Plott Hound Grooming Costs in 2026: Pricing for America's Rarest Coonhound
Plott Hound Grooming Costs in 2026: Pricing for America's Rarest Coonhound
The Plott Hound holds a unique position in the coonhound world -- the only variety with German rather than English ancestry, the only one with brindle coloring, and one of the rarest in AKC registration numbers. That rarity means many groomers have never seen one before. Here is what grooming your Plott should cost, and what to expect when your groomer meets this breed for the first time.
The Quick Numbers
A full grooming session for a Plott Hound costs between $40 and $65 in 2026, placing them at the lower end of the coonhound pricing range due to their slightly finer, less dense coat. Use our free pricing calculator →
| Service Type | Price Range | Average | |-------------|-------------|----------| | Full bath, de-shed, and complete service | $45 - $65 | $55 | | Basic bath and dry | $30 - $50 | $40 | | De-shedding treatment (add-on) | $10 - $20 | $15 | | Ear cleaning (standalone) | $10 - $15 | $12 | | Post-hunt inspection and clean | $35 - $55 | $45 | | Nail trim only | $10 - $20 | $15 |
Plotts typically cost $5-$10 less per session than Blueticks or Bloodhounds because their coat is finer and less dense, requiring less dryer time and de-shedding effort. They remain in the large-dog pricing bracket due to their 40-60 pound frame.
Why Plotts Cost What They Do
Size Category
Plott Hounds range from 40 to 60 pounds -- slightly smaller on average than Blueticks or Redbones. This puts them firmly in the large dog category at most salons, but at the lower end of that category. Some groomers may classify a smaller female Plott as medium-large, which can save $5-$10 per session.
Coat Time Factor
The Plott's finer coat requires less intensive de-shedding than denser coonhound varieties:
- Bath and scrub: 12-18 minutes
- Blow-dry and de-shed: 15-20 minutes (vs. 20-30 for a Bluetick)
- Ear cleaning: 10-12 minutes
- Nails, sanitary, finishing: 10-15 minutes
The Rarity Factor
Here is something unique to Plott owners: your groomer may have never groomed one before. AKC registration data places the Plott Hound well below 100 in breed popularity rankings. Many groomers outside of the Southeastern United States have never encountered one professionally.
This rarity can go two ways:
- Positive: Your groomer treats the Plott like any short-coated large hound and prices accordingly. No issues.
- Problematic: Your groomer is unfamiliar with the breed and either prices too high (assuming complexity based on "hound") or too low (assuming it is literally just a bath because they do not know about hound skin needs).
Location-Based Pricing
| Region | Full Groom | Basic Bath | |--------|-----------|------------| | Rural or small town | $35 - $50 | $25 - $35 | | Suburban | $45 - $60 | $32 - $45 | | Urban metro | $55 - $70 | $40 - $55 | | High-cost cities (NYC, SF, LA) | $60 - $85 | $50 - $65 |
Regional note: Plott Hounds are most common in the Southeastern US, particularly North Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee. Groomers in these areas are more likely to be familiar with the breed and price it appropriately. Outside these regions, expect some pricing variability based on groomer familiarity.
Annual Budget
Every 4 weeks (active or hunting Plotts):
- Sessions per year: 13
- Average per session: $55
- Post-hunt extras (4-6 per year): $180-$270
- Annual total: $895 - $985
- Sessions per year: 9-10
- Average per session: $55
- Add-ons: $60-$100/year
- Annual total: $555 - $650
- Sessions per year: 7-8
- Average per session: $55
- Add-ons: $40-$60/year
- Annual total: $425 - $500
The Working Dog Premium
If your Plott Hound hunts, you have an additional grooming cost that pet-only Plotts do not: post-hunt services.
A post-hunt grooming session focuses on:
- Full-body tick and parasite check
- Wound inspection and cleaning for scratches and abrasions
- Thorough ear cleaning (water exposure, debris accumulation)
- Bur and debris removal
- Paw pad assessment for cuts or bruising
- Bath to remove blood, dirt, and environmental contaminants
Comparing Plott Costs to Other Coonhounds
| Breed | Full Groom | Why the Difference | |-------|-----------|--------------------| | Plott Hound | $45-$65 | Finer coat, less de-shed time | | Treeing Walker Coonhound | $45-$70 | Similar but slightly more shedding | | Redbone Coonhound | $50-$75 | More oil, denser coat | | Bluetick Coonhound | $50-$75 | Densest coat, most de-shed time | | Black and Tan Coonhound | $50-$75 | Similar to Redbone/Bluetick | | English Coonhound | $45-$70 | Similar to Treeing Walker |
Plotts consistently price at the lower end of the coonhound range. The $5-$10 savings per session versus heavier-coated varieties adds up to $50-$100 annually.
Getting the Most From Your Grooming Budget
- Maintain between visits: Weekly brushing with a hound mitt keeps shedding predictable and reduces in-salon time.
- Communicate about the breed: If your groomer is unfamiliar with Plotts, explain that they need the same service as a large hound -- bath, de-shed, ears -- not a specialty breed upcharge.
- Consider seasonal adjustments: Groom more frequently during spring shed and hunting season, less during low-activity winter months.
- Bundle services: Ask about package deals for multiple visits. A prepaid package of 6 grooms often saves 10-15%.
- Post-hunt self-triage: Do your own tick check and debris removal after hunts, reserving professional post-hunt grooms for times when the dog encountered significant hazards.
Red Flags
- "Never heard of a Plott Hound" + high quote -- if unfamiliarity leads to higher pricing, educate or find another groomer.
- Under $30 for a 50-pound hound -- something important is being skipped.
- No ear cleaning included -- non-negotiable for any hound breed.
- "Just a bath" attitude -- if the groomer does not understand why de-shedding, ear care, and skin inspection matter for this breed, their service will be incomplete.