Getting a dog and deciding what the best dog breed for you is, is never an easy task. There are a lot of things you need to consider.
Sometimes, a situation will arise where you fall in love with two or three breeds and cannot decide which one of them is the best.
Well, luckily in today’s world, there are a lot of mixed breeds, or in other words, designer breeds. This is something that we like to call the best of both worlds.
If you happen to like the Plott Hound and the Pitbull but cannot decide for the life of you which breed you favor a bit more, we are here to help.
The Plott Hound Pitbull Mix is a perfect match for you. And we must say that you have impeccable taste because these beauties are super rare and not a lot of people know that they even exist since it is such an unusual combination.
If you find the idea of a Plott Hound Pitbull mix interesting, buckle up because we have a lot to go through so you can learn everything there is to know about this lovely mixed breed.
Plott Hound Pitbull Mix: Let’s Meet The Parents
When it comes to mixed breeds, we always like to start by introducing and giving some of the most important information about the parent breeds. This is a good way to get an idea of what you can expect from the mixed breed.
When it comes to breeds like the Plott Hound Pitbull mix that are rare and unusual you need to know that there might be differences in personality traits and physical traits between the dogs. Some may look more like the Pitbull parent while others may have more Plott Hound DNA.
With mixed breeds like this, that haven’t been popularized yet it can be like playing the lottery, you can never be 100% sure about what you are getting.
Before we start with the description of the breed let’s meet the parent breeds.
American Pit Bull Terrier
The American Pit Bull Terriers are one of those breeds that can be quite misunderstood and have some ˝bad press˝. Unfortunately, this remains to this day, but what we want to emphasize is that this is not the dog’s fault but rather we humans are to blame.
Pitbulls are such sweethearts and have the most loving personality. This may be a bit shocking because they have a strong presence. They have so much love for kids that they got the nickname nanny dogs.
Their muscular bodies might be intimidating to a lot of people, and this is one of the reasons that they make perfect watch dogs. The other thing is their loyalty and protectiveness of their owners. They are not big dogs but have the presence of one.
If you want to know a bit more about how big these pooches get, you can always check out our Pitbull growth chart.
They come in different colors, and some of those colors are champagne, gray, blue fawn, and many more.
They are amazing at sports and competitions like obedience and agility. These doggies have energy and need to let it out, so you need to make sure that you give them enough exercise. But when they are home and all trained up, there is nothing they like more than lounging around with their owners.
You can see many clips of Pitbulls being dressed in comfy clothes and being all tucked up in bed. This shows that they have a lot of patience and a sweet spot for being spoiled.
There are a couple of health issues that these dogs are more prone to and that you should keep an eye on, and those are: allergies, Hypothyroidism, hip dysplasia, heart issues.
The conclusion about this breed is that they are amazing family pets and if you do everything right, like start the socialization and training early, give them a lot of love, and be present, you will have a furry best friend.
RELATED: All About The Average Pitbull Price: How Much Do These Dogs Truly Cost?
Plott Hound
The Plott Hound has been around for 200 years, and they were originally bred in North Carolina as hunting dogs. They used to hunt bears and wild boars, today they have proven their excellence in pack hunting.
These big dogs have a lot of energy and need a lot of exercise. If you don’t provide them with that, they can become anxious or even destructive and aggressive. They have their stubborn side especially when they are puppies.
Because of this, it is mandatory that you start socialization and training as soon as the puppy arrives at your home.
A life in a country with a lot of space to roam is the best option for these dogs. What is also a good idea if you are thinking of getting a Plott Hound is having another dog. Since they are amazing pack dogs, your Plott Hound will appreciate a canine companion.
Make sure that you have a big fence, because of their hunting instinct they tend to roam away.
These dogs are not suited for an apartment because of their size and energy levels.
These dogs are eager to please and have amazing personalities. They are super intelligent so teaching them tricks and commands is a breeze.
