This article delves into the intricacies of breeding bear hounds, drawing from the extensive 65-year experience of Steve Herd, a dedicated Plott Hound breeder and hunter. It explores the evolution from simply owning hounds to the ambitious goal of developing a specific strain, emphasizing the dedication and knowledge required to achieve and maintain a line of exceptional hunting dogs.
The journey into breeding hounds often begins with a desire to replicate the success of a favorite dog or to introduce specific traits into a lineage. However, as Herd points out, the process is far more complex than merely pairing a male and female. Developing a strain, characterized by consistent, desirable traits across multiple generations, requires a deep understanding of genetics, a discerning eye for talent, and an unwavering commitment to quality. Herd’s philosophy, honed over decades, centers on a deliberate and often “tight” breeding approach, aiming to preserve and enhance the core characteristics that define a superior bear hound.
Establishing a Prototype and Maintaining a Lineage
A cornerstone of successful hound breeding, according to Herd, is the establishment of a clear “prototype”—an ideal dog that embodies the desired hunting abilities and physical traits. This prototype serves as the benchmark against which all future breeding stock is measured. Herd emphasizes that a breeder must have firsthand experience hunting with exceptional dogs of their chosen breed to truly understand the pinnacle of their potential. His own journey began with rigorous study and hunting alongside top hounds to define his ideal.
The foundation of Herd’s successful breeding program was his female, Herds Rio Grande Trouble (RG Trouble), whose lineage traced back to notable Plott Hounds of the era. After initial outcrosses that yielded mediocre results, Herd’s father pursued a strategy of what is known as family breeding or linebreeding. This involved mating RG Trouble with males who shared common ancestors, particularly those inbred to Lady Plott, a highly regarded female in the Plott breed’s history. These deliberate, close-knit crosses resulted in hounds of exceptional caliber, forming the bedrock of what would become the Bluff Creek Plott strain. Herd maintains that this approach, even involving inbreeding (mating very close relatives), has been crucial for purifying traits and developing “pre-potent” animals—dogs so genetically rich that they consistently stamp their desirable abilities onto their offspring.
Key Principles for Breeding Superior Bear Hounds
Herd outlines several critical principles for those aspiring to breed top-tier bear hounds:
- Begin with the Best: Never compromise on the quality of the initial breeding stock. Investing in the best available dogs is paramount.
- Develop Judgment Through Experience: Learn to distinguish between common and exceptional dogs through consistent hunting and breeding. Selection often begins as a “gut feeling” but evolves into seasoned judgment over generations.
- Maintain Consistency: If fortunate enough to start with dogs that closely match the ideal prototype, strive to maintain that line. Avoid unnecessary changes in physical characteristics, as these can negatively impact hunting traits.
- Understand Breeding Strategies: Herd explains the concepts of family breeding (multiple common ancestors), linebreeding (closer common ancestors), and inbreeding (very close relatives like half-siblings). While inbreeding carries risks, he believes it is a powerful tool for purification and developing pre-potent animals when practiced by a master breeder.
- Identify Pre-potency: Recognize and utilize pre-potent males and females. When two such individuals from the same established line are mated, the probability of producing exceptional offspring, or “phenoms,” is significantly increased.
Less Popular Theories and Essential Traits
Herd also shares some of his more unconventional theories, which he acknowledges may not be universally accepted:
- Color and Hunting Ability: He posits a link between coat color and hunting performance in certain tightly bred lines. In his Plott Hounds, darker brindles tend to possess stronger nose power, making them ideal for bear and lion hunting, while lighter brindles might exhibit more locating ability and sharper intelligence, suiting coon hunting.
- Size: Herd cautions against prioritizing sheer size. While good legs are essential for speed, overly large or heavy dogs can be disadvantaged, just as excessive weight can hinder a racehorse. He notes that the Plott breed was once negatively impacted by the prevalence of oversized males.
- Looks (Eyes): Herd believes a dog’s intelligence can often be gauged by the look in its eyes. A bright, intelligent gaze suggests a dog that can effectively utilize its genetic potential.
Beyond these theories, Herd stresses the immense number of traits required in a trail/tree hound, including nose, intelligence, speed, straightness, locating ability, treeing traits, courage, temperament, conformation, stamina, and a clear voice. He considers a truly balanced hound, excelling in both ability and physical traits, to be one of humanity’s greatest accomplishments in the animal world.
Finally, Herd highlights the indispensable trait of DESIRE. He describes it as the “fuel” that ignites a dog’s genetic potential. Hounds with an overwhelming desire to hunt, even in the face of danger, injury, or harsh conditions, can often overcome weaknesses through sheer determination. This unwavering drive is, in his experience, crucial for unlocking the full capabilities of a hound. Herd concludes by acknowledging that his views may be debated but hopes his insights offer an enjoyable and informative read for fellow hound enthusiasts.
