What is the difference between a Labrador Retriever and a Plott Hound?

The Labrador Retriever is 55–80 lbs, 21–25 in sized while the Plott Hound is 40–60 lbs, 20–25 in sized. They differ in size (55–80 lbs, 21–25 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, Labrador Retriever or Plott Hound?

Labrador Retriever is generally good with kids. Plott Hound is generally good with kids.

Which breed lives longer, Labrador Retriever or Plott Hound?

The Labrador Retriever has a lifespan of 10–12 years while the Plott Hound has a lifespan of 12–14 years.

Labrador Retriever vs Plott Hound — Breed Comparison

About the Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever has been America's most popular dog breed for over three decades — and for good reason. Originally bred in Newfoundland, Canada, during the early 19th century to help fishermen haul nets and retrieve catch from the icy North Atlantic, the breed was refined in England into the versatile sporting dog we know today. Labs stand 21.5–24.5 inches tall and weigh 55–80 pounds, with a short, dense, water-resistant double coat in three recognized colors: black, yellow (ranging from fox-red to pale cream), and chocolate.

Temperament & Personality

Labrador Retrievers are friendly, outgoing, and high-spirited — they greet nearly every person, dog, and situation with unbridled enthusiasm and a wagging tail. They are exceptionally patient and gentle with children, making them one of the most trusted family dogs in the world. Labs are also remarkably intelligent and eager to please, which is why they dominate as guide dogs, search-and-rescue dogs, therapy dogs, and detection dogs across dozens of working disciplines.

Pros

Outstanding family dog — patient, gentle, and naturally good with children of all ages
Highly trainable and eager to please — consistently ranks among the most obedient breeds
Versatile and adaptable — equally at home on the couch, in the field, or in the water
Friendly and social temperament — gets along well with other dogs, cats, and strangers

Cons

Heavy shedding year-round with major seasonal blowouts — not suited for allergy sufferers
Prone to obesity — Labs are notoriously food-motivated and will eat anything not locked away
High energy in the first 2–3 years — requires substantial daily exercise to prevent destructive behavior
Susceptible to hip and elbow dysplasia, exercise-induced collapse, and progressive retinal atrophy

There's a reason the Lab is the world's favorite dog — discover adoptable Labrador Retrievers 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.

Labrador Retriever vs Plott Hound