7 Best Tracker Dog Breeds Following Trails

Imagine venturing into the great outdoors with a four-legged companion whose nose is so sharp, it could trace the faintest scent across miles of rugged terrain.

These aren’t just dogs—they’re nature’s detectives, bred over centuries to follow trails with precision, persistence, and unmatched focus. Tracker dogs have played heroic roles throughout history, from rescuing lost hikers in the wilderness to aiding hunters in the pursuit of game.

Their keen instincts and unwavering determination make them not only invaluable working partners but also loyal companions for adventurous families. We’ll uncover the best tracker dog breeds known for their ability to follow trails with extraordinary accuracy.

You’ll meet good tracking dogs whose noses have been celebrated in folklore, and others still widely respected in modern search-and-rescue missions. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a hunter, or simply fascinated by canine talents, these breeds will amaze you with their natural gift for scent tracking.

Get ready to discover dogs that transform a simple walk into an adventure of exploration and discovery—because when a tracker dog leads the way, every path tells a story.

Fun Fact: With over 200 million scent receptors (compared to our five million), dogs are natural trackers. The best hunting partners combine a sharp nose, strong drive, easy trainability, stamina, and unwavering focus to follow a trail to the very end.

Best Tracker Dog Breeds Following Trails

1. Basset Hound

If tracking were an Olympic sport, the Basset Hound would be walking away with a medal (well… waddling away, at least).

With a nose that ranks just behind the Bloodhound, these short-legged scent hounds can follow a trail for miles without losing focus. They may not be fast, but what they lack in speed they make up for in accuracy—slow and steady really does win the race.

Their floppy ears aren’t just adorable—they actually help sweep scent particles toward their nose while tracking. Add in those soulful eyes and droopy expression, and you’ve got a dog that can melt your heart while sniffing out just about anything.

✅ Only the Bloodhound has a better nose.

✅ Won’t rush a trail, ensuring nothing gets missed.

✅ Affectionate nature, patient, and great with families.

✅ Known to get along with other dogs and animals.

Basset Hound is part detective, part clown, and all heart—a loyal tracker who will follow a scent trail faithfully… though don’t expect them to hurry while they’re at it.

2. American Foxhound

If the Basset Hound is the slow-and-steady detective, the American Foxhound is the endurance athlete of the tracking world. Built for speed and stamina, this breed was literally designed to chase foxes across miles of countryside without breaking a sweat (or at least without panting too much).

Unlike their wrinkly cousins, American Foxhounds don’t need big floppy ears to trap scent particles—they’ve got pure nose power and a relentless drive that keeps them on task.

Once they’ve locked onto a scent, good luck calling them back—this hound has a “finish what I started” mentality that would put most humans’ New Year’s resolutions to shame.

✅ No wrinkles required—just raw scenting skill.

✅ Happiest with wide-open spaces and plenty of ground to cover.

✅ They’ve got one job—follow the scent—and they’re doing it with or without you.

✅ Despite their hunting chops, they’re gentle, affectionate, and friendly at home.

Think of the American Foxhound as the long-distance runner of the dog world—fast, tireless, and with a nose that never quits. Just don’t expect them to care about your “shortcut back to the car”—their shortcut is wherever the scent trail leads.

3. Beagle

If there were a “Most Likely to Get Distracted by Smells” award, the Beagle would win it every year. With over 220 million scent receptors (compared to our measly 5 million), this little hound is basically a nose with paws.

Whether it’s tracking rabbits in the field, contraband fruit at the airport, or that slice of pizza you thought you hid on the counter, a Beagle will find it.

But don’t let their size fool you—these pint-sized detectives are serious workers. They’re still used for hunting and tracking today, and their cheerful, approachable looks make them perfect for airport “Beagle Brigades,” where travelers are far less intimidated by a wagging Beagle than, say, a grumpy German Shepherd.

✅ Can follow scents that most breeds wouldn’t even notice.

✅ Cute enough to charm, skilled enough to detect.

✅ Love other dogs, humans, and anyone who might share snacks.

✅ Exercise, affection, and some grooming, and they’re good to go.

Of course, Beagles also bring plenty of entertainment to family life. With three distinct vocal stylings (the bark/growl, the baying howl, and the infamous “half-baying howl”), they’re like the neighborhood alarm clock—except you can’t hit snooze when your Beagle decides it’s squirrel-o’clock at dawn.

Simply put, Beagles are the detectives of the dog world—with the persistence of Sherlock Holmes, the charm of a cartoon character, and the howl of a rock star. Just keep that leash handy—once they catch a scent, they’re not asking for permission to follow it!

4. German Shepherd

If the Beagle is the class clown of the tracking world, the German Shepherd is the decorated officer with medals on his vest.

This breed has been trusted for centuries by police, military, and search-and-rescue teams for a reason: brains, bravery, and a nose that could probably sniff out your lost car keys if you asked nicely.

