Plott Hound

Brushing Routine

Brush weekly with a rubber curry comb or firm bristle brush. The Plott's fine, glossy coat is shorter and smoother than other coonhound breeds, making it one of the easier hound coats to maintain. A grooming mitt used daily provides adequate maintenance between brushings.

Bathing Tips

Bathe every 5-6 weeks with a mild, moisturizing shampoo. Plotts have less hound odor than other coonhound breeds thanks to their finer coat, so they can go longer between baths. Use a gentle ear cleanser during baths to address their moderate ear infection risk.

Common Issues

• Less odor than other coonhounds but still present in humid conditions
• Ear infections from folded ears, though less severe than longer-eared hounds
• Scratches and scrapes from brush and bramble during outdoor activity
• Shedding that increases significantly in spring and fall
• Dry skin in winter from indoor heating

Extend Your Grooming Results

A daily wipe with a grooming mitt keeps the fine coat sleek and reduces shedding onto furniture. Apply a light coat conditioner spray weekly to maintain sheen. Check and clean ears weekly -- less intensive than other coonhounds but still important. Moisturize skin in dry months.

Seasonal Care

Plotts shed moderately year-round with heavier shedding in spring and fall transitions. In Houston summers, their brindle coat absorbs heat -- schedule outdoor time for cooler hours. The fine coat offers less insulation than other hounds, so they may appreciate a light coat in rare Houston cold snaps.

Maintenance Schedule

Weekly bristle brush session, daily grooming mitt wipe, ear cleaning weekly, nail trims every 3 weeks, coat conditioner spray weekly, professional grooming every 6-8 weeks.