Some health issues that this dog breed can have are hip dysplasia and Gastric Torsion. These dogs are generally healthy, especially if you give them enough exercise.
Plott Hound Pitbull Mix: Personality And Temperament
Photo from: @pluto_and_nixin
Mixed breeds can be a bit difficult to predict when it comes to their personalities. They are a mix of two or more dog breeds that may have some differences in their personalities. This is the case with this mixed breed.
The Plott Hound Pitbull Mix is tricky because they are not that popular and do not have all of their characteristics developed during the breeding process.
Even though they may have some differences between the dogs within the breed, there are some personality traits that are more dominant than the others. We’ve made a list of those temperament traits that you can be sure that this pooch will possess.
1. Energetic
This dog is full of energy just like both of its purebred parents. They love to be on the go and to be given some daily tasks that they can accomplish. If these dogs do not fulfill their daily need to let go of their energy, they can become really destructive and anxious.
They love to play with other dogs and people but being included in dog sports or agility is their favorite. Long hikes can be good for these pooches, but they may not be enough for them. But this varies from dog to dog.
You will probably need to spend the majority of the day keeping them occupied. However, they can inherit the laid-back nature of their Pitbull parent.
2. Loyal
Just like both parent breeds, this mix is one of the most loyal dogs out there. They are willing to do anything for their owners. Protecting them is their priority. These dogs will always keep an eye on you to make sure that you are safe.
This is especially prominent with kids. They sense their pure energy and these dogs are always happy to be around them. They might not necessarily play with them at all times but will for sure keep them safe.
Their loyalty is amazing when it comes to training these dogs. They will have the patience to learn and do anything you wish.
3. Intelligent
Photo from: @pluto_and_nixin
These pooches are extremely intelligent. They need their daily mental stimulation. You should figure out some small daily tasks that they can do so their minds are kept occupied.
Even just playing with them can be enough for them, but you need to make the playtime interesting. Teaching them new commands daily and making them show you what they know is something they will appreciate.
By this, they are showing you how smart they are and that they are willing to do whatever you want. This is truly an amazing characteristic. This is one reason why these dogs are good even for people that have never owned a dog before.
4. Protective
This is the side of their personality that needs to be regulated while they are puppies. Being protective is good if you want to have a guard dog or a watchdog, but it can turn into something overwhelming as well.
If they get too protective, they can even turn into aggressive dogs. Everything may seem like a threat to them and you most likely won’t be able to have any guests and take them out to play with other dogs.
For this reason, teach them while they are puppies that meeting new people and animals is a good thing and that you are the pack leader who does not need a lot of protection.
They need to learn to ˝read the room˝ or in other words, to react when they sense that you are scared or in danger.
Dogs that are not neutered tend to be more protective than the ones that are neutered, so you should keep that in mind as well.
RELATED: How To Socialize An Aggressive Dog: A Simple Guide For Dog Owners
5. Family Pets
Since these dogs are mostly considered to be working dogs you may not think that they make amazing family pets, but this is not true. Yes, they have their focus when it comes to the work and duties that you give them, but when they are off duty, they are some of the best dogs your family can wish for.
A house with a big yard will be easier for both you and the dog, they can get used to an apartment but you need to know that you will be spending a lot of time out so they can get enough exercise.
They love to cuddle and spend time with their owners almost as much as they like to be on the move.
6. Friendly
If you do the socialization process right, and early on, you will have a pooch that loves to make new friends. Since the Plott Hound is a good pack dog, this mix will have no problem making new dog friends and even living with multiple other dogs.
Meeting new people is also something that is not strange to them. They might show a little bit of their protective side, but all in all, if you introduce some of your friends to your dog make sure to do it slowly and calmly.
They will sniff them out a bit and sense their energy, and they will almost immediately want to play.
Since they have this friendliness and calmness to them, they make amazing service dogs.
7. Adaptive
This mix is truly up for anything. They do not have a problem if you move a lot or have some life changes that most other dog breeds may be affected by.
