Did you know that some dogs are equipped with natural GPS tracking devices, allowing them to locate their owners or other items without the need for a tracking app? They are tracking dogs, and nothing can beat them in chasing their target and locating them. These dogs have super-sharp noses. Their keen sense of smell sets them apart from others and makes them a number one choice for hunters.
They are not just good partners of seasonal hunters; they are also excellent at search and rescue missions. This dog is a go-to mate for the police officers who feel stuck in solving a case and need expert opinion.
Let’s dive in and check out some of the best tracking dog breeds known for their exceptional sense of smell.
Tracking Dog Breeds
1. Bloodhound
Undoubtedly, the best tracking dog out there with an incredibly sharp nose, the Bloodhound is a gem!
Their droopy ears give them a goofy appearance, coupled with their wrinkly skin. However, it doesn’t mean you can take them lightly!
These dogs are massive in size. A single glance at them and an intruder will forget the idea of entering the house ever again. This makes them some of the best guard dogs out there!
It is pretty easy to train hunting dogs. Purina claims they are so good that they can even track a human being from a long stretch, even if it had smelled it many days ago.
Hence, it is one of the few dogs that are used in search and rescue missions and even by law enforcement agencies. Their sharp noses, incredible endurance, and strong build make them an excellent choice for all kinds of missions.
Despite the fact that these ancient dogs were bred as pack dogs and love being around their fellow dogs, they are also excellent family dogs.
2. Basset Hound
The Basset Hound has its roots in France. Initially, this dog was bred to hunt small game like rabbits. Even today, this dog loves to go after hares and chase them over long distances. However, at the same time, it makes an excellent pet dog as well and thrives in a homely environment.
They are short! But their build is super sturdy. What makes them good hunting dogs is their keen sense of smell and the ability to track the prey with incredible determination.
Also, dog owners swear that they are very calm.
When living in a house, they won’t react immediately to a minor inconvenience. Alongside being calm, they are also extremely sociable. They may make your friends their pals within a few visits.
What makes them incredible tracking dogs is that they run behind a scent unidirectionally. Their minds tend to block all the distractions and chase a single smell with great efficiency. Reddit Thread says they are great for hunting.
The only issue they face is their small legs. They can’t really run for very long distances as their legs are really small and don’t support extensive running.
3. Redbone Coonhound
Redbone Coonhounds are medium to large-sized dogs with an incredibly amazing sense of smell. Compared to other breeds, they have long legs and can run very fast while smelling sharply.
What really sets them apart from other dogs is their stunning appearance. They wear a beautiful coat that is red in color, making them appear gorgeous.
And yes, they are a beast while they are chasing their prey. In terms of their speed, PetMD says they are really worth praising. Their exceptional speed makes them some of the best partners for active hikers and runners.
At home, these hunting dogs eat regular food and are extremely sweet and affectionate with the family members. However, you need to give them lots of exercise opportunities to keep them physically stimulated.
4. Majestic Tree Hound
This dog is incredibly large! What else do you expect from a breed that literally has the word ‘majestic’ in its name?
The Majestic Tree Hounds are recently developed dogs. They were bred in the United States of America and are known for their amazing sense of smell.
Their build is strong and sturdy. Also, they are excellent defenders of their territory. Over the last few years, they have become really popular amongst dog owners.
Despite being massive in size, they make great family dogs. They have a friendly disposition and are protective of their family members. As they can smell sharply, they easily notice a change in the situation and sense that something is wrong!
5. American Foxhound
Despite being really sleek in appearance, the American Foxhound is considered to be amazing due to their sense of smell.
These dogs are meant to work. And they are real hard workers! Thanks to their endurance and strong build, AKC claims they are the best working dogs out there with praiseworthy work ethics.
They are extremely intelligent. Hence, they mindfully chase their prey rather than doing it casually. Their sharp prey drive and exceptional stamina ensure they can hunt and chase foxes for numerous hours.
In terms of their size, these scent hounds are similar to their English counterparts but a little lighter in appearance.
Looking for a dog that would showcase exceptional performance in canine sports and bring home medals? This is the dog you need to get!
6. German Shorthaired Pointer
The German Shorthaired Pointer, also known as the GSP, is one of the best dogs when it comes to bird hunting.
It is known to win the best positions in the competitive hunting events. No one can come close to this Pointer when it comes to sniffing and running behind the prey. The American Kennel Club (AKC) vouches that this is a multitasker dog that can not only point but also hunt and retrieve simultaneously.
This medium-sized gun dog is highly intelligent. Hence, you can train it and mold it as per your needs and requirements. It is also considered to be a part of the sporting breeds club, making it a great choice for canine sports competitions.
Being naturally aggressive and having a hunting heritage, this bird dog can get hostile with small animals like rabbits and even cats.
If you lead an active lifestyle, this highly energetic dog will be a great choice for you. You just need to showcase some love and ensure positive training.
7. Beagle
Beagles are remarkable when it comes to their sense of smell.
They are exceptional hunters and outstanding trackers. The combo of a sharp nose and an intelligent mind makes them a popular pick for search and rescue operations. They are so good that the law enforcement agencies, most of the time, prefer having them over other active dogs to accompany them in their secret missions.
These bird hunters are extremely brainy, just like the Labrador retrievers. Hence, training them is very easy.
As a family pet, this is one of the most loyal dogs you can ever have for your household. Britannica says they are very friendly with the kids and protect them fiercely.
The only thing you may have to deal with is their natural urge to bark a lot. Beagles love to bark and howl, no matter what time of day!
8. Belgian Malinois
A popular police dog, the Belgian Malinois has the natural ability to sniff and track.
This dog is so good that it can even track explosives.
As they are extremely intelligent, training them is not tough. With long-term training sessions, they are turned into professional dogs that help police and the military in chasing criminals.
These high-energy dogs are great at running, hence they are good companions for bikers and hikers. No matter what the weather is like, they would still prefer running with their human partners rather than napping at home.
One more thing these dogs are exceptionally good at is swimming, just like they are with their hunting skills.
As pet dogs, they guard homes very well. Their incredible sense of identifying threats makes them exceptional watchdogs.
9. German Shepherd
One of the most trainable dogs out there with an exceptional sense of smell is the German Shepherd.
These dogs are versatile. They can do literally anything!
As police dogs, they are known for their great performance in search and rescue missions. Even when it comes to medical detection, there is no one better than them. Could you imagine they can even sniff out diseases?
These all-purpose workers are truly praiseworthy. They are given extensive scent recognition training to identify and differentiate scents.
Although friendly, these dogs are also reserved. In America, they are hugely popular owing to their loyalty and love for their family members.
Conclusion
Dogs with a good sense of smell make great tracking animals. They are not only focused but also showcase great resiliency in spotting and chasing their prey. Also, they are really reliable. Police and military forces trust them and their judgments.
These dogs are admired for their skills. They can sense a scent from several miles away and chase it for many miles without getting tired or distracted.
