Bloodhound vs Plott Hound

Which dog breed is right for you?

Bloodhound

Size
80–110 lbs, 23–27 in
Lifespan
10–12 years
Exercise
High
Grooming
Low
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Gentle Patient Determined Friendly

Plott Hound

Size
40–60 lbs, 20–25 in
Lifespan
12–14 years
Exercise
High
Grooming
Low
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Bold Loyal Athletic Determined

About the Bloodhound

The Bloodhound is a scent hound of unparalleled tracking ability, with origins dating back over a thousand years to monasteries in medieval Belgium and France. These large, noble dogs stand 23–27 inches tall and weigh 80–110 pounds, with a loose-skinned, powerful build and famously droopy ears and facial folds that help channel scent toward their nose. Their short, dense coat comes in black-and-tan, liver-and-tan, and red, requiring minimal grooming beyond regular wrinkle cleaning.

Temperament & Personality

Bloodhounds are gentle, patient, and affectionate — despite their imposing size, they are among the most docile and tolerant of all breeds. They are wonderful with children and other animals, displaying remarkable patience even with rough handling from toddlers. However, when they catch an interesting scent, they become single-minded and nearly impossible to redirect — they have been known to follow a trail for over 130 miles.

Pros

  • Possesses the most powerful nose in the canine world — their trailing results are admissible in court
  • Gentle, patient, and affectionate with all family members including young children
  • Excellent with other dogs and household pets
  • Calm and easygoing indoors, content to lounge when not working

Cons

  • Copious drooling — their loose jowls produce significant slobber, especially after eating and drinking
  • Strong, determined pullers on leash who can be nearly impossible to control when trailing a scent
  • Prone to bloat, hip and elbow dysplasia, and ear infections due to their long, pendulous ears
  • Relatively short lifespan of 10–12 years and susceptible to skin fold dermatitis

These gentle giants have hearts as big as their noses — explore adoptable Bloodhounds on Puplister today.

About the Plott Hound

The Plott Hound is the official state dog of North Carolina, descended from Hanoverian Schweisshunds brought to the Appalachian Mountains by German immigrant Johannes Plott in 1750. These athletic, muscular hounds stand 20 to 25 inches tall and weigh 40 to 60 pounds, built for endurance and tenacity on the trail. Their short to medium-length, glossy coat is most commonly brindle — ranging from yellow to chocolate to black brindle — though solid colors also occur.

Temperament & Personality

Plott Hounds are courageous, loyal, and determined — originally bred to track and tree bears, they possess a tenacious drive that can be both impressive and challenging. With their families, they are affectionate, eager to please, and surprisingly gentle, often forming deep bonds with their primary caretaker. They generally do well with children and other dogs, especially when raised together, though their strong prey drive means caution around cats and small animals.

Pros

  • Exceptional stamina and athleticism for hiking and outdoor adventures
  • Loyal and protective without being overly aggressive toward people
  • Low-maintenance coat that requires only occasional brushing
  • Healthier than many purebreds with a lifespan of 12 to 14 years

Cons

  • Loud, baying voice that carries long distances — not suited for noise-sensitive neighborhoods
  • Strong prey drive makes reliable off-leash recall very difficult
  • Can be stubborn and single-minded when tracking a scent
  • Requires substantial daily exercise — at least 60 minutes of vigorous activity

The Plott Hound is a hidden gem among sporting breeds — discover one looking for a forever home on Puplister.

Available for Adoption

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Bloodhound and a Plott Hound?
The Bloodhound is 80–110 lbs, 23–27 in sized while the Plott Hound is 40–60 lbs, 20–25 in sized. They differ in size (80–110 lbs, 23–27 in vs 40–60 lbs, 20–25 in), lifespan (10–12 years vs 12–14 years), and care requirements.
Which breed is better with kids, Bloodhound or Plott Hound?
Bloodhound is generally good with kids. Plott Hound is generally good with kids.
Which breed lives longer, Bloodhound or Plott Hound?
The Bloodhound has a lifespan of 10–12 years while the Plott Hound has a lifespan of 12–14 years.

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