If you bring a new pet home, they won’t mind. Bringing a kid home, or changing their bed or crate, are also things they will get used to pretty quickly. It does not take them a lot of time to accept changes.
Plott Hound Pitbull Mix: Appearance
Photo from: @pluto_and_nixin
It is a game of lottery when it comes to mixed dogs and their appearance. There are some popular mixed breeds that have developed their appearance as if they are purebred dogs, like a Labradoodle or a Goldendoodle.
However, when it comes to the Plott Hound Pitbull mix there will be some differences in their appearance but there are some traits that they all will have.
Coats
Since Plott Hounds usually come in brindle but Pitbulls have different coat colors, this mix may come in different coat colors. They will as well mostly come in brindle or some shade of brown, but don’t be surprised if they come in a different color.
The majority of them come with short coats that are shiny and smooth. Some of them may have slightly longer coats, somewhere between short and medium length. Since both the Plott Hound and the Pitbull shed, this dog will shed as well.
If you are allergic to dogs, this breed might not be the best option for you.
General Appearance
Their size can vary but they are mostly considered to be medium dogs. They can grow to be 20 to 27 inches and weigh anywhere between 25 to 75 pounds. The thing you can be certain of is that this breed will have strong and muscular bodies.
The muscular build is more from the Pitbull parent, but their body structure more closely resembles the Plott Hound parent.
Their eyes will resemble a Pitbull’s eyes and they will most likely be brown or hazel. There are blue-eyed Pitbulls but this mixed breed will most likely not inherit them.
This breed has no breed standards so it can be hard to predict their general appearance, but some of these attributes will be the same. The size and shape of the head and snout can vary, depending on which DNA is stronger.
If you see the parent of the puppy, you may be potentially getting, you can have a general idea of how your pooch may end up looking.
Read Also: Thai Ridgeback Pitbull Mix: A Breed That You Must Explore
Plott Hound Pitbull Mix: Grooming
Photo from: @pluto_and_nixin
When it comes to grooming these dogs are not demanding at all, in other words, they are low-maintenance. They do not need haircuts since their coats are short. Although since they do shed, you will need to brush them regularly.
There are some things you can do at home that will save you time and money. Some of the things may be a bit scary if you are doing them for the very first time but we are sure you will get a hold of them quickly.
Here are some of the things you can do by yourself with the right equipment:
1. Bathing
This is something that most of us dog owners do by ourselves but bringing your dog to the groomer from time to time to get a thorough bath is fine. But we assure you, bathing time can be turned into fun time.
Your dog might have some troubles with the bath at first but after a while and with some patience you can make them love it.
The main thing is to get a good shampoo that is a perfect match for your pooch. There are plenty of choices on the market and you can find them all on Amazon, but it can get overwhelming.
If you are not sure what option is the best for your dog, you can always ask a professional groomer or a vet for advice.
We advise you to prepare everything you need before bathing and to close the doors in case your doggie wants to escape. You will probably need a lot of towels and be prepared for the big shake after you take them out of the bath.
Water will be everywhere. Bathing is for sure easier if you have a house, and you decide to bathe them in the yard. This way you won’t need to worry about the mess but keeping them in place might be a problem.
2. Brushing
Brushing is essential for every dog breed whether they have long or short coats. The ones with long coats will need to be brushed daily to avoid any matting and to keep the coats fresh and healthy.
With this breed, you don’t need to worry about matting because of their short coat. The only reason that you will need to brush them is because of their shedding.
This way you are keeping the hair under control, especially if you live in an apartment. Daily brushing is advised but 2 to 3 times a week is good enough.
3. Cleaning Their Ears
This is the part of the grooming process that some dog owners tend to forget but is very important. Getting black gunk or any debris from their ears is very important because they can get an ear infection.
There are many remedies that you can use to clean your dog’s ears. The only thing you need is a pair of tweezers, cotton pads, and the ear-cleaning remedy.
