How to Identify a Plott
- 1). Look at the general appearance of the dog. Plotts were bred for chasing out big game, so they have stamina, agility, determination and endurance. It is a well-muscled breed and shows extreme athletic ability. Males are 20 to 25 inches at the shoulders and females are 20 to 23 inches at the shoulders. Males weigh 50 to 60 pounds and females weigh 40 to 55 pounds. The moderately-boned Plott is bred for strength and agility.
- 2). Make sure the head is carried high and its skin fits rather tight. It should have a confident expression. The brown or hazel eyes are quite prominent and the breed should not have droopy eyelids. The medium-length ears are quite wide and hang with the inside part toward the muzzle. The measurement from the tip of one ear to the tip of the other, when extended sideways is 18 to 20 inches in males and 17 to 19 inches in females.
- 3). Check that the medium length neck is muscular and does not have a heavy dewlap. There should be no loose, folded or wrinkled skin. The neck leads into angulated shoulders and straight, well muscled pasterns. The front feet are tight and well-padded, leading to strong toes. The angulation at the rear provides for well bent stifles and hocks. The long legs sport muscles through both thighs, leading to firm, tight feet.
- 4). Pet the smooth coat. It is a glossy coat, but has enough thickness for protection from wind and water. Most are single-coated, but some Plotts may be double coated. If a Plott is double coated, the undercoat will be soft and thick. The coat is any shade of brindle. They may also be solid black, brindle with a black saddle or black with brindle trim.