The Plott Hound originated in the mountains of North Carolina in the 1750's and is one of only four breeds known to be of American origin.  Plotts were developed as a wild boar hound and bear hound and are a legendary hunting dog.  Plott Hounds are known to be courageous and tenacious trackers with excellent treeing instincts.  In hunting the dog's job is to find and corner (or tree) the prey - not to attack it and not to kill it.  It should be possible to release the cornered animal entirely unharmed.

We consider Plott Hounds one of the original "homestead" breeds because their talents include herding and livestock protection.  Three hundred years ago farmers put up fencing to keep their livestock out of crop areas.  Pigs, cows, chickens, and turkeys fended for themselves in the forests and your dog helped you gather them when you needed to bring them in.  Plotts have retained this instinct and deal very well with ornery cows and pigs without hurting them. 

Plotts also have a sense of "ours" as in "our" turkeys, "our" chickens, "our" lambs, and even "our" cats.  Things that are "ours" are not to be chased and need to be protected.  They are adept at detecting, deterring, and running off predators that threaten "our" animal community.  Our Plotts have dramatically reduced the visits of raccoon, opossum, fox, and coyote on our ranch.  Scent marking has been particularly effective with the fox and coyote.

  Despite their bravery and reputation as the "ninja" of the dog world, Plotts are also gentle and extremely loyal.  Ours help raise our orphan lambs in the house, sleep on the bed with the inside cat, and melt at the sight of a child.  They love to sleep on the bed and cuddle in front of the fire.  They are a key part of the farm and the family.  an