You can clean their ears while you are giving them a bath, or you can just do it in the middle of your living room. The most important thing is to stay calm and to keep your dog calm as well.
Try to use a fun and loving tone to calm them down. You will put some of the remedies on the cotton pad and clean the inside of the ears.
But before you do that, always check if there is anything stuck in your dog’s ear. If there is, that is when the tweezers come in handy. If you think that it might be too deep in the ear and that you may accidentally hurt them, you can always take your dog to the vet.
RELATED: Dog Earwax Color Chart: Everything You Need To Know
4. Cleaning Their Teeth
This is also very important because bad teeth can cause many problems for your dog. Infected teeth or gums are not only painful for the dog, but they can also lead to some other, more serious, health problems.
There are toothbrushes and toothpaste that are specifically made for dogs. Cleaning your dog’s teeth should be done daily but if you don’t have the time, try to do it at least 2 or 3 times a week.
If you can manage to keep your dog calm, you can clean their teeth within a couple of minutes. Dogs cannot rinse but you will often see them go drink some water after the process.
5. Clipping Their Nails
When it comes to clipping dogs’ nails a lot of people find it scary and we can understand why. If you take off too much you can actually hurt the dog. This is especially hard if the dog is not cooperating and not staying calm.
If you think that you can’t do it by yourself, you’re better off taking them to the groomer or even a vet.
If your dog spends a lot of time outside in nature, their nails will be shortened naturally while they are roaming around.
6. Inspecting Their Coats
This might not sound like a grooming procedure, but it is very important to inspect your dog’s coat in depth from time to time. Dogs that spend a lot of time in nature are the ones that need this the most.
Even if this dog has short hair, there can always be some pest hiding in there somewhere. You can find a dried-up dead tick or a flea. It is better to investigate regularly than to have a big problem later on.
But all in all, you should provide your dog with protection against these parasites by putting on a protective collar or giving them a pill that will kill the parasites once they get attached to the dog’s skin.
Plott Hound Pitbull Mix: Training
Photo from: @drakenriley
As we already mentioned, these dogs are extremely intelligent. They will easily get a hold of everything that you teach them.
But you need to know that they can be stubborn sometimes. Don’t worry, it might take some time but once they figure out that you are the pack leader, they will be fun to train.
This medium-sized dog with high energy levels likes a challenge, so you can teach them many cool tricks as they get older. When they are puppies try to stick to the basic stuff which we will list.
If you want the training to go as smoothly as possible you can do some of these things:
– Use a lot of positive reinforcement
– Keep it short at the beginning
– Make it fun
– Make it interactive
– Stay consistent
– Give your dog rewards
If you think that training your dog is not for you and that you feel overwhelmed, you can always hire a professional dog trainer or take your puppy to a puppy class.
There are a couple of things that you will need to teach your puppy that can determine their quality of their life. All of these will be needed throughout the dog’s whole life. Some of those mandatory parts of the training are:
– Potty training. This is probably going to be the first thing you will need to teach your dog and it can seem like it will take forever for your dog to get a hold of it. This is a lot easier when you live in a house, but it is not impossible if you are living in an apartment. Just stay consistent and patient and your puppy will know where to go to the bathroom in no time. There will probably be some accidents like your dog peeing and pooping on the carpet but don’t get too frustrated.
RELATED: Why Is My Dog’s Poop Grainy? Explanation And Tips
– Stay. This command is very important when the dog gets a bit older and if you decide to go for a walk or take them to the dog park without a leash. It can also be a cool thing for your dog to know and you can make it fun, but it is really important. If your dog knows the command to stay you will be able to take them everywhere without a leash.
– Come. This is also one command that will make your life easier, and you will feel freer to let your dog walk without a leash. It is important to teach them that when they hear this word, they need to come to you, even if they are in the middle of playing or being a bit angry with another dog.
