Not long ago, we wrote about the rarity of the buckskin color in the Plott Hound. In this post, we continue the thread with discussion of another uncommon color in the breed: Maltese. Sadly, the image seen here is not of a maltese Plott, and there’s a reason.

The Plott Hound is celebrated for its muscular build and iconic brindle-striped coat, but among the breed’s accepted colors lies a true rarity: maltese. This striking blue-gray or silver shade, listed as “maltese” among the accepted colors and markings in the AKC, is a genetic marvel, seldom seen, and often misunderstood even by seasoned hound enthusiasts.

Unlike the familiar brindle, which features dark stripes over a lighter background (as seen in the photo above), the maltese Plott Hound stands out with a uniform slate-gray or blue-toned coat. The color is the result of a dilution gene acting on black pigment (eumelanin), transforming what would be a black or brindle dog into the rare maltese.

The maltese color is caused by a recessive dilution gene. For a Plott Hound to show this blue-gray hue, it must inherit two copies of the dilution gene—one from each parent. If a dog receives only one copy, the dominant brindle or black coloration will mask the maltese gene, and the dog will not display the blue-gray coat.

When two brindle Plott Hounds both carry the hidden maltese gene, their offspring have a 25% chance of being solid maltese (inheriting the dilution gene from both parents), a 50% chance of being brindle but carrying the maltese gene, and a 25% chance of being brindle without the gene. This means that even when the gene is present in both parents, most puppies will not display the maltese color.

Brindle is the dominant color, of course, and seemingly has long been favored by breeders, hunters, and judges; the United Kennel Club breed standard even states, “All things being equal, brindle is preferred.” Over generations, this preference has led breeders to select for brindle, making the maltese gene less common in the population.

Additionally, because the maltese gene is recessive, it can remain hidden in brindle dogs for generations, only appearing when two carriers are bred together. This genetic “hide and seek” further reduces the likelihood of seeing a maltese Plott in the field or the show ring. So much so that the only photo we could find of a maltese Plott is one for which we lack permission to share, but you can see it here.

Despite its rarity, the maltese color is fully recognized by both the American Kennel Club and the United Kennel Club. It stands as a testament to the breed’s rich genetic diversity and history. If you are ever lucky enough to encounter a true maltese Plott Hound, take their picture and send it to us!!  We’ll give you full credit

Image of brindle Plott Hound by Mary Swift/iStock