You didn’t land on the Plott by accident. This is a breed people seek out, and for good reason. North Carolina's mountain hound, tenacious and cold-nosed, and one of only a few American-origin AKC breeds, they’re a natural fit for active experienced owners and hunters who want a driven, athletic scent hound for tracking large game who want a tenacious, athletic, and deeply nose-driven hound for experienced owners who hunt or can meet serious exercise needs. Let’s dig in.
What are the characteristics of a Plott?
Think you know what you’re getting into with a Plott? These scores will either confirm your suspicions or give you something to think about. Either way, good to know now.
Training
| Trait | Score | What does it mean? |
|---|---|---|
| Trainability | 2 out of 5 | Intelligent and capable but scent-first. Their attention outdoors belongs to the environment |
| Obedience | 2 out of 5 | Reliable in calm environments. Recall on a trail is unreliable |
| Focus | 1 out of 5 | Scent overrides training input outdoors |
| Stubbornness | 4 out of 5 | Independent and tenacious. They were bred to track bear independently |
Friendliness
| Trait | Score | What does it mean? |
|---|---|---|
| Good with family | 4 out of 5 | Affectionate and loyal with their family |
| Good with children | 3 out of 5 | Generally good with children. Their size and energy need management |
| Good with strangers | 3 out of 5 | Friendly with familiar people. Some reserve with strangers |
| Good with other dogs | 4 out of 5 | Good with other dogs, especially other hounds |
Adaptability
| Trait | Score | What does it mean? |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment living | 1 out of 5 | Not suited to apartment living |
| Cold weather | 3 out of 5 | Their coat handles cool weather reasonably well |
| Hot weather | 3 out of 5 | Tolerates moderate heat |
| Routine flexibility | 2 out of 5 | Needs consistent vigorous daily exercise |
| First time owner | 2 out of 5 | Better for owners familiar with large-game hound temperament |
Physical needs
| Trait | Score | What does it mean? |
|---|---|---|
| Energy level | 5 out of 5 | High energy and excellent endurance. Built for extended mountain hunts |
| Endurance | 5 out of 5 | Exceptional endurance. Originally bred for multi-day bear hunts |
| Exercise needs | 5 out of 5 | Needs at least 60 to 90 minutes of vigorous daily exercise |
| Mental stimulation | 3 out of 5 | Intelligent and capable |
| Grooming needs | 2 out of 5 | Short, dense coat that requires minimal grooming |
Personality
| Trait | Score | What does it mean? |
|---|---|---|
| Playfulness | 4 out of 5 | Playful and enthusiastic |
| Affection | 4 out of 5 | Affectionate with their family and pack |
| Loyalty | 4 out of 5 | Loyal and devoted |
| Independence | 4 out of 5 | Independent and self-directed on the trail |
| Alertness | 3 out of 5 | Alert to scents and sounds |
Behavior
| Trait | Score | What does it mean? |
|---|---|---|
| Barking tendency | 4 out of 5 | Vocal. Their bay is loud and deep |
| Digging tendency | 2 out of 5 | Low digging tendency |
| Chewing tendency | 2 out of 5 | Light chewing tendency |
| Prey drive | 5 out of 5 | Extreme scent-driven prey and tracking drive |
| Guarding instincts | 2 out of 5 | Too friendly to be effective guard dogs |
What are common health issues of a Plott?
Like all breeds, Plotts are prone to certain health conditions. Here’s what to keep on your radar.
Hip Dysplasia
The hip joint develops abnormally, causing pain and arthritis over time. Plotts are an active hunting breed, so stiffness after exercise or a changed gait are worth catching early.
Read more about Hip DysplasiaGastric Dilatation-Volvulus
The stomach fills with gas and twists, cutting off blood flow. Plotts are at elevated risk as a deep-chested breed. A swollen belly and unproductive retching are urgent warning signs.
Read more about Gastric Dilatation-VolvulusHypothyroidism
The thyroid gland does not produce enough hormone, slowing the metabolism. In Plotts, signs include weight gain, low energy, and a dull coat. It is managed with daily medication.
