Every hunter is well-versed in this moment: you take a shot, the deer bolts, and your heart skips a beat. ‘Did I make a good shot? Did it run far?’
And then, there’s that incredible dog beside you. Nose to the ground, tail twitching, ready to work. Real heroes.
Some dogs can track deer from miles away, following a faint blood trail through mud, brush, and hours of confusion. These are the dogs that don’t quit until they find what you can’t.
From blood dogs bred for centuries to hounds with floppy ears that sweep scent toward their noses, these pups are nature’s ultimate best detectives.
If you are into game recovery, deer season tracking, or just fascinated by the power of a dog’s ability to smell, this list is for you. We have rounded up seven such dog breeds that track deer miles away!!
Disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. We do not endorse or promote hunting or harm to animals.
Fun Fact!
Did you know that a Bloodhound can detect scents that are over 300 hours old?
That’s nearly two weeks. Their noses have around 300 million receptors, as per PBS, compared to our 6 million. It means they can smell the difference between two drops of blood in a bucket of water.
So, yeah! when it comes to tracking a wounded deer, your puppy might as well be a, well… superhero?
Dog Breeds That Track Deer Miles Away
1. Redbone Coonhound
If determination had a sound, it would be a Redbone’s baying echoing through the woods.
Originally bred in the American South (Yes, this is an American original), the Redbone Coonhound is a sleek and muscular hound made to hunt and trail deer, raccoons, cougars, and other game across all terrain.
As per the American Kennel Club (AKC), these hound dogs combine beauty with serious endurance. Look at those muscles under the sleek and stunning red coat.
Tracking Strengths
Extraordinary scenting ability. They can follow a blood trail through water, mud, or thick brush.
Calm yet focused while racking wounded deer or other wounded game.
Loyal, gentle, and super smart. They know when it’s work time and when it’s cuddle time.
Long floppy ears that funnel scent toward their powerful nose.
These hound dogs are good trackers and even better companions. They are patient, smart, and have a heart as big as their bark.
2. American English Coonhound
Graceful, athletic, and loud when they are excited, the American English Coonhound is made for endurance. They were bred to chase game across miles of ground, mostly during long deer hunts under the stars, because they are specialist hounds in nocturnal creatures, according to WebMD.
A true American hunting breed, this hound is known for speed, sound, and stamina. Originally bred for fox hunting and later adapted for deer and raccoon trail.
Tracking Strengths
Tracks scent trails with laser-like precision, even when the blood trail is faint.
Strong sense of loyalty and obedience for handlers, perfect for game recovery.
Floppy ears and a deep chest give them power and endurance for long hunts.
They are social dogs who work well alongside other hunters or hounds.
If you are going out to trail deer or track a wounded animal after a bad shot, this breed’s drive and discipline are unmatched.
3. Plott Hound
This rugged hound did not come from the English foxhounds. The North Carolina’s state dog. They are pretty famous for their courage, grit, and focus.
Being scent hounds, their attention may divert quickly when they lock onto an interesting scent, as per PetMD. That, and their strong prey drive, mean they are tempted to go after smaller dogs and smaller animals.
Originally bred in the Plott Balsams mountains for hunting bear and wild boar, the Plott quickly became a favorite for tracking wounded deer and other large game.
Tracking Strengths
Strong prey drive and an even stronger nose, they live for the chase.
Exceptional stamina for hours of hunting, no matter the terrain.
Determined to follow a blood trail until the job is done.
Fiercely loyal and protective, they form strong bonds with their handlers
These hounds are relentless. When a Plott locks onto a trail, you might as well grab your gear, they are not stopping until they find the deer hide.
4. Black and Tan Coonhound
The Black and Tan Coonhound is a dog with the confidence of a German Shepherd and the endurance of a marathon runner.
With their striking black-and-rust coats, this breed was originally bred for raccoon and deer hunting in rugged forests. They are a large and powerful breed with a mellow side at home. Thanks to their strong sense of smell, these tracking dogs are very inquisitive and naturally curious.
Tracking Strengths
One of the best blood trailing dogs, even in challenging weather.
Floppy ears help trap scent particles close to their super-sensitive nose.
Can follow a blood trail for hours after a shot, no matter if you made a good shot or a bad shot.
Calm dog under pressure and good with other dogs in hunting groups.
They are strong, smart, and gentle. A very rare mix of a powerful hunter and a loyal dog. If you are very enthusiastic about deer hunting, this is your four-legged pro tracking dog.
5. Treeing Walker Coonhound
They call it the ‘people’s choice’ for a reason. Fast, furious, and famous for its melodic bay, the Treeing Walker Coonhound should be your next tracking dog for the deer hunting season.
Bred to chase game up trees, hence the name ‘treeing’, this hound uses its keen nose to follow blood trails across miles of uneven ground. As per WebMD, these dogs have a good shape and proportion of muscle and bone, which helps them with effective ‘treeing’.
Tracking Strengths
Superb nose that can pick up a blood scent days after the shot.
High energy and relentless persistence, they will keep going until this dog finds a dead deer.
Loyal to their handler and great at following commands, even when excitement peaks.
Great with other breeds and hunters; team player all the way.
When the trail gets cold, this hunter stays hot. It’s why so many seasoned hunters trust the Treeing Walker for game recovery work year after year.
6. Airedale Terrier
Now, let’s switch gears! The Airedale Terrier might not be from the Hound group, but don’t underestimate them just yet. Nicknamed “The King of Terriers”, this super smart breed is famous for being versatile. From guarding to tracking, they can do it all.
Originally bred in England as an all-purpose hunting and working dog, the Airedale’s intelligence and drive make it one of the best non-hound breeds for blood trailing deer.
Tracking Strengths
Sharp scenting instincts and excellent at following blood trails.
Highly trainable, they learn commands fast and stay calm under pressure.
Great stamina for covering several deer trails or rough terrain, with different scents.
Fiercely loyal dog; makes a strong bond with the handler.
They are not your traditional blood trailing dogs, but when you train them right in your free time, they rival the best hounds out there. Plus, they have a good sense of humor that will keep you laughing between hunts.
7. Bluetick Coonhound
Last but not least, the Bluetick Coonhound. The night hunter with a voice you will never forget. Their deep and rolling howl echoes through forests as they work tirelessly to track deer miles away. They do their deer finding and tracking part with extreme precision.
A descendant of the American foxhound, French staghound, and English foxhound, the Bluetick has the nose of a Bloodhound and the energy of a racer.
Tracking Strengths
Incredible scent detection, they can track a wounded deer across streams and over hills.
Calm and patient when following a long and winding blood trail, moving from one spot to the last spot of the blood.
Known for that famous hound loyalty and drive, they simply don’t give up.
Perfect for hunters who spend long hours in the woods during deer season.
Blueticks can be excellent family pets. They are born to work and love to offer their services as they love the chaos, the chase, the thrill, and that proud moment when the handler calls “good dog” after a successful find.
Conclusion
So, what do all these dog breeds that track deer miles away have in common?
Heart. Instinct. And a nose that puts any human to shame.
Redbone Coonhound, Bluetick Coonhound, Black Mouth Cur, Beagle, Basset Hound, Labrador Retriever, German Shorthair, no matter which type of tracking and hunting dog, they excel at their job. Bird dogs who hunt birds, or blood dogs who hunt large game, with short legs, or large dogs, these canines never quit.
They have been bred, trained, and loved for generations, not just for the skill, but more for the loyalty. And when that dog lifts its nose, catches that faintest scent, and starts the trail, you know you are in good hands. Or, well… good paws!
