The Plott Hound Lab mix is an unusual but endearing cross, thanks to the combination of stamina and endurance inherited from both of its parent breeds.
The Plott is an originally hunting-bred scent hound, whereas the Lab is a friendly, affectionate, and warm retriever. Due to its hound ancestry, this mix may be determined, tireless, and stubborn.
This mixed breed is known as an excellent choice for active families. Find out more about the characteristics of a Plott Hound Lab mix, including its temperament, lifespan, health issues, prices, and more!
What Is a Plott Hound Lab Mix?
The Plott Hound Lab mix is a hybrid of the Plott Hound and the Labrador Retriever. They are medium in size and muscular. What makes this mixed breed stand out among other hybrids is their loving nature despite their menacing appearance.
Both parent breeds of the Plott Hound Labrador Retriever mix have gentle temperaments and love being around people. Hence, it makes sense that they’re good-natured, too.
However, their hound character also makes them prone to being unpredictable and stubborn. This mix is most suitable for those with prior experience working with dogs.
This strong canine is also very eager to go after large predators like bears and wildcats as it sees them as a potential threat. Despite this, it exhibits a gentler side when it is among people.
Plott Hound Lab Mix Origin and History
Known as a hybrid or designer dog, the origin of the Plott Hound Lab is hard to pin down because of the lack of information available on this mixed breed. However, it is most probably the result of accidental breeding.
To understand the origin of the Plott Hound mix, let’s check out its parent’s history. To begin, let’s take a look at the Labrador Retriever.
The Labrador Retriever is the most popular purebred dog in the United States and Great Britain, according to the American Kennel Club.
When the British visited Newfoundland, they were impressed by the Labrador’s swimming, easygoing, and hardworking attributes and carried them home. In 1900, they were brought back to the United States by sportsmen.
Meanwhile, Plott Hound mixes arrived in the United States in the mid-1700s with their German masters and were utilized for boar hunting in Germany. They’re the quintessential American immigrant.
In prehistoric times, the ancestors of modern Plott Hounds were also employed in Germany for the purpose of boar hunting.
Given the rich history of the Labrador and the Plott Hound, the Plott Hound Lab mix is sure to exhibit desirable traits that every pet owner would appreciate in a companion.
Plott Hound Lab Mix Appearance
The Plott Hound Lab is a breed of dog that ranges in size from large to medium. It also has a powerful and muscular build. Its coat is short and thick, helping it withstand all types of weather.
The coat color and patterns of the Labrador may be passed on to this mix, producing a multitude of markings. The Plott Hound Lab mix may end up with chocolate, charcoal, yellow, and red coats.
A Lab Hound mix typically has a round, pleasant face in addition to the typical floppy ears and low-set ear position seen in scent hounds.
The long, thick tail may be straight or slightly curled, depending on the breed, and the eyes may be brown or hazel in color.
Check out the video below to get a better picture of the physical characteristics of a Plott Hound Lab:
Ruby, 2 Year Old Plott Hound/Lab Mix, Pulling<a href="https://youtu.be/i3jqNrs7UGk" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.bubblypet.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2Fi3jqNrs7UGk%2F0.jpg" alt="Ruby, 2 Year Old Plott Hound/Lab Mix, Pulling" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
Plott Hound Lab Mix Size and Weight
Plott Hound Lab mixes are medium-sized dogs that weigh between 40 and 60 pounds and measure around 20 to 28 inches tall when fully grown.
As evident in their size, they must be owned by a family that lives in a house with considerable space; however, they may also thrive in an apartment if it is spacious enough.
The Plott Hound Lab reaches the end of physical development at one year old. However, if the Labrador genes are stronger, this mix will be nearly as tall as an adult in 9 months.
After this time, the growth will focus more on ‘filling out’ than increasing in height.
Plott Hound Lab Mix Temperament and Personality
The Lab Hound mix’s temperament, size, and appearance can be influenced by the dominant traits of either of its parent breeds. But generally, the Plott Hound Lab mix is one of the nicest dogs you’ll ever meet.
The Plott Hound Lab is a perfect family companion. It enjoys the company of humans and is always ready to please because of its genetic makeup. It also enjoys following and being close to its owner.
The Lab Hound cross is sporty, nimble, and adventurous, so you could bring them for a run or a hike. Exploring new places is easily one of its favorite pastimes.
They’re also perfect for bringing on beach vacations with the family because they adore getting into the water. However, make sure you supervise them when playing with children, as they tend to be quite playful.
When it comes to dealing with strangers, Plott Hound Labs are pretty friendly, making them lousy guard dogs. You can’t expect them to alert you when strangers enter your property.
Plott Hound Lab Mix Lifespan and Health Issues
Luckily for aspiring owners, Plott Hound Lab mix dogs are generally healthy due to hybrid vigor. Their life expectancy is between 12 and 14 years which is comparable to the lifespan of their parents.
However, they can also inherit certain genetic diseases that are common to Labradors and Plott Hounds.
