Plott hounds in AKC

Four breeds will make their debut at Westminster this year, the most to be admitted at once since 1991. Along with the Tibetan mastiff, in the working group, the Beauceron and the Swedish vallhund were added to the herding group and the Plott was added to the hound group.

The Plott hound comes closest of the four new breeds to being a native American dog. Brought to the United States in the late 18th century and bred to sniff wild boar and bear, the midsize, brindle-haired dog is still primarily used for hunting. (The breed standard includes this note to judges: “The Plott may have an identification mark on the rump used to identify the dog when out hunting. Such a mark is not to be penalized when evaluating the dog.”)

Joe Burkett is one of only two breeders who have Plott hounds showing at Westminster. “They need to be hunting dogs before they go into the ring for a show,” he said. Of the four Plotts he entered, he said he expected only two — named Trigger and Jeff — would be able to handle the stress of the large, cramped show.

“It’s a tough show for a hunting dog from out in the country,” he said. “But it’s an honor to be invited.”

- NY Times (link here)

Many years ago I was the proud owner of a UKC registered Plott hound.

And now they have made the big time in the AKC.