Read more about HypothyroidismEpilepsy
A neurological condition causing recurring seizures, seen in Plotts with some frequency. It often has a genetic component and is typically managed with long-term daily medication.
Read more about EpilepsyTorn Cranial Cruciate Ligament
The CCL stabilizes the knee, and active breeds like the Plott are at real risk of tearing it. A sudden rear-leg limp after exercise is the most common first sign. Surgery often needed.
Read more about Torn Cranial Cruciate LigamentWhat are the recommended health tests for Plotts?
Your Plott can’t tell you when something’s off. That’s what these tests are for. Here’s what vets typically recommend for them.
-
OFA hip evaluation -
Ear examination and cleaning at every wellness visit
-
CAER ophthalmologist eye exam
-
Annual weight monitoring
Do Plotts need pet insurance?
We’ll let the numbers do the talking, but spoiler: a lot of Plott owners are really glad they had coverage.
Those numbers aren’t hypotheticals. They’re real claims from real Plott owners in 2025.
The right pet insurance means you’re making decisions based on what your dog needs, not what you can afford.
With Lemonade, you can build a plan around your Plott specifically. Start with accident and illness coverage as your base, then add on what makes sense for your dog, things like physical therapy, dental illness, or behavioral treatment, and skip what doesn’t. Coverage applies to conditions that aren’t pre-existing (AKA, a condition that occurs after your policy is active and your waiting periods have passed), and you’ll know exactly what’s included before you commit. No fine print ambushes, no surprises at claim time.
And when you do need to file? You can do it in the app in minutes. No paperwork, no hold music, no waiting around.
Plotts are worth protecting with proper coverage. Here’s how to do it right.
How much does pet insurance cost?
The cost of your premium is personal. It depends on your Plotts age, your location, and what you add to your plan. That said, here’s a realistic look at what other Plott owners pay with Lemonade:
| Age | Average monthly premium |
|---|---|
| 1 year old | $45-$50 |
| 2 years old | $40-$45 |
| 3 years old | $40-$45 |
| 4 years old | $45-$50 |
| 5 years old | $55-$60 |
| 6 years old | $65-$70 |
| 7 years old | $55-$60 |
Not sure if Lemonade is the right fit for your Plott?
See how we stack up. Compare pet insurance options side by side and find the coverage that fits your Plott and your budget.
History of the Plott
The Plott Hound is one of the few dog breeds with a fully documented American origin story. Johannes Georg Plott emigrated from Germany to North Carolina in 1750, bringing five Hanoverian Schweisshunds, large German hunting dogs, with him. His descendants continued breeding the dogs over the next century, developing a type specifically suited to hunting bear, boar, and mountain lion in the Appalachian Mountains. The Plott family line was kept relatively pure, and the breed became known throughout the North Carolina mountains as the Plott Hound. The UKC recognized the Plott in 1946. The Plott Hound is the official state dog of North Carolina. The AKC recognized the breed in 2006. Unlike most American coonhounds, the Plott has no English Foxhound ancestry and is the only AKC coonhound breed of German origin.
Caring for a Plott
Training
Training a Plott takes patience, but it’s worth the effort. They are independent, bold, and bred to make their own decisions on the trail, which means owners need to establish clear expectations early and be persistent to get consistent results. Short, positive sessions with high-value treats and a firm, consistent approach tends to work best, and getting started early makes a real difference.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or leveling up, these are worth the read.
Grooming
Plotts have a short, dense coat that requires minimal grooming. Weekly brushing with a rubber curry comb or bristle brush is all the coat needs, and the occasional bath keeps them looking their best. Regular ear cleaning is important as the breed's ears can trap moisture and lead to infections.
From nail trims to professional care, here’s everything you need to keep your Plott looking (and feeling) their best.
