Does your generally well-behaved doggo suddenly become alert and start sniffing while you’re walking outdoors? Some dogs and their scenting abilities are a match made in dog heaven, and they can’t be separated so easily.
Certain dog breeds are specifically bred to have a superior nose that can track different kinds of animals. Scenthounds and dogs with powerful noses have assisted their owners for centuries in various ways.
From working as hunting and tracking dogs with hunters to the search and rescue and drug detection dogs in our times, our furry friends have generously helped humankind.
If you’re wondering which dog breeds have senses of smell that can help them get the odor of fox dens from miles away (as well as other animals), here are 9 awesome doggos.
Dog Breeds That Smell Fox Dens From Miles Away
1. Bloodhound
Despite what its name makes it sound like, Bloodhounds aren’t after anybody’s blood; they are known for their powerful scent receptors that are 60 times more sensitive than humans, as mentioned by Psychology Today. Originally bred to hunt game like wild boars, rabbits, and deer, they later adapted to the role of tracking people.
These large dogs stand 23-27 inches tall and weigh up to 110 pounds. As family dogs, you’ll find your Bloodhound to be sweet and docile. Don’t be surprised if it becomes restless when it gets the whiff of something interesting.
According to the AKC, as pack dogs, these mutts enjoy the company of other dogs, as well as human family members, including kids. These wrinkly-faced, droopy-eared dogs look like they just want to turn into a blanket and rest next to you.
2. Beagle
Beagles are amiable and spunky pets that enjoy little games like playing fetch with their humans. Their scenting instincts are super active, and they can not only smell fox dens from miles away, but they also love to follow their noses and need to be kept on leash. Beagles were developed to be small dogs that could help with hunting foxes.
They stand up to 15 inches tall and weigh between 20 and 25 pounds. They require companionship and are well-suited for owners who have enough time to spend with them; early socialization makes them coexist well with other pets.
3. American Foxhound
American Foxhound looks like a bigger Beagle, especially due to the resemblance in coat colors and markings. They are very affectionate and sweet-natured to their family members, but to foxes, not so much! They were built to hunt foxes in the Colonial era and have retained their amazing tracking ability and powerful noses.
These tough pups are great for you if you like adventures into the heart of nature, from hiking to camping. They can be 21-25 inches tall and weigh between 60 and 70 pounds.
PetMD recommends providing these pooches with one to two hours of daily exercise and playtime, or they’ll turn their energy reservoirs to destructive outlets.
4. English Foxhound
With its long legs and sturdy body, the English Foxhound is a dog made for a robust life with its active owners. If you want a cheerful and super active dog that can go hiking and trail running with you, these pups are a great choice.
While English Foxhounds are generally sociable and cheerful dogs, their need to get a whiff of stuff keeps them restless. They stand up to 24 inches tall and weigh between 60 and 75 pounds, as per the AKC.
Training these pooches can become a challenge; engaging and satiating their olfactory abilities is something that matters to them above everything else. So, when you’re outdoors with them, they might try to sprint off in the woods if they get the smell of a fox.
5. Basset Hound
Dog lovers know this breed as one of the most charming scent hounds with droopy ears and a low-slung but long body. They can be stubborn at times, but generally make amiable and well-behaved pets at home.
These pups make amazing cuddle companions with their strong, muscled-up bodies, short legs, and sad-looking eyes. They can grow up to 15 inches tall and weigh between 40 and 65 pounds.
They have a centuries-long track record of hunting and tracking on their own, which gives them an independent nature.
6. Black and Tan Coonhound
This beautiful dog has an exceptional sense of smell that has helped it hunt animals like raccoons and bears. Despite their hunting instincts, these doggos can stay calm indoors and make gentle family dogs.
These scent hounds have an interesting ability to track prey by keeping their nose to the ground and sniffing fast. This makes them great at following the trail of their targets (like opossums).
Black and Tan Coonhounds are dogs with a gorgeous, glossy black short coat with tan markings, and can grow between 23 and 27 inches and 65 to 110 pounds. They’re prone to separation anxiety and need enough mental and physical stimulation to match their energy and sharp instincts.
7. Bluetick Coonhound
Immediately recognizable due to their ticked coat and floppy ears, Bluetick Coonhounds are another breed with an amazing sense of smell. Their strong sniffing abilities enable them to detect fox dens from quite some distance.
You’ll need to put some work in keeping your Bluetick happy, as these dogs are all about the pursuit of prey. They’re devoted pets and can spend some time indoors snuggling up next to you, but to avoid behavioral problems, give them some play sessions in a fenced yard, as well as daily exercise.
These woofers have a strong prey drive, which needs to be managed with early socialization training. They also hate being bored and idle, and can express their annoyance by being quite vocal about it.
8. Plott Hound
Plott hounds are strong and sturdy dogs that make excellent companions for experienced and active owners. They boast a gorgeous, shiny (and mostly brindle) short coat and can grow to be up to 25 inches tall and up to 60 pounds in weight.
Plott Hounds are loving and protective companions who will be by your side whether you want to camp in the woods or go on long walks. Prey drive is an integral part of who they are, though, so if you have small animals like cats or smaller dogs at home, they might see them as prey.
These canines were bred to hunt large game like bears and wild boars and were cherished for their superior sense of scent. They’ve been the official state dogs of North Carolina since 1989, as per NC DNCR.
9. Dachshund
Some call them badger dogs and some call them weiner dogs, but Dachshunds are undoubtedly known by dog lovers all around the world. These short-legged pups were built to hunt badgers; being “down to earth” and having fabulous scenting talents helped them track the trails of their target.
Standard Doxies can be 8-9 inches tall and weigh between 16-32 pounds. When they’re not busy trying to escape and pursue an interesting smell, they’d love playing fetch with you and cuddling on the couch.
They make amazing watchdogs due to their alert nature, but your neighbors might keep returning to your doorsteps to complain about their sharp, loud barks. They can detect fox dens from long distances.
Conclusion
All these dog breeds are gifted with powerful olfactory epithelium that helps them find animals, people, and objects. These dogs not only make amusing (sometimes challenging, though) companions but can perform well in scenting challenges as well.
The dogs mentioned in the above article prove to be awesome partners for outdoor activities like hiking and tracking. With their amazing scenting capability, they can smell fox dens from miles away.
