Plott Hounds: The State Dog of North Carolina By Jessica ...

Plott Hounds: The State Dog of North Carolina By Jessica Pratt, Curator of Education Outreach "No matter how little money and how few possessions you own, having a dog makes you rich." -.Louis Sabin Perhaps Johannes Plott was thinking something along the lines of the above quote when he came to America from his home near Heidelberg. Germany in 1750, accompanied by five dogs. Plott eventually made his way west across our state, moving from present-day Warren County to Cabarnus County and eventually settling in Lincoln County in 1784. Johannes changed his name along the way to George; he raised a family and continued raising and breeding dogs as his own father had done in Germany. George's son Henry moved to current day Haywood County around 1800, and the Plott descendants continued to refine the breed that would become known as the Plott hound. The dogs are known for their tracking and hunting skills and are recognized for being fearless, even in the face of bears and wild boars. The reputation of these working dogs spread to neighboring counties and eventually surpassed the boundaries of our state. The Plott became the official state dog of North Carolina on August 12. 1989, after state senator Bob Swain from Buncombe County proposed the legislation (see below). The American Kennel Club, which recognized the Plott Hound as its own distinct breed in 1898, describes the dog as The Plott, a hound with a curious name and a unique history, is a rugged, relentless hunting dog who is a mellow genteman at home but fearless, implacable, and bold at work. This eye-catching scenthound is North Carolina's state dog. "The Plott is one of only a handful of breeds recognized by the club as originating from the United States. In 2008. Plott Hounds first competed in the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. The Plott Hound breed was greatly influenced by and well suited for the terrain and game of Western North Carolina, and in turn, greatly influenced the livelihoods of their owners and families in North Carolina and beyond. We are one of only thirteen states to recognize an official state dog breed. August 26 is National Dog Day, a great time to reflect on what the Plott and all the other dogs that call North Carolina home can teach us. Today may we all follow the courage and stamina of the Plott Hound and may you strive to be the person your dog thinks you are! According to the text, it is correct to say that: a) The Plott Hound was recognized as a state dog in 1998. b) The author of the text works as a curator of education outreach. c) Fourteen states recognize an official state dog: North Carolina and thirteen other states. d) Henry was not Johannes Plott's son.