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.

Recognized Colors

Brindle Standard

Black Standard

Blue Brindle

Maltese

Brown Brindle Standard

Tan Brindle Standard

Buckskin

Color & Price Impact

Standard colors	Normal pricing ($600–$1200)
Rare/unusual colors	Premium pricing (+$360–$600)

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 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.

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

Standard Plott Hound colors include Brindle, Black, Brown Brindle, Tan Brindle. 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..

Among Plott Hound colors, rarity reflects recessive genetics rather than quality. 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..

As a Plott Hound puppy matures from puppyhood to adulthood (4–12 months), coat color can shift. 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.. Since the Plott Hound comes in 7 recognized color varieties, the extent of change depends on the specific color genetics involved.

For the Plott Hound, standard colors have no known health associations. Some non-standard colors in certain breeds can be linked to deafness, eye problems, or skin sensitivity. 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..

Among Plott Hounds, the most commonly seen colors are Brindle, Black, Brown Brindle, Tan Brindle. As the breed standard recognizes 7 color variations, there is good variety to choose from. 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..