Listed below are some of the most prevalent health issues among Plott Hound Lab mixes:
Hip Dysplasia: It’s not unusual for Plott Hound Lab mixes to suffer from hip dysplasia. This condition refers to the hip’s ball and socket joint being underdeveloped. Reduced mobility, bunny hopping, discomfort, and limping are some of the symptoms of hip dysplasia in dogs.
Elbow Dysplasia: A major sign of elbow dysplasia in large dog breeds like the Plott Hound Lab mix is front-leg lameness. It is caused by irregularities in skeletal development, cartilage maturation, and joint stressors.
Bloat Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV): GDV is a life-threatening condition in dogs where their bloated stomach rotates on its own axis, preventing the passage of gas and food contents.
Skin Issues: Due to their short hair, Plott Hound Labs are susceptible to a variety of allergic skin conditions. Due to dust, molds, pollen, and dust mites, atopic allergies frequently cause skin redness and itching. Additionally, irritation can be seen on the abdomen, feet, skin folds, and ears.
Many responsible breeders do genetic testing to ensure that their dams and sires are healthy. A dog’s health clearance proves that it has been checked for and cleared of certain diseases or ailments.
How to Take Care of Your Plott Hound Lab Mix
Since you will be responsible for the Plott Hound Lab Mix throughout its life, you should be an expert on its maintenance. Due to their mixed nature, looking after this pooch can be a lot of work.
If you’re up to the challenge of caring for a Plott Hound Labrador mix, here’s a comprehensive guide on their feeding, grooming, training, and exercise needs.
Food and Diet
The Plott Hound Lab mix is a medium to large-sized dog that requires a fair amount of food. It is an active breed, so its diet should be packed with nutrients.
That said, providing them with good-quality dry kibble when still young would be beneficial.
For adult and senior Plott Lab Hounds, make sure to give them the finest dry dog food to match their unique nutritional demands. You can look into the recommended diet for its Labrador parent for some ideas.
Nonetheless, it is generally recommended that the Plott Hound Lab mix should be fed high-quality, animal-based, protein-rich meals.
Although they are expected to eat a lot, you should keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t overindulge. You can prevent your Lab hound mix from being bloated if it gets regular, well-portioned meals of high-quality dog food.
Cleaning and Grooming
The combination of Plott Hound and Labrador breeds results in a moderate shedding dog. Thus, the Plott Hound Lab’s short and dense coat may only be groomed once or twice a week at most.
Also, remember to give them baths as needed, but don’t overdo it to avoid the drying of the skin.
Included in the Plott Hound Lab’s cleaning and grooming needs are dental brushing, nail clipping, and ear cleansing.
As with other dogs, the ears of the Plott Hound Lab mix should be cleaned and examined for symptoms of infection.
Additionally, trim their nails to a comfortable length, as long nails can cause discomfort. Be cautious, though, so that their nails won’t separate from their quick.
As for tooth brushing, do it at least three times a week to prevent tartar accumulation and remove plaque.
Training and Exercise
The Plott Hound Lab mix requires a great deal of attention and regular exercise, so you need to be confident to meet its needs. After all, tireless running and retrieving is in the genes of both its parents.
The Labrador Retriever genes make this hybrid among the most active dogs possible. This is further amplified by the hunting instincts of the Plott Hound.
That said, it is crucial that you provide them with at least one hour of exercise every day. If you live in an apartment without a yard, a pet ramp works well with this pooch.
The Plott Hound Lab mix is a clever dog that is eager to please and enjoys a physical challenge; thus, training would be pretty easy. Ideally, it should be trained in no more than 15 minutes per day using positive reinforcement.
How Much Does a Plott Hound Lab Mix Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses
A Plott Hound Lab mix puppy can cost anywhere from $300 to $2,000. It is more expensive than its Labrador and Plott Hound parents.
Moreover, the final price of these puppies is also influenced by their parent breeds’ pedigree, unique colors, special markings, and the reputation of the breeder.
If you prefer a less expensive option, you can adopt a Plott Hound Lab puppy from a local rescue or shelter. The typical adoption fee is $50 to $600.
Purchasing necessary supplies before bringing your puppy home is also a vital part of your dog-owning journey. Dog food, treats, leashes and collars, and feeding dishes should all be included in your shopping list.
The initial costs of owning a Plott Hound Lab mix are summarized in the table below:
Knowing how much it will cost to purchase a Plott Hound Lab mix puppy as well as provide for it throughout its lifespan will help you plan your finances.
Check out our Labrador Retriever price guide to get a better idea of how much you’ll be spending on a Plott Hound Lab mix.
Places to Find Plott Hound Lab Mix Puppies for Sale and Adoption
Your priority when getting a Plott Hound Lab mix should be responsible breeders — those that have been in the business for several years.
A responsible designer dog breeder can reassure you that its puppies are healthy and well-tempered.
If you aren’t that confident looking for breeders online, you may find our puppy buying guide helpful.
