The Story of the Plott Hound: Strike & Stay

I had the privilege of owning a Plott Hound that we adopted at an older age from a shelter and now am looking at getting another Plott Hound. I wish I had read this book while ours was still alive. I always knew this was a special dog, but this book would have shed much more light and would have been helpful in understanding the breed better! This book was hard for me to put down, and while I don't often have the time to read books, I made the time with this one! Bob Plott does a wonderful job of presenting the information of those (family and non-family) involved with the progression of this breed and the value and impact the Plott brought through history. While we are not hunters, the stories that were brought to life in this book were as interesting as they were informational. A very well put together account of the magnificent Plott Hound!

We rescued a Plott a few years ago, and I consider him to be my second Ph.D. dog. I opened the book to the very first page, read to my husband about how dogs that didn't continue to haze the bear beyond the point of exhaustion where culled, and instantly understood our Duke. He is 71 pounds of tenacity. He's a lean, mean, barking, refridgerator opening, hole-digging, counter-surfing machine, and neither our permission nor our approval is necessary.Anyway, it's nice to have such a detailed history of any breed to read about, and this book provides it in spades. A warning: This isn't a Disney story - if the harsh realities of breeding actual, working, hunting dogs makes you squeamish, this may not be the book for you. One thing I've learned from adopting rescued scent hounds though, is that they aren't for the average dog owner, either. They aren't "pets" in the traditional sense of the word.But if you're up for the grit and gristle of a true account of over 150 years of life and dog-breeding in the thick wilderness of southern Appalachia, this doesn't disappoint.

I noticed this book when it came up as a "frequently bought with" in regards to my own book. When I read the title I remembered reading several magazine articles about the author and his research for this book before it was written, but for some reason had forgotten about it by the time it was published and had never gotten around to reading it. So of course I had to order it. This book is a very good history of the Plott family and the Plott dogs. Don't get this book if you are just looking for a book of hunting stories, because you will be disappointed. I'm unsure if the author has ever been on a bear hunt, it is fairly obvious that he isn't what houndmen would refer to as a "real bear hunter" but he never claims to be. What he is, is an excellent historian that can make the history Plott breed into a riveting read.If you are interested in history and like hounds, whether Plotts or other breeds, I would highly recommend reading this book.

I was lucky enough to adopt a Plott Hound from our local animal shelter. This is a fun read that fills in the history of the breed. Reading through the book also gave me a greater appreciation of the challenges American pioneers endured--and how indispensable dogs were to them. They needed a "do everything" breed that would protect the family, herd animals and hunt. Plotts do it all with style.The writing style is a little shy of "Great", hence the 4 star rating--but I'm grateful that Bob Plott put it all together!

If you have any interest in a rural life, enjoy history of hard working immigrant ancestors, or just plain love big loyal sporting/companion dogs, you MUST HAVE this book. I adopted a Plott Hound from a kill shelter. I have not decided which of us saved the other's life.I can't turn a page without learning at least one interesting, fact. Well written, and will never loan this book, as it is a daily source of interest to me.

I have too much land to fence in but my dog likes to hang outdoors. This is the perfect solution: she has a ton of space to walk around with this great leash and she can't run away.. Just keep in mind that it needs to be used in a clear area or your dog could get tangled around trees.

Love the book hate our mail deliverer She bent the book putting it in mail box instead of just honking her horn and letting us know we had delivery. I was sitting right here and couldn’t get out there Before she bent it :(

This little book is essential reading for those interested in the great hunters of western NC. The Plott Hound was a large part of their success, and the breed was considered as essential as a good rifle to good hunting. The author, Bob Plott, is the definitive source on this topic, as his family originated the Plott Hound breed. Really great reading, with great old photos!

Super Info für Hunde- und Jagdbegeisterte.