

Keep their water-bowls filled at all times and allow them to come in when they want to. Do make sure that you spend enough time with them, take them for walks and runs, and have enough playtime. They tend to bark a lot, so ensure that you don’t have neighbors who will complain.

Training: Even if you want to house-break the dog yourself, taking professional training and obedience classes is important. It is a good opportunity for your dog to become more socialized, meet other dogs, and get over any behavior issues they may have.

Keep training sessions short, because this breed isn’t exactly known for its patience. Positive reinforcement works well, as this breed has a strong personality and doesn’t appreciate dominance.

Exercise: Even if you have a large yard or you live in the countryside, it’s important to take your Plott Hound Pit Bull Mix for long walks. This is excellent for both physical exercise and mental stimulation.

It also gives them the opportunity to scent-mark the route and meet and greet other dogs who are out on walks too. Make sure that you have a strong leash because the “scent hound” gene can kick in when you least expect it and you could have a nasty fall when he or she takes off!

Grooming: Claws and coat need regular care. Fortunately, the Plott Hound Pit Bull Mix is a short-haired breed that doesn’t need too much attention as far as brushing is concerned. Schedule bath-times so that they’re fun and stress-free.

Use vet recommended products and ensure that you cut the nails correctly if you’re doing it yourself. Nails that are too long can damage the delicate bones of the feet and also hurt you and spoil your furniture.

Medical Needs: Get your dog thoroughly checked as soon as you get her or him, within a few days. At age 6-9 weeks, your puppy needs to get her or his first shots against canine distemper and hepatitis, para-flu, and parvovirus.

Your vet will recommend other vaccines according to the requirement. Dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors are sure to pick up fleas and ticks and parasitic worms. Get doggy treated immediately to avoid the spread of the infestation. Spaying or neutering can be done once the dog crosses 6 months.

Establish a good relationship with a local vet who can attend to emergencies and has specialized in caring for dogs. On the Pit Bull side, the Mix is prone to develop skin allergies and hip dysplasia.

Personality: Pit Bulls are wonderful with kids, and are known to be excellent “nanny dogs.” On the hound side, they are highly sociable and enjoy being part of the family pack. However, genetics is not everything.

Training, socialization, health, and family dynamics play a huge role in shaping your Plott Hound Pit Bull Mix’s temperament. Otherwise, this dog is confident, impressive-looking, and very easygoing.

However, it’s important that this dog gets adopted by an experienced dog owner, with a deep knowledge of dog psychology and behavior. Ultimately, this dog can demand a lot of your time and effort.

Enjoy this unusual and unique mixed breed that can give you hours of fun and joy and also all the unconditional love you can ever wish for. The Plott Hound Pit Bull Mix is a great dog for families that love the outdoors and an active lifestyle.