German Shepherds don’t just follow trails—they do it with purpose and precision. Whether it’s finding missing people in the wilderness, detecting explosives, or helping soldiers on the battlefield, they’re the dogs that show up when things get serious.

✅ From war zones to wilderness, they’ve got it covered.

✅ Will risk it all for their humans.

✅ Learn commands faster than most people can learn TikTok dances.

✅ Police K9s, rescue dogs, guide dogs—the list goes on.

And here’s the kicker: they’ll do it all without hesitation, often putting themselves in danger just to keep humans safe. But don’t mistake their working-dog résumé for a lack of warmth. At home, German Shepherds are fiercely loyal family dogs who bond deeply with their people.

They may be the “serious professionals” of the canine world, but they’re also giant softies when it comes to their families—sometimes even believing they’re lap dogs (despite weighing 70+ pounds).

German Shepherd is the ultimate all-rounder: smart, strong, loyal, and noble. If Lassie had a tactical upgrade and a badge, she’d probably be a German Shepherd.

5. Labrador Retriever

If there were a canine yearbook, the Labrador Retriever would win Most Likely to Succeed—and also Most Likely to Steal Your Lunch. Labs are the total package: smart, strong, eager-to-please, and with a nose that can track anything from ducks to lost hikers (or, unfortunately, the half-eaten pizza you thought was safe on the counter).

With their wide skull, strong nose, and athletic build, Labs are built for both land and water tracking. Originally bred for retrieving waterfowl, they quickly proved themselves as one of the most versatile hunting companions out there.

These dogs have a tireless work ethic, covering long distances without skipping a beat, and they absolutely love having a job to do. But here’s the twist—while they excel at serious work like search and rescue or sniffing out contraband, they’re also known for their puppy-like goofiness.

✅ One of the best noses in the business.

✅ Can cover miles without complaint.

✅ Eager students who love learning.

✅ Just as skilled at retrieving ducks as trailing deer.

Give a Lab five minutes alone, and they might track down a squirrel, your socks, and the garbage can—all before you’ve even finished your coffee.

At the end of the day, the Labrador Retriever is the Swiss Army knife of dogs—versatile, reliable, and always ready to make you laugh. Just make sure you Lab-proof your house, or you might find yourself missing a sock… or three.

6. Bloodhound

If dogs had superheroes, the Bloodhound would be the nose-powered detective.

With a sense of smell so incredible it’s practically supernatural, this breed can track scents that are days old—and they do it with single-minded determination. From missing persons to elusive game, a Bloodhound on the trail is relentless, focused, and virtually unstoppable, Purina says

But don’t think they’re all work and no play. When not following a scent, Bloodhounds are affectionate, easygoing, and love hanging out with adults, kids, and other pets. They’ve got a gentle, friendly nature that balances out their tracking intensity—making them both incredible working dogs and lovable family companions.

✅ Once they catch a scent, they rarely give up.

✅ Perfect for trailing wounded game or finding lost humans.

✅ Friendly, affectionate, and great with families.

✅ Renowned worldwide for scenting ability and dedication.

Bloodhound is the ultimate tracking dog—a combination of detective-level nose skills, relentless focus, and a sweet, gentle personality that makes them both an expert tracker and a loving companion.

7. Saint Bernard

When you think “hero dog,” it’s hard not to imagine a Saint Bernard lumbering through deep snow with a little barrel of rescue supplies dangling from its neck.

These gentle giants from Switzerland were bred to locate and save lost or injured travelers in the Alps, using their keen noses and strong sense of purpose to navigate even the harshest conditions.

Saint Bernards are compassionate by nature. When tracking, they often work in pairs: one stays with the victim to provide warmth and comfort, while the other rushes off to get help. Their instinctive sense of what to do makes them not just trackers, but true life-savers.

✅ Can track victims through deep snow and rough terrain.

✅ Loving, patient, and affectionate family companions.

✅ Know exactly how to help someone in need.

✅ Calm and easygoing at home, despite their heroic abilities.

As per WebMD, despite their enormous size, these furballs are incredibly laid-back at home. They don’t need hours of daily exercise, though a bit of play keeps them happy and healthy. Their gentle, tolerant personalities make them excellent family pets—friendly with children and calm around other animals.

Saint Bernard is a combination of hero and couch companion—a towering, gentle tracker with a heart as big as its paws.

Conclusion

When choosing the best tracker dog breeds for following trails, a dog’s ability to track blood trails from a wounded deer or other deer is crucial. Breeds like the Black Mouth Cur excel in tracking small game and hunting birds, while smaller dogs may handle small animals with ease. These hunting dogs are often high-energy, quick learners, and respond well to positive reinforcement during training.

They can be great family dogs, adaptable to other pets, and make a good dog even for hunters with free time. Whether a good shot or a bad shot, a dog’s intelligence, ground sense, and quick learning abilities make it an invaluable pup for tracking, hunting, and trail blood. Other breeds bred specifically for this purpose prove that size is not a barrier—the smaller size can be an advantage in certain terrains.