Which is Better between the Harrier and the Plott? A Very Detailed Review.

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Harrier Versus Plott: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Harrier and the Plott? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Harrier and the Plott better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Harrier and the Plott.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Harrier and the Plott is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Harrier and for the Plott. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Harrier and the Plott.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Harrier or the Plott.

Harrier versus Plott: Overview

Both the Harrier and the Plott are similar in size. The Harrier and the Plott are both medium-sized dogs.

Furthermore, both the Harrier and the Plott are Hound Dogs. This means both the Harrier and the Plott were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.

Harrier versus Plott: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Harrier to the Plott based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Harrier and the Plott

Factor Harrier Plott
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 12 to 14 years
Height 19 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder 20 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder
Easygoing 4/5 2/5
Easy To Train 2/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 1/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 2/5
Weight 45 to 60 pounds 40 to 75 pounds
Kid-Friendly 5/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 5/5
General Health 5/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 1/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 3/5
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 13.0 years
Price Range No Data $480 – $700
Average Price No Data $600
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Eye Examination- minimum age 12 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • No Data
    Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 183 161

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Harrier in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Plott. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Harrier is 81 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Plott is 74 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Harrier is a better pet than the Plott. So, you should get the Harrier!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Harrier and the Plott so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Harrier and the Plott

    Below is a list of where the Harrier and the Plott are most different:

  • Harriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl. However, Plotts are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • The Similarities Between the Harrier and the Plott

    The Harrier and the Plott are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Harrier and the Plott are most similar:

  • Both the Harrier and the Plott do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Harrier and the Plott do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Harrier and the Plott can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Harrier and the Plott are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Harrier and the Plott are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Harrier and the Plott have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Harrier and the Plott do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Harrier and the Plott get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Harrier and the Plott are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Harrier and the Plott are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Harrier and the Plott have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Harrier and the Plott have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Harrier and the Plott require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Harrier versus Plott

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Harrier and the Plott.

    Harriers weigh 45 to 60 pounds when fully grown. Harriers are 19 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Plotts weigh 40 to 75 pounds when fully grown. Plotts are 20 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Harrier versus Plott

    The lifespan of Harriers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Harriers is 11.0 years.

    The lifespan of Plotts is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Plotts is 13.0 years.

    Plotts live longer than Harriers.

    Adopting the Harrier versus Adopting the Plott

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Harriers and many Plotts are currently available for adoption.

    These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.

    Below is an adorable Male Harrier named Bailey that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Harriers like Bailey on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Harriers, Plotts are also available for adoption. For example, Rage is a Male Plott that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Plotts like Rage that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Harrier and the Plott can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Pilot is the name of another Harrier (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

    Also, Barley is an adorable Male Plott on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

    Harriers and Plotts are always available for adoption. Images from petfinder.com

    You can find more Harriers and Plotts that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    The Popularity of Harrier versus Popularity of Plott

    Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).

    The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Harrier and the Plott over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Plott is more popular with dog owners than the Harrier. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Plott is 161 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Harrier is 183 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Harrier

    Popularity of Harrier

    Popularity of Plott

    Popularity of Plott

    Year Harrier Popularity Rank Plott Popularity Rank
    2013 173 149
    2014 181 154
    2015 183 149
    2016 186 158
    2017 183 166
    2018 189 171
    2019 186 177
    2020 190 167

    Tolerates Being Alone: Harrier versus Plott

    Harriers can be left alone only for a short time.

    Plotts do not like to be left alone.

    Do Harriers shed more than Plotts?

    Harriers shed moderately.

    Plotts do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Harrier or the Plott

    Harriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Plotts do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Harrier or the Plott?

    Harriers are very easy to groom.

    Plotts are very easy to groom.

    Does the Harrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Plott?

    Harriers have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Plotts have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Do Harriers Bark and Howl? What about Plotts?

    Harriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Plotts are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Harriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Plotts Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Harriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Plotts cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Harrier vs. Plott

    Harriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Plotts have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Harriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Plotts Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Harriers can tolerate hot weather.

    Plotts can tolerate hot weather.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Harrier or the Plott?

    Harriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Plotts get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Harriers good family dogs? What about Plotts?

    Harriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Plotts are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Harriers and Plotts?

    Harriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Plotts get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Is the Harrier Easier to Train than the Plott?

    Harriers are not easy to train.

    Plotts are very easy to train.

    Is the Harrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Plott?

    Harriers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Plotts do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Harrier or the Plott?

    Harriers are OK for new dog owners.

    Plotts are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Harrier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Harrier that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Harrier:

  • American Foxhound (82 percent match with Harrier). Here is our comparison of the Plott vs American Foxhound.
  • Black and Tan Coonhound (75 percent match with Harrier). Here is our comparison of the Plott vs Black and Tan Coonhound.
  • Black Mouth Cur (75 percent match with Harrier). Here is our comparison of the Plott vs Black Mouth Cur.
  • Bluetick Coonhound (75 percent match with Harrier). Here is our comparison of the Plott vs Bluetick Coonhound.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Plott

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Plott that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Plott:

  • Patterdale Terrier (77 percent match with Plott). Here is our comparison of the Harrier vs Patterdale Terrier.
  • Rhodesian Ridgeback (77 percent match with Plott). Here is our comparison of the Harrier vs Rhodesian Ridgeback.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Harrier and how the Plott compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Harrier and of the Plott to other breeds:

    Harrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Harrier versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Harrier versus Chihuahua     Harrier versus Bordoodle     Harrier versus Cane Corso     Harrier versus Brittany     Harrier versus Shih Tzu     Harrier versus Aussiedoodle     Harrier versus Bordoodle     Harrier versus Pointer     Harrier versus Berger Picard     Harrier versus English Setter     Harrier versus Bloodhound     Harrier versus Australian Kelpie     Harrier versus Bullmastiff     Harrier versus Kooikerhondje     Harrier versus Toy Fox Terrier     Harrier versus Black Mouth Cur     Harrier versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Harrier versus Kishu Ken     Harrier versus Kooikerhondje     Harrier versus Norwegian Buhund     Harrier versus Kai Ken     Harrier versus Whoodle     Harrier versus Beaglier     Harrier versus Chow Chow     

    Plott Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Plott versus Chow Chow     Plott versus Italian Greyhound     Plott versus Berger Picard     Plott versus Mountain Cur     Plott versus Basset Hound     Plott versus Chinese Crested     Plott versus Beagle     Plott versus Shetland Sheepdog     Plott versus Saluki     Plott versus Mountain Cur     Plott versus Valley Bulldog     Plott versus American Eskimo Dog     Plott versus American Foxhound     Plott versus Boerboel     Plott versus English Toy Spaniel     Plott versus Cavachon     Plott versus Bouvier des Flandres     Plott versus Bordoodle     Plott versus Bichon Frise     Plott versus Greyhound     Plott versus Xoloitzcuintli     Plott versus Cairn Terrier     Plott versus Mal Shi     Plott versus Black Mouth Cur     Plott versus Chinese Shar-Pei     

    Conclusion: Harrier versus Plott. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Harrier and the Plott better suits you and your family.