Exercise and mental stimulation
Plotts have high energy levels and need 60 to 90 minutes of exercise each day to stay happy and healthy. Scent tracking, trail hiking, and fetch are all great ways to burn through that energy. But physical exercise is only half the picture. Plotts are moderately intelligent dogs, and mental stimulation is just as important as the miles you put in. Without it, they become vocal, restless, and prone to persistent howling and wandering. Puzzle toys, training sessions, and scent work are all solid ways to keep their brain engaged between walks.
Here’s how to build an exercise routine your Plott will actually love.
Nutrition
Plotts are medium to large dogs with high energy, so they need a diet to match. Most adults do well on around 1,100 to 1,500 calories a day, spread across two meals. Depending on what you’re feeding them, expect to spend around $50 to $75 a month on food. Not the cheapest line item, but not the most expensive either.
What goes in the bowl is your call, and your vet’s. Kibble, raw, fresh, or a combination: there’s no single right answer. Focus on quality ingredients, the right portions for your dog’s age and activity level, and you’re most of the way there.
Get the full picture on feeding a Plott here.
Plott costs and adoption
What does it cost to bring home a Plott?
Before your Plott even sets a paw in your home, there are some one-time costs worth planning for. Here’s what to expect upfront.
| Category | Cost Range | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Adoption (Reputable breeder) | $500-$1,500 | Health testing, vaccinations, early socialization, pedigree |
| Adoption (Rescue/shelter) | $50-$300 | Basic veterinary care, spay/neuter, temperament evaluation |
| Initial veterinary care | $300-$600 | Exam, vaccinations, spay/neuter if needed, microchip |
| Essential supplies | $200-$400 | Crate, bed, leash, collar, food bowls, toys |
| Training classes | $150-$300 | Basic obedience, puppy socialization |
Unexpected costs have a way of showing up in year one more than any other. A starter emergency fund alongside a solid pet insurance plan is the best way to make sure they don’t catch you off guard.
What does it cost to own a Plott each year?
Once you’re past year one, ownership costs settle into a more predictable rhythm. Here’s what most Plott owners spend annually, though keep in mind these numbers can vary quite a bit depending on where you live, your dog’s individual health needs, and the choices you make along the way.
| Category | Annual cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Food and treats | $600-$1,000 | Based on the recommended portion for your Plott |
| Routine Veterinary Care | $500-$1,000 | Wellness exams, vaccinations, dental care |
| Professional Grooming | $100-$300 | Every Every 8 to 12 weeks, Short smooth coat needs very little professional grooming. |
| Toys and Supplies | $200-$400 | Replacement items, mental stimulation toys |
What are popular Plott names?
We’ve crunched the numbers, and found the top 10 most popular names for Plott we see at Lemonade.
More names where those came from. If none of these are clicking, we’ve done the digging for you. Go find the one that sticks.
Plott puppies
Puppy veterinary needs
The first year matters a lot. What happens between 8 weeks and 12 months shapes who this dog becomes. Here’s what to focus on.
The first few months are the most important window for your puppy’s health. Core vaccines start at 6–8 weeks and continue through 16 weeks. After that, its annual boosters and routine screening as they grow into adults.
It’s a lot to keep track of. That’s why we made it easy.
Puppy socialization
Plott puppies are tenacious, athletic, and purpose-built for the mountain hunting work they've done for over 250 years. That a unique American breed heritage and scenting capability that makes them outstanding tracking dogs is part of what makes them space, vigorous daily exercise, secure outdoor areas, weekly ear cleaning, and comfort with hound independence and vocalization, and it’s also why early socialization matters so much.
Between 8 and 16 weeks, get them in front of as much variety as possible. Different people, animals, sounds, surfaces, and locations. Keep every experience positive. Puppy classes are great for this: supervised, controlled, and full of exactly the kind of novelty a Plott brain needs to learn that the world is mostly fine.
Where are Plott’s most popular in the United States?
Based on Lemonade’s own policyholder data, Plotts are most popular in these five states. We’ve also thrown in a few things local pet owners should keep an eye on, so your pup can get out there and explore safely.
