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Bloodhound vs Plott Hound

Side-by-side comparison across all 14 AKC trait ratings, with a clear verdict on which breed fits which kind of household.

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The bottom line

Bloodhound vs Plott Hound

People compare Bloodhounds and Plott Hounds because they’re both serious scent hounds with deep hunting roots, and if you’re drawn to that focused, nose-to-the-ground intensity, it’s natural to weigh the two. But they’re built for different kinds of missions. and different kinds of lives. The Bloodhound is the marathon tracker, built for distance and endurance, with those soulful eyes and ears that drag on the ground. They’re heavier, louder, and more stubborn, trailing missing persons for miles on a single scent. That legendary nose comes with trade-offs: constant drool, a baying voice that carries for blocks, and a single-mindedness that can override recall. They’re gentle with kids but not exactly playful, and they need space. fenced, preferably rural. because if a scent hits, they’re gone. The Plott Hound, smaller and more agile, was bred to chase down bear and boar in the Appalachians. They’re more alert, more responsive, and surprisingly affectionate. clinging to their people in a way most hounds don’t. They bark less than Bloodhounds, shed less too, and adapt a bit better to active suburban life. though they still need serious outdoor time. They’re loyal to a fault and quicker to train, not because they’re smarter, but because they care more about your approval. Here’s the real difference: Bloodhounds work alone, following a scent like it’s a spiritual calling. Plotts work with you, as part of a team. If you want a dog that’s a living tool of precision tracking, go Bloodhound. If you want a hunting partner who also wants to curl up at your feet after the hike, the Plott’s your hound.

Bloodhound
Plott Hound
23–27 in
Height
20–25 in
80–110 lb
Weight
40–60 lb
10–12 yr
Lifespan
12–14 yr
$1.0–2.5k
Puppy price
$0.8–2.0k
#49
AKC popularity
#171

Trait-by-trait

Higher bar = more of that trait. Shedding, barking, drooling, grooming flipped for readability.
Affectionate w/ Family
Good with Young Children
Good with Other Dogs
Shedding Level
Coat Grooming
Drooling Level
Good with Strangers
Playfulness
Watchdog / Protective
Adaptability
Trainability
Energy Level
Barking Level
Mental Stimulation Needs
AffectionGood w/ KidsGood w/ DogsShedding LevelGroomingDrooling LevelGood w/ StrangersPlayfulnessProtectiveAdaptabilityTrainabilityEnergy LevelBarking LevelMental Stim.
Bloodhound Plott Hound
Overlay

Where they diverge

Drooling Level
Plott Hound drools less (3-point difference)
Plott
Good with Other Dogs
Plott Hound is better with other dogs (2-point difference)
Plott
Watchdog / Protective
Plott Hound is more protective (2-point difference)
Plott
Affectionate w/ Family
Plott Hound is more affectionate (1-point difference)
Plott
Shedding Level
Plott Hound sheds less (1-point difference)
Plott
The verdict

Choose the Bloodhound if…

  • Active people
  • Rural homes
  • Hunters
  • You value drooling levelBloodhound scores noticeably higher.

Choose the Plott Hound if…

  • Hunters
  • Active outdoor owners
  • Rural settings
  • You value good with other dogsPlott Hound scores higher here.
Bloodhound Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Bloodhound home.
Breed variants, breeder red flags, and what to ask
First-week checklist and daily schedules by age
Training timeline from 8 weeks to adulthood
Health screenings, emergency card, and feeding portions
Grooming schedule, first-year costs, and what nobody tells you
Get Your Guide
Plott Hound Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Plott Hound home.
Breed variants, breeder red flags, and what to ask
First-week checklist and daily schedules by age
Training timeline from 8 weeks to adulthood
Health screenings, emergency card, and feeding portions
Grooming schedule, first-year costs, and what nobody tells you
Get Your Guide

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