In 1750 Jonathan Plott and his brother left Germany bound for America. They took with them five Hanoverian Hounds. Jonathan Plott's brother died during the trip but Jonathan settled in North Carolina. It was there that he raised a family and bred his dogs. A mix of Bloodhounds and Curs reportedly comprised the original stock. For the next 200 years the dogs were bred by generations of Plott family members and were referred to as the Plott's hounds.

The dogs worked at hunting bear and raccoon in the Appalachian, Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains of the eastern United States. They are very effective in the search for coyotes, wolves and wildcats.  The Plott family rarely put the dogs on the market so they remained rare outside the southern United States.

The dogs were recognized for the first time in 1946 by the United Kennel Club. Plotts are hardy and have superior hunting instincts.  The breed was carefully developed to be stronger and more persistent. They were able to make good family companions but were seldom kept as such, as most owners acquired the dogs for the hunt.

In 2006 the breed was officially recognized by the AKC as the "Plott" and is now shown as a show dog, but there are many who still hunt and breed them as hunting dogs.

The Plott hound should be athletic, muscular, and agile in appearance.  It should be neither low-set and heavy, nor leggy and light.  Its expression should be one of intelligence, confidence, and determination.  Is skin should not be baggy like that of a Bloodhound.  The Plott is a strongly built yet moderate hound, with a distinct brindle-colored coat.  Brindle is defined as “Finely streaked or striped effect or pattern of black or tan hairs with hairs of a lighter or darker background color.  Shades of colors accepted: yellow brindle, red brindle, tan brindle, brown brindle, black brindle, grey brindle, and maltese (slate grey, blue brindle).”

In a study conducted by the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy, statistics indicate that a top reason for pet homelessness is related to moving and being unable to get pet friendly housing. Many landlords and property managers DO open their residences and communities to responsible pet caretakers.  Please consider the following advice when seeking a lease or purchasing a property where pets are allowed:

1. Give yourself a minimum of six weeks to find a suitable rental.
2. Compile documents that prove you are a responsible pet owner. Include vaccination records, training certificates and letters of reference from your previous or current landlord and veterinarian. You can even make a resume for your pet!
3. Be prepared to pay and even offer an extra security deposit.
4. Promote your pet and yourself. Make arrangements for the landlord to meet your pet! Responsible pet owners make excellent renters.
5. Protect your rights. Make sure “pets allowed” is part of your written lease agreement or in the association by-laws.
6. Don’t try to conceal your pet. You may be subject to eviction or legal action.
7. Respect the pet restrictions. Most properties will have policies in place such as: weight/size limitation, breed limitation, species limitation, and maximum number of pets allowed.
8. Respect pet “house rules or by-laws”. All properties will have regulations in place for the benefit of the community at large. Let your landlord or property association know that you will comply.

Remember that every situation may have slightly different guidelines.  So take as much time as necessary to fully understand all the rules and regulations pertaining to your lease or homeowner’s association contract.

For information on where to find pet friendly housing in your area, visit the following links:

Rent.com

BringFindo.com