Once you’re ready, check out these breeders that offer Plott Hound Lab mix puppies for sale:
AKC Marketplace – This marketplace only features pups from litters registered with the AKC. Although they mostly cater to purebreds, the breeders associated with them might have a Plott Hound mix available for adoption.
PuppyFinder – Using PuppyFinder is a safe, easy, and effective way to find puppies online. It accommodates various dog breeds, including the Plott Hound Lab mix. They have various search filters so you can personalize your search and find a pet the fastest way possible.
Greenfield Puppies – Greenfield puppies is another advertising website that connects purebred and mixed breed dogs to their new families. This platform has been around since 2000, and it is family-run. They have available Lab and Plott Hound mixes from time to time, so visit their page regularly.
You may also choose to contact purebred Plott Hound and Labrador breeders since they may also be producing this combination.
Meanwhile, if you wish to save a dog’s life and spend less at the same time, connect to local rescues and shelters. Check out our comprehensive guide to dog adoption for tips and details on the adoption process.
Here are some Plott Hound Lab mix rescues to check out:
Adopt-a-Pet – This is the largest non-profit pet adoption website in North America. It promotes pet adoption by collecting data from more than 12,000 shelters across the United States and Canada and putting it in a searchable database to help people find pets to adopt. You can definitely find a Plott Hound Lab mix here.
Petfinder – This is an online pet adoption website that services all of North America. At present, they have more than 315,000 adoptable pets from roughly 14,000 animal shelters and rescue groups. If you’re lucky, the Plott Hound Lab mix may be one of them.
Labrador Retriever Rescue (LRR) – This is one of the longest-running rescue organizations for Labradors and their mixes. They are based in Washington DC but also servicing the areas of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia.
You may also want to check out our list of Labrador Retriever rescues for more options. Meanwhile, if you don’t want to spend a single penny, you should read our guide on finding free puppies in your area.
Pros and Cons of Owning a Plott Hound Lab Mix
Crossing two purebred canines have both benefits and drawbacks. Because of this, some individuals may be hesitant to acquire the Plott Hound Lab mix.
In this section, I have outlined the benefits and drawbacks of owning this unique breed so you can assess if you’re a good fit to be its owner.
The following are a few of the benefits of owning a Plott Hound Labrador Retriever hybrid:
They are innately friendly. The Plott Hound Lab mix, despite its size, is one of the nicest dogs you’ll ever meet. Due to the mixture of its parents, its love of humans and willingness to serve are inborn. In addition, they enjoy following and remaining close to their owner.
They’re always up for a good time. Athletic, nimble, and adventurous, the Labrador Plott Hound crossbreed is a joy to own. You can bring it on walks or even hiking. This dog enjoys the water as well, making a trip to the beach much more pleasurable.
They have an exceptional sense of scent. The Plott Hound Lab mix can follow a scent for long periods of time. No need to worry about misplacing your belongings because it will go out of its way to find them.
You should also take note of the following drawbacks of owning a Plott Hound Lab mix:
They tend to bay. The “baying” of the hound breed is a distinctive feature of their vocalization. There are some people who find the sound disturbing and annoying, and that’s understandable.
They don’t make good security dogs. While they may be a little wary of outsiders, they don’t become frightened when they enter their domain, so they are no use as guard dogs. Because of their Labrador heritage, they get along extremely well with other animals and people.
It needs a large home with a wide backyard. Although they do well as apartment pets, it is crucial that they are given ample space to play and run around due to their size and high level of energy. In most cases, they also require a fence since they may nip on the smaller pets of your neighbors.
Of course, each dog is unique and these pros and cons may not be accurate for every Plott Hound Lab mix. In most cases, you’ll find out if a dog is right for you during “ownership” itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Plott Hound Lab Mixes Bark a Lot?
The Plott Hound Lab mix is not a barker, just like the Labrador Retriever. This breed is known for being relatively quiet, which is one of the reasons why it makes such a great pet.
However, like all dogs, they may bark when they are excited or if they sense something unusual. But overall, you can expect your Plott Hound Lab to be a relatively tame and quiet dog.
Do Plott Hound Lab Mixes Shed a Lot?
The Plott Hound Lab mix is a moderate shedder, which means it doesn’t need extensive grooming and bathing. Brushing it once or twice a week is enough and bathing should be done only as needed.
Are Plott Hound Lab Mixes Hypoallergenic?
No, the Plott Hound Lab mix is not hypoallergenic. Aside from shedding its fur, it also produces dander which is the primary cause of allergies in humans.
Final Thoughts: Is a Plott Hound Labrador Mix the Right Dog for You?
The Lab Hound mix is definitely a smart canine companion. It’s also highly trainable, so it is a joy to own. Note, however, that it can also be stubborn. You should closely monitor this breed, especially if you have kids at home.
Moreover, if you are eyeing this crossbreed, ensure that you have the time and energy to provide for its needs because it is a bit high maintenance. It needs lots of attention and activities, so it won’t get bored and destructive.
Ready to own a Plott Hound Lab mix? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Comments