1. Texas
Texas heat is intense and sets in early. Hot pavement can burn paws from late spring through early fall, and heatstroke risk is high during midday walks in cities like Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio. Rattlesnakes, scorpions, and fire ants are also common hazards, particularly in suburban and rural areas.
2. New York
In New York City, street hazards are the main thing to watch. Dropped food, discarded gum containing xylitol, and litter are common ingestion risks on sidewalks and in parks. Upstate and in Long Island, the story shifts to ticks: New York is a Lyme disease hotspot, and black-legged ticks are active from early spring through late fall.
3. North Carolina
North Carolina's warm, humid climate supports year-round flea and tick activity, and the state sees consistent Lyme disease cases, particularly in the Piedmont and mountain regions. Copperhead snakes are also common in wooded and suburban areas, so watching where your dog sniffs around rocks and brush is a good habit.
4. Florida
Florida's heat and humidity make heatstroke a real risk, especially in summer. Keep walks to cooler parts of the day and always bring water. Blue-green algae blooms in freshwater lakes and ponds can also be toxic to dogs, so it's best to keep pups out of standing or slow-moving water, particularly from late summer into fall.
5. Illinois
Chicago winters bring salted sidewalks that can irritate and crack paw pads, so wiping down your dog's paws after walks is a good habit from November through March. In warmer months, ticks become active in wooded and grassy areas, and the occasional coyote sighting in suburban neighborhoods is worth keeping in mind.
Breed comparison
Already leaning toward a Plott? These breeds often get compared, here’s a quick snapshot of how they stack up.
Black Mouth Cur
Both are athletic, determined American hunting breeds. Black Mouth Curs are more versatile in working roles. Plotts are more scent-driven and better suited to tracking and treeing game.
Read more
Mountain Cur
Both are athletic, versatile American hunting breeds. Mountain Curs are slightly smaller and more agile. Plotts are larger, more scent-driven, and better suited to big game hunting.
Read more
Treeing Walker Coonhound
Both are athletic scent hounds. Treeing Walker Coonhounds are faster and better known. Plotts are more powerful and better suited to big game hunting like bear and boar tracking.
Read more
Coonhound
Both are athletic, vocal scent hounds. Coonhounds are better suited to treeing small game. Plotts are more powerful and better suited to tracking and hunting larger, tougher game.
Read more
Catahoula Leopard Dog
Both are athletic, determined American hunting breeds. Catahoulas are more independent and versatile. Plotts are more scent-driven and better suited to tracking big game specifically.
Read moreIs a Plott right for you?
Plotts reward the right owner with a tenacity and tracking drive that makes them genuinely outstanding big-game hunting companions and a loyal warmth and pack orientation that makes them endearing family dogs in active settings. They just need vigorous daily exercise, secure fencing, weekly ear cleaning, and appreciation of independent hound nature in return. If you’re ready for that, you’re ready for a Plott. Make sure they’re protected from day one.
A few quick words, because we <3 our lawyers: This post is general in nature, and any statement in it doesn’t alter the terms, conditions, exclusions, or limitations of the policies issued, which differ according to your state of residence. You’re encouraged to discuss your specific circumstances with your own professional advisors. The purpose of this post is merely to provide you with info and insights you can use to make such discussions more productive! Naturally, all comments by, or references to, third parties represent their own views, and Lemonade assumes no responsibility for them. Coverage may not be available in all states. Please note that statements about coverages, policy management, claims processes, Giveback, and customer support apply to policies underwritten by Lemonade Insurance Company or Metromile Insurance Company, a Lemonade company, sold by Lemonade Insurance Agency, LLC. The statements do not apply to policies underwritten by other carriers.
Insurance claim data is based on Lemonade pet insurance claims that were settled and paid in 2025.
Average insurance premium data is based on Lemonade’s internal data and reflects the average premium over the last 12 complete months, accurate as of June 2026.
Top pet names are sourced from Lemonade’s database of pet names associated with submitted quotes and purchased policies.
Top states for each breed are based on the number of active Lemonade pet insurance policies for that breed in each state as of June 2026.