The Plott Hound Pitbull Mix is a cross between two working dog breeds – the Plott Hound and the American Pitbull Terrier.
This loyal and energetic hybrid has captured the hearts of many with their affectionate and goofy personality. As popular hybrid dogs go, prospective owners are often curious to learn more about their characteristics and needs.
Origins: Breed History of the Parents
To better understand the Plott Hound Pitbull Mix, let’s take a quick look at the history of its purebred parents:
Plott Hound
- Originated in North Carolina in 1750 from German Hanover Hounds
- Used for bear and boar hunting
- Known for courageous spirit and distinctive bark
- One of the few breeds developed in America
American Pitbull Terrier
- Descended from old English bull-baiting dogs
- Later used in dog fighting rings and farm work
- Known for tenacity and strong work ethic
- Banned in some countries due to reputation for aggression
By mixing these two working breeds, breeders aimed to develop an affectionate yet energetic dog suited for an active lifestyle.
Appearance: Facial Features, Coat and Coloring
As a crossbreed dog, the Plott Hound Pitbull Mix can display a range of physical traits from either parent breed.
Generally, they tend to resemble the American Pitbull Terrier in body shape with a stocky, muscular build. The head is often broad with a wide muzzle, floppy ears, and eyes that range from brown to hazel.
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Coat Type and Texture
- Short, smooth and glossy coat
- Shed moderately
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Coat Colors
- Vary widely from brindle, black, brown to tan and white
- Merle or spotted patterns also possible
These hybrids range from medium to large in size, reaching 45 to 65 pounds at a height of 17 to 21 inches.
Temperament: Energetic, Loyal and Goofy
The plott hound pitbull mix tends to be highly energetic, affectionate, people-oriented and eager to please. They thrive when closely bonded with their human families.
Here’s a quick look at some of their most notable personality traits:
- Energetic
- Requires plenty of activity and exercise
- Loyal
- Deeply devoted to family
- Goofy
- Known for their silly antics
- Friendly
- Gets along well with people
- Attentive
- Eager to please owners
- Courageous
- Makes good watchdogs
- Prey Drive
- Will chase small animals
- Dog Aggression
- Can show aggression towards other dogs
They demand a reasonable amount of activity daily and will become destructive if bored. With proper training and socialization from a young age, they make delightful family pets.
Exercise Needs: High Energy Levels
The Plott Hound Pitbull Mix is bursting with energy and needs vigorous activity regularly. Plan on providing at least 60 minutes of exercise daily.
Here are some great ways to keep them engaged:
- Long walks
- Hiking
- Playing frisbee or fetch at the park
- Agility training
- Jogging or running beside a bicycle
- Interactive toys and food puzzles
These hybrids love having a job to do. Consider fun training activities like nose work, search and rescue drills, or weight pulls to fulfill their needs.
A bored Plott Hound Pitbull Mix left alone for long periods will likely vent their energy through destructive chewing or undesirable barking.
Training Tips: Responsive Yet Strong-Willed
The plott hound pitbull mix is often responsive to training yet simultaneously strong-willed.
- Early socialization and positive reinforcement training is essential
- Responds best to firm, patient and consistent leadership
- Food rewards and praise facilitate learning
- Crate training assists with housebreaking
- Leash training is a must to prevent chasing instincts
Challenge their minds daily through interactive play, food puzzles and obedience work to prevent boredom and frustration.
Grooming Needs: Occasional Brushing
The smooth, short-haired coat of the Plott Hound Pitbull Mix requires minimal grooming to stay looking sharp.
Follow these simple grooming tips:
- Brush coat once a week to control shedding
- Bathe only when dirty using gentle dog shampoo
- Trim nails regularly to avoid overgrowth
- Clean ears periodically to prevent infections
- Brush teeth frequently for good dental health
Shedding and drying skin can be minimized with supplements of omega fatty acids.
Health Issues: Hybrid Vigor
As a cross between two pure breeds, the plott hound pitbull mix benefits from hybrid vigor – increased health from genetic diversity. Nevertheless, the hybrid may still inherit some conditions afflicting its parents, including:
- Hip dysplasia
- Skin allergies
- Hypothyroidism
- Eye problems
- Heart disease
Reputable breeders screen parent dogs for inheritable diseases. With proper nutrition, exercise and regular vet checkups, these hardy hybrids enjoy a typical lifespan of 10 to 15 years.
“The plott hound pitbull mix brings together the best of both worlds – a courageous spirit and fun-loving zest for life.”
Buying Tips: Where to Find Reputable Breeders
Finding a healthy Plott Hound Pitbull Mix puppy from responsible breeders requires a bit of research and patience.
Here are some tips in your search:
- Check animal shelters first
- Research breed-specific rescues
- Ask your local vet for referrals
- Ensure health testing of parent dogs
- Verify licensing and credentials
- Tour the breeding facility
- Assess proper care of dogs/puppies
Expect to pay $500 to over $1000 USD from breeders. Adoption fees typically range from $50 to $300 USD.
Is the Plott Hound Pitbull Mix Right for You?
Before welcoming one of these hybrids home, make sure your household provides:
- Active owners able to exercise the dog daily
- Kids over age 12 years due to high energy
- Homes with 6 foot fenced backyards
- Families without small pets that can become prey
If properly socialized, trained and cared for, the loyal plott hound pitbull mix makes a delightful, fun-loving pet!
Table: Quick Facts Table About Plott Hound Pitbull Mix
| Fact | Description |
|---|---|
| Alt. Names | Plottbull |
| Height | 17 – 21 inches |
| Weight | 45 – 65 pounds |
| Lifespan | 10 – 15 years |
| Energy Level | High |
| Coat Colors | Brindle, black, white, brown, spotted |
| Grooming | Occasional brushing |
| Best Environment | Active homes with securely fenced yard |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are plott hound pitbull mixes aggressive?
While the pitbull parent was historically used in dog fighting, modern breeders selectively breed these hybrids for family temperament. With proper training and socialization from puppyhood, they can make wonderfully loyal companions.
Is a plott hound pitbull mix a good family dog?
Yes, plott hound pitbull mixes tend to form close bonds with all human family members. Their energetic and fun-loving nature makes them great family pets provided they get adequate exercise and training.
What health issues do plott hound pitbull mixes have?
As a hybrid between two purebreds, plott hound pitbull mixes maintain good health from genetic diversity. However, potential issues include hip dysplasia, skin problems, hypothyroidism, eye diseases and heart conditions. Choosing health-tested parents minimizes risk.
How much exercise does a plott hound pitbull mix need daily?
Bred from two high-energy working dog breeds, plott hound pitbull mixes demand vigorous activity for around 60 minutes daily to maintain physical and mental equilibrium. Interactive play, long walks, hikes and training activities are best.
Conclusion
For an affectionate hybrid full of lively spirit and vigor, the Plott Hound Pitbull Mix delivers admirably. Intelligent and eager to please, these dogs thrive when given adequate exercise, training and quality time bonding with family. While their mischievous antics keep owners entertained, supervision is still required given chasing instincts. Provided their high needs are met, the loyal Plott Hound Pitbull Mix makes the ultimate active companion.
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