– Crate or kennel training. This depends on your preference. Some people don’t mind their dog sleeping all around the house, but if you want your dog to sleep in a crate you will need to prepare them for it. Take it step by step, and the most important thing you need to achieve is that they feel comfortable and that the crate is their safe space.
– Sit and give a paw. These two commands are not that important when it comes to the quality of your dog’s life. They serve the purpose of getting your dog slowly into learning new things. This is not mandatory, but a lot of dog owners like to teach their dogs these two commands.
– Leash training. This is something that can also seem a bit frustrating at the beginning. The puppy will most likely not be happy about the collar and leash and not being able to move freely. Don’t worry, it might take some time for some puppies, but they will figure it out eventually.
When it comes to training your pooch the most important thing is to approach it with a lot of patience and calmness. If you use a harsh tone or even hit your dog, it can cause them trauma and they will associate training with something bad.
RELATED: Will My Dog Forgive Me For Hitting Him? Advice For Dog Owners
Plott Hound Pitbull Mix: Exercise
Photo from: @pluto_and_nixin
Exercise is something that varies from breed to breed. For example, an Australian Shepherd will need much more exercise than a Basset Hound even though a Basset Hound is a hound dog and they are often on the move.
When it comes to the Plott Hound Pitbull mix they will need a lot of exercise. This is why it is recommended to get this dog if you live in a house. This way they will have the space to roam around and be active without the owner interfering a lot.
Exercise is important for dogs to get all that energy out and it is good for maintaining their good health.
Since both breeds are active this one will be as well, and you need to be prepared to set aside some time to give them proper exercise. This designer dog will be fine with a longer hike, but it is also advised to have a shorter but more intense workout besides the hike.
Some of the things that this dog will be happy with are:
– A nice run in nature
– Puzzle games when indoors
– Longer hikes
– Playing with other dogs in the dog park
– Playing fetch
It is a good thing to mix some of these in one day so they will cover their mental and physical needs. For example, you can take them for a long walk, and when you come home give them a puzzle game that they need to solve.
Since they are family dogs, they will love a bit of playtime with every member of the family.
The best thing you should consider for this breed is making sure that they participate in some dog sports, and we advise agility since they have proven to be excellent in it.
Plott Hound Pitbull Mix: Diet Requirements
When it comes to puppies, they need to have enough nutrients like protein, carbs, minerals, and fats so they can grow properly and get their muscular bodies. It is always good to get a well-known brand of dog food that is known to be good quality.
If you don’t know what brand is best for your pooch you can always ask the vet.
When they get older and bigger you will need to make sure that your doggie gets enough proteins since they are essential in getting the muscular body that these dogs are known for.
The dog food that you decide on needs to have all the nutrients and be of good quality because this is the way you will maintain their health and appearance.
There are a couple of options when it comes to a dog diet. You can give them home-cooked meals, raw meals, and store-bought food that includes kibble (dry food) and canned dog food (wet food).
Whatever you decide on you need to make sure that they are getting enough of the nutrients that they need so they can maintain a good quality of life. This is extremely important for dogs that have high energy levels, which these dogs have.
When they get a good amount of exercise they need to substitute all that lost energy by eating quality food.
If you are planning to give them home-cooked food you need to know that there are some ingredients that dogs are not supposed to eat. Spicy food is never recommended to be given to a dog of any breed.
Home-cooked meals can be tricky when it comes to making them well-balanced. Because of this we always advise you to call the vet and ask what the best menu for your pooch is.
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Plott Hound Pitbull Mix: Health
Photo from: @pluto_and_nixin
When it comes to crossbreeding you need to know that the mixed breed can be prone to any health issues that either of the parent breeds may be prone to as well. When you look at the purebred parent dog and their health issues you can know what your mixed cutie can potentially be prone to.
This is something that you can ask the dog breeder and a vet. You can use a DNA test as well.
