Drever vs Plott Hound

People compare the Drever and Plott Hound because both are serious scent hounds with deep hunting instincts and that classic bay. loud, persistent, and impossible to ignore. But behind that shared nose for game, they’re built for very different kinds of work, and very different homes. The Drever’s compact size and lower height make it look like a manageable little guy, but don’t be fooled. This Swedish deer driver is built for endurance in icy forests, baying to steer game toward hunters. You’ll find them loyal, surprisingly easy to train, and great with kids. rare for a hound. But they need space, a secure yard, and outdoor access. They don’t do boredom well, and that bark? It’s not “occasional.” It’s part of their job description. The Plott Hound, meanwhile, is a full-on mountain predator dog. Developed in North Carolina to tree bears and take on wild boar, it’s larger, bolder, and more intense. Plotts are fiercely loyal and deeply affectionate with their people, but they can be reserved or even aloof with kids and strangers. They’re less likely to shed than the Drever, but more prone to life-threatening bloat and need careful feeding routines. The big difference isn’t just size or origin. it’s presence. A Drever fits into a lively rural family that hunts or does scent work. A Plott needs an experienced owner who respects its power and purpose. One honest insight: neither breed really belongs in a suburban backyard. Both will test fences, follow scents for miles, and howl without apology. If you’re not hunting or doing nose work, you’re borrowing trouble. Pick based on your terrain. forest and snow, go Drever. Mountains and thick brush, go Plott. But only if you’re ready for a dog that listens to the wind more than you.