Plott Hound Colors & Coat Guide
All recognized Plott Hound colors, coat types, genetics, and how color can impact pricing and health.
Plott Hound Colors Overview
Plott Hound coat colors are governed by a complex interplay of genetics. The brindle pattern is the breed's hallmark, with dark stripes over a lighter base color; any shade of brindle is acceptable in the standard..
Understanding which colors are standard versus non-standard helps buyers make informed decisions. Color should never be the primary selection criterion—health and temperament come first.
All Plott Hound Colors
The Plott Hound is recognized in 7 color variations. Standard colors are those accepted by major kennel clubs for conformation showing, while non-standard colors may occur naturally but are not eligible for the show ring. Both standard and non-standard colored Plott Hounds make equally wonderful companions.
Standard vs Non-Standard Plott Hound Colors
Standard colors (4): Brindle, Black, Brown Brindle, Tan Brindle. These colors are accepted by the AKC and other major kennel clubs for conformation competition. Standard-colored Plott Hounds are typically priced within the normal $600–$1200 range.
Non-standard colors (3): Blue Brindle, Maltese, Buckskin. These colors occur in the breed but are not accepted for conformation showing. Non-standard colors may be priced higher or lower than standard colors depending on demand and breeder practices. Health and temperament are not affected by coat color in most cases.
How Color Affects Plott Hound Price
| Standard colors | Normal pricing ($600–$1200) |
| Rare/unusual colors | Premium pricing (+$360–$600) |
While color can influence the price of a Plott Hound puppy, prospective owners should prioritize health testing, breeder reputation, and temperament over coat color. A responsibly bred Plott Hound in a common color with comprehensive health clearances is a better investment than a "rare" colored puppy from untested parents. The base price range for Plott Hounds is $600–$1200, with color-based premiums adding to that range for certain variations.
Plott Hound Coat Type and Grooming
The Plott Hound's short and glossy coat requires grooming appropriate to its texture and density. With grooming needs rated 1/5 and shedding at 2/5, owners should plan their maintenance routine accordingly.
The Plott Hound's low-maintenance coat is one of the breed's practical advantages. Weekly brushing removes dead hair and promotes skin health, while baths are needed only when the dog is dirty or every 6–8 weeks. Grooming costs are modest at $62–83 per month, and most routine grooming can be handled at home with basic tools.
Regardless of coat color, all Plott Hounds benefit from regular nail trimming every 2–3 weeks, ear cleaning weekly (especially for breeds with floppy ears), and dental care including brushing three or more times per week. These basic grooming tasks prevent common health problems and keep your dog comfortable.
Plott Hound Coat Genetics
Color genetics in Plott Hounds involve multiple loci working together. The brindle pattern is the breed's hallmark, with dark stripes over a lighter base color; any shade of brindle is acceptable in the standard..
Key genetic loci include E (controls whether pigment is expressed), A (pattern distribution), K (solid vs. patterned), and B (black vs. brown base). DNA testing allows breeders to predict litter colors accurately.
Rare vs Standard Plott Hound Colors
Among Plott Hounds, the standard colors (Brindle, Black, Brown Brindle, Tan Brindle) are most common. Non-standard colors like Blue Brindle, Maltese, Buckskin are rarer and may command premium prices above the standard $600–$1200 range. Buyers should be cautious—extremely rare colors can sometimes be associated with health issues or may indicate crossbreeding.
The brindle pattern is the breed's hallmark, with dark stripes over a lighter base color; any shade of brindle is acceptable in the standard..
Do Plott Hound Colors Change with Age?
Color evolution is normal in Plott Hound puppies. As a hound breed originally from United States, the transition from puppy to adult coat occurs between 4–12 months and can bring noticeable changes in shade, pattern intensity, and marking definition. Standard colors like Brindle, Black, Brown Brindle, Tan Brindle are generally established by maturity.
Choosing a Plott Hound by Color
When selecting a Plott Hound puppy, coat color is one of the most visible factors, but it should be among the last in your decision-making process. Here is a practical framework for evaluating color alongside more important factors:
- Health testing comes first: Both parents should have documented clearances for breed-relevant conditions including Hip Dysplasia. No color is worth compromising on health documentation.
- Temperament matters more: Meet the puppies and both parents when possible. A well-socialized puppy with stable temperament from health-tested parents in a common color outweighs a "rare" colored puppy from an unknown background.
- Breeder reputation is essential: Reputable breeders prioritize producing healthy, well-tempered puppies and are transparent about all aspects of their program. They do not market "rare" or "exotic" colors at inflated prices.
- Then consider color: Once health, temperament, and breeder quality are confirmed, choose the color that appeals to you. All 7 recognized Plott Hound colors can produce healthy, happy companions.
Controversial Colors
Some Plott Hound colors marketed as 'rare' or 'exotic' may not be recognized by the breed standard. Colors like Blue Brindle, Maltese, Buckskin fall outside the standard palette of Brindle, Black, Brown Brindle, Tan Brindle. Be wary of breeders who charge premiums well above $1200 for unusual colors, as this may indicate they prioritize appearance over health testing for Hip Dysplasia and other conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
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