Plott Hound Tales: Legendary People & Places behind the Breed

Though originating in Germany, the Plott hound reached worldwide fame through the contributions of many colorful characters from the Southern Appalachians. Originally brought to America by German immigrant Johannes “George” Plott, the hounds quickly became renowned for their stamina and gameness. Quill Rose—a legendary local outlaw, moonshiner, gunfighter and more—helped cultivate the bloodline for bear hunting, while revered baseball icon Branch Rickey brought national acclaim to the breed through his hunts in the Hazel Creek Watershed. Writer Frank Methven wrote extensively about the Plott hound for decades, and the Methven Award remains one of the most coveted big game hunting awards in the world.

Author and breed expert Bob Plott reveals the fascinating people and places that have shaped the history of the Plott hound.

“Written as only a third great-grandson of George Plott—the man who first brought the Plott bear hounds to America—could write it.” —Watauga Democrat