Collie vs Plott Hound

Which dog breed is right for you?

Collie

Size
50–75 lbs, 22–26 in
Lifespan
12–14 years
Exercise
Moderate
Grooming
High
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Devoted Graceful Intelligent Proud

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 Collie

The Collie — immortalized by the fictional Lassie — originated in Scotland and northern England as a supremely capable herding dog guarding flocks across rugged highland terrain. Standing 22–26 inches tall and weighing 50–75 pounds, the breed comes in two coat varieties — the iconic Rough Collie with its abundant mane and the sleeker Smooth Collie — in sable and white, tricolor, blue merle, and white colorations. Their wedge-shaped head, almond eyes, and graceful build give them an unmistakable elegance among herding breeds.

Temperament & Personality

Collies are among the most gentle and devoted of all breeds — known for their uncanny ability to sense their family's emotions and respond with quiet comfort. They are exceptionally patient with children and often take on a protective, nurturing role with the youngest family members. While friendly toward strangers, they'll alert you to anything unusual with a distinctive bark — though excessive barking can develop without training.

Pros

  • One of the most naturally gentle and trustworthy breeds with children of all ages
  • Highly intelligent and responsive to training — learn commands with minimal repetition
  • Moderate exercise needs — satisfied with daily walks and yard play rather than intense activity
  • Clean dogs with little doggy odor despite their abundant coats

Cons

  • Rough variety sheds heavily year-round and requires thorough brushing 2–3 times weekly
  • Prone to Collie Eye Anomaly — a hereditary condition affecting up to 70% of the breed
  • Can develop nuisance barking if bored or left alone frequently
  • Sensitive to many common veterinary drugs due to the MDR1 gene mutation

Bring home a loyal and graceful Collie — explore adoptable Collies waiting for families on Puplister.

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 Collie and a Plott Hound?
The Collie is 50–75 lbs, 22–26 in sized while the Plott Hound is 40–60 lbs, 20–25 in sized. They differ in size (50–75 lbs, 22–26 in vs 40–60 lbs, 20–25 in), lifespan (12–14 years vs 12–14 years), and care requirements.
Which breed is better with kids, Collie or Plott Hound?
Collie is generally good with kids. Plott Hound is generally good with kids.
Which breed lives longer, Collie or Plott Hound?
The Collie has a lifespan of 12–14 years while the Plott Hound has a lifespan of 12–14 years.

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