Plott HoundVSBlack and Tan Coonhound
The Plott Hound and the Black and Tan Coonhound are both American hunting breeds developed for trailing game through tough terrain, but they come from very different backgrounds. The Plott Hound is the state dog of North Carolina and descends from German boar-hunting dogs, while the Black and Tan Coonhound descends from Talbot Hound and Bloodhound stock brought to colonial America. Here is a full comparison.
Last reviewed: June 2026
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | Plott Hound | Black and Tan Coonhound |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 40–60 lbs, 20–25 in | ✓65–110 lbs, 23–27 in |
| Energy Level | ✓High | Moderate to High |
| Trainability | ✓Moderate (independent hound) | Moderate (very independent) |
| Shedding | Moderate | Moderate |
| Good With Kids | Good | ✓Very Good |
| Good With Other Dogs | Good | ✓Very Good (pack dog) |
| Barking | ✓High (deep voice) | Very High (resonant bay) |
| Life Expectancy | ✓12–14 years | 10–12 years |
| Exercise Needs | 90+ min/day | ✓60–90 min/day |
| Price Range | ✓$300–$800 | $400–$1,000 |
✓ indicates advantage in this category. Tie = comparable.
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Choose a Plott Hound if…
Choose a Plott Hound if you want a tenacious, agile hunting hound with higher drive, longer lifespan, and a leaner build suited to big game hunting and very active owners.
Choose a Black and Tan Coonhound if…
Choose a Black and Tan Coonhound if you want a larger, more laid-back scenthound who is excellent with children and other dogs and has a slightly calmer energy level indoors.
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Compare Pet Insurance QuotesFrequently Asked Questions
What game are Plott Hounds and Black and Tan Coonhounds used for?
Plott Hounds are primarily used for big game hunting including bear and mountain lion, and are known for their tenacity and courage when confronting large, dangerous animals. Black and Tan Coonhounds are primarily raccoon hunters who tree their quarry and bay until the hunter arrives, but they are also used for deer, bear, and mountain lion in some regions. Both are cold-nose hounds capable of tracking old trails.
Which breed makes a better pet?
Black and Tan Coonhounds are generally more laid-back indoors and better adapted to family life as pets. They are gentle, affectionate, and good with children and other dogs. Plott Hounds have higher energy and drive that requires more active management. Both breeds have strong baying instincts that can be problematic in suburban environments with close neighbors.
Are these breeds rare?
Both breeds are relatively uncommon compared to mainstream breeds. Plott Hounds are particularly regional — they are most common in the Appalachian mountain region of the southeastern United States and are rarely seen in urban settings. Black and Tan Coonhounds are more widely distributed but still rank well outside the top 50 breeds. Both are working hunting dogs rather than pets in most of their current placements.
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