Here are some of the health issues that a Plott Hound Pit is more prone to:
– Bloating. This is something that you need to keep an eye on because these dogs are extremely prone to bloating. Because of this, it is not advised to give this pooch any leftover food, even if they give you puppy eyes.
– Bone Conditions. As they get older there is a possibility that their bones and joints will get weak. This is why proper training and diet are important for this breed.
– Eye Conditions. Their eyesight can weaken over the years. To lower the chances for this to happen you can always give them EPA, DHA, and beta-carotene.
– Congenital heart disease. This is something that is passed on by the Pitbull parent.
– Skin Conditions. Since these dogs spend a lot of time outdoors and in nature, they might get some rashes and even skin infections. They might also develop some allergies and that can result in some skin issues.
This does not mean that your dog will get these health issues for sure, just that they are more prone to them than, for example, a Rottweiler.
With regular vet check-ups, you can have some peace of mind that you are doing everything that is in your power to keep your dog healthy.
Try not to skip any necessary vaccinations because they are the key to maintaining your dog’s health and making sure that they are developing a strong immune system.
When it comes to lifespan these dogs can live to be 10 to 13 years old.
RELATED: How Long Do Pitbulls Live? Is There A Way To Extend Their Lifespan?
FAQs
Photo from: @pluto_and_nixin
Is It Difficult To Find Plott Hound Pitbull Mix Breeders?
Finding a reputable breeder is never an easy task. There needs to be a lot of research done to make sure that you know if you are dealing with a breeder that is to be trusted. This can be extremely complicated when it comes to breeds that are not that known or popular.
We need to prepare you that you will need to set aside a lot of time to find the best breeder who breeds this mix. Since they are not registered by the American Kennel Club (AKC) it can be even harder to find a breeder that is trustworthy.
RELATED: Best Pitbull Breeders In The US: Where To Find Pitbull Puppies For Sale
How Much Do These Dogs Cost?
Since they are not that popular you can find these pooches for anywhere from $300 to $800. They can be a bit more expensive if you find a breeder that has committed his life to breeding these dogs, but they are rare since the demand is not that high.
There are of course some additional costs that you need to be prepared for, but this is the case with every breed.
Do They Make Good Family Dogs?
They make amazing family dogs but there is a catch. You need to be an active family or at least live in a house with a big yard so your dog will be exercised enough every day.
They are protective, loyal, and friendly which are the best attributes a family pet can have. These dogs are not a good option for older people that do not have the energy to provide for this dog.
When it comes to grooming, they are pretty low-maintenance so you do not need to set aside even more time on this.
Early and good quality training and socialization processes are important for them. If you do this right, you will have an amazing furry friend.
What Are Some Designer Breeds That Are Similar To A Plott Hound Pitbull Mix?
Some of these breeds are just as rare and unique as this one. You may have never heard about them before, but here is a list of some mixed dog breeds that are similar to the one we have spoken about in this article:
– Plott Hound Staffordshire Terrier mix
– Coonhound Pitbull mix
– Plott Hound Dachshund mix
– Plott Hound Australian Shepherd mix
– Pitbull Labrador Retriever mix
– Pitbull Beagle mix
– Boxer Bulldog mix
RELATED: 16 Dogs That Look Like Pitbulls – Similarities And Differences
To Sum It Up
When it comes to passionate dog lovers getting a dog can get a bit tricky. Sometimes it can get hard to decide on the breed since we love all of them. But it is important to see all the characteristics of the breed so you can be sure that they are the perfect fit for you.
This article is a guide to the Plott Hound Pitbull mix. Not a lot of people know about this mix, and we need to say that you have such interesting and unique taste. This means that you are getting the best of the two parent breeds which you clearly like since you ended up finding out about this mixed breed.
We hope that you got all the information that you needed about these beautiful dogs and that you decided on getting one of them. We wish you all the luck in your search for the perfect breeder and one day wish you will spend many happy years with your pooch.
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