There is nothing more frustrating than losing a wounded game or seeing a target escape for hunters. Although having a dog makes finding game easier but only works if you have RIGHT breed.
Tracking game in dense bushes, vast fields, and rugged terrain requires far more than just stamina and speed. It demands a dog with an exceptional sense of smell, laser focus, and the ability to follow trails without getting distracted.
Because even the most experienced hunters can lose precious hours searching empty woods without a skilled tracking dog.
So we have shared the best seven hunting dogs with excellent noses in this guide. They follow the trails for long distances to help hunters catch game instead of going home empty-handed.
We will discuss how they track scents and what else they do. You will also learn about their temperament, exercise, and training needs, so stick around.
Amazing Hunting Dog Breeds Skilled in Prey Tracking
1. Bloodhound
Bloodhounds are gentle, calm, and affectionate at home. It would have been unfair not to put them on 1st because they are exceptional tracking dogs. These large Hounds were bred to track large game such as deer and wild boar over long distances and possess one of the most powerful noses.
They have over 220-330 million olfactory receptors and pick up cold scent trails quickly. Bloodhounds are famous for a reason because their trail results can be submitted to court as evidence, as per PetMD. In addition, their loose, wrinkled skin and long drooping ears also sweep scent particles to the nose.
They have high energy levels and require 60-90 minutes of physical exercise daily. They are stubborn and require gentle and positive reinforcement training. Bloodhounds have a short coat that sheds moderately and require regular cleaning of facial folds.
2. Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound
Bavarian Mountain Scent Hounds are calm, balanced, and fiercely loyal companions. They were developed in high altitudes and were specifically bred as blood tracking dogs to find wounded game across steep, rocky, and dangerous rough terrain.
These medium-sized dogs are great at tracking cold trails, as the AKC mentioned. Their light, agile bodies and tough paw pads allow them to walk through no matter what the surface is. In addition, they are also good at baying and pointing out located game to hunters, which makes the whole game a lot easier.
These scent Hounds require plenty of daily exercise for mental stimulation. They are best for experienced and dedicated owners because of their intense focus and tracking ability. Plus, they have a low-maintenance short coat that requires weekly brushing.
3. Hanoverian Scenthound
Hanoverian Scenthounds are even-tempered, serious, and quiet at home. They form strong bonds with their owners but display unflappable poise and endurance in the field. They were developed in Germany to track large hoofed game such as deer, stags, and mountain lions.
These working dogs are masters of cold and blood scent trails. They have strong noses and follow the faint and hours-old trails left by wounded game. These scent tracking dogs are also exceptional at baying and have a loud voice to alert hunters about their location.
These medium to large dog breeds require plenty of exercise for mental stimulation. They are highly intelligent, cooperative, and eager to please, but their strong scenting drive requires experienced owners. Plus, they have a short, low-maintenance coat that barely sheds and is perfect for allergic people.
4. German Shorthaired Pointer
German Shorthaired Pointers are intelligent, eager, and highly energetic dog breeds. They are also known as bird dogs, though they were bred as hunting breeds. GSPs can point, track, flush, and even retrieve downed birds, which makes them perfect for land and waterfowl hunting.
However, they catch both air and ground scent trails and follow them wholeheartedly. These Pointers have high energy levels and require plenty of exercise, as WebMD mentioned. In addition, GSPs also have high prey drive, so they require consistent and positive training sessions.
These are best hunting dog breeds for experienced owners. They possess a short double coat that repels water and dirt. These dogs shed moderately throughout the year and require weekly brushing to keep coats clean.
5. Plott Hound
Plott Hounds are bold, confident, and eager to please. They are protective of their family and naturally alert. They were originally bred to track, bay, and tree big game animals like black bears and wild boars. However, these medium-large dogs are famous for their cold nose.
They are also good swimmers and fearless guardians against large predators. Plott Hounds require 1-2 hours of activity for mental stimulation. They enjoy long hikes and interactive scent tracking games. These Hounds are intelligent but also stubborn, so they require proper training.
Plott Hounds respond best to firm and consistent training. They have a short coat that protects them against harsh conditions and does not shed much. However, they require weekly brushing with a rubber grooming mitt or soft-bristle brushing, along with regular ear checks.
6. Bluetick Coonhound
Bluetick Coonhounds are passionate, loyal, and gentle indoors. They were developed in the US to work in dense swamps and forests. These Coonhounds have an exceptional cold nose and pick up the day-old faint trails across muddy bottoms and dense brush without getting distracted.
In addition, they are also good at cornering game up a tree and barking to alert hunters and baying large dangerous animals. Clueticks are confident swimmers with webbed feet and also persistent hunters. These hunting dogs have moderate energy levels, as Purina shared.
They possess a short blue mottled coat that only requires weekly brushing. But they do shed moderately throughout the year, so they may not be ideal for allergic sufferers. Plus, these Hounds also need regular ear inspections to keep their drop ears clear and dry.
7. Black and Tan Coonhound
Black and Tan Coonhounds are laid-back, gentle, and outgoing at home. They are deeply affectionate, eager to relax, and courageous. These Hounds were also developed in the US to track and tee nigh running game like raccoons and opossums.
However, they are good at catching both air and ground scents. They use their deep, melodic baying voice to inform hunters about their precise location. These friendly dogs require around 60-90 minutes of activity for mental stimulation. They are best for experienced handlers or active owners.
Black and Tan Coonhounds respond well to positive reinforcement. They also have short, weather-resistant coats with black and tan markings. They are light to moderate shedders and require weekly brushing along with regular cleaning of their long floppy ears to prevent infections.
Conclusion
The above-mentioned seven dogs are perfect for tracking games as they all have exceptional noses. Most of them can track large and small game either on land or in water, but some differ.
There are dogs that are all-around hunters, while there are also ones that are specifically phenomenal at tracking. So make sure to read the details and choose the dog that meets your intended hunting style.
