We all have seen one or more dogs with their nose glued to the ground following an almost non-existent path if it is trying to read a map. That may seem bizarre, but that’s what tracking dogs do best. Their noses are 100,000 times more sensitive than us humans, showcasing their tracking abilities, as the American Kennel Club (AKC) mentions.
Dogs have an extraordinary sense of smell, which is far superior to humans. Some breeds are born with the gift of tracking scent trails, and over the years, humans have trained them to be hunting dogs for search and rescue, police work, and even finding missing pets or people.
So, if you feel like you need a tracker in your life, which is your best buddy as well, this list of the best tracking dogs is for you.
Best Tracking Dog Breeds
Medical Detection Dogs confirms that tracking dog breeds have up to 300 million olfactory receptors, which is far more as compared to a human’s 5 million. Some breeds may have even more.
Let’s look at some of these different breeds.
1. Beagle
Don’t let the size of this small dog fool you. Beagles are a mini tracking machine, but are a family dog. They are especially bred for rabbit hunting, but now they are one of the most popular scent hounds in the world.
They have an amazing sense of smell, especially on the ground, and have been quite useful in airports to sniff out illegal food or contraband.
Temperament
Temperament is friendly, social, and playful
Love to be around people and other pets
Beagles are curious and love to wander if they catch a scent. So, you need to have some fenced yards around your house or some leashes, or else, they would keep going on for long distances. They are also vocal, so be ready for some howling.
These little dogs are best for families, new dog owners, and those with medium to small homes who can train hunting dogs.
2. Bloodhound
If tracking were a contest, bloodhounds would definitely come first as the best tracking dog. With up to 300 million scent trackers in their noses, they can follow a scent trail that could be as old as days.
This unique ability makes the bloodhound simply the best dog around, and even police use them in scent tracking and search and rescue missions.
Temperament
Their temperament is gentle, affectionate, and patient.
Not aggressive but very determined when on a scent trail
Bloodhounds are big dogs, and they need space. They can be stubborn during training and follow their nose even if it leads them far from home. So, leash training and secure fences are a must.
These dogs are perfect for experienced dog owners, large houses with some outdoor space for them to relax and run around. Plus, they make good police dogs as well.
3. Labrador Retriever
Labradors are known for their sunny personalities and intelligence. But they also make exceptional trackers for these same reasons. They are often seen as a good hunting dog when it comes to roles like bomb detection, drug detection, and search and rescue.
They are active dogs with the best noses and natural retrieving instincts. Moreover, they are easy to train and very obedient.
Temperament
Friendly, loyal, and great with kids
Love to stay active and play fetch in the great outdoors
Labrador retriever needs mental stimulation and a lot of exercise because if they get bored, they can become destructive. So it’s best to keep an eye on them. However, they are best for families, active people, and can be great hunting companions.
4. American Foxhound
These dogs are high-energy dogs that were originally bred for hunting foxes in the US, as mentioned by the United Kennel Club (UKC). They excel at long-distance scent tracking, particularly on ground scent. They can pick up and follow scents for many miles because they have excellent stamina and prey drive.
Temperament
Sweet, independent, and gentle
Get along well with other dogs
An American Foxhound is a natural runner, and they are great in an urban environment, but still need a lot of space. Apartment life might not suit them unless you are super active. But keep in mind that they do howl a lot, which might be a nuisance for the neighbors.
5. German Shorthaired Pointer
If you want a dog that points, retrieves, and tracks, the German Shorthaired Pointer (or GSPs as they are called) checks all the boxes. These are high-energy bird hunters perfect for active families or serious hunters.
They are great trackers because they have a sharp nose combined with athleticism. They can go on a bird hunting or mountain lion hunting mission with equal enthusiasm and ease due to a great nose.
Temperament
Very energetic and trainable, so great pets
Loyal hound dogs who love being part of the family
Eager to please their humans.
GSPs are not couch potatoes. They need at least an hour of running, a small game, or lots of mental challenges in order to stay healthy and sharpen their tracking abilities. They are best for hikers, runners, hunters, and large yards.
6. Redbone Coonhound
This is one of the most interesting original American sporting breeds with a red coat. With some training tips that sharpen their hunting skills, they can excel at raccoon hunting, as the breed’s name suggests.
There are many dogs in this group, such as Redbone and Black and Tan, all bred for tracking raccoons. Another popular variety, the Bluetick coonhound, has a glossy and oily coat.
Temperament
Outgoing, vocal, and determined at the job
Good family dogs with a propensity for proper training than other breeds
They are perfect for rural homes, hunters, and people who enjoy outdoor adventures. They have a strong prey drive and scenting abilities, and they love to trail game through forests and swamps.
7. Basset Hound
With short legs and a long body, the Basset Hound may look slow, but its nose is second only to the Bloodhound. They are extremely good at tracking because of the millions of sensory receptors in their noses. These hog dogs are trained for slow but steady ground tracking, so they are perfect for small games.
Temperament
Laid-back, calm, and gentle
Excellent around kids and other dogs
Do keep in mind that Bassets are stubborn and slow learners. They are prone to weight gain, so regular walks are important. Also, they need regular ear cleaning due to their droopy, long ears, as these can trap infections. They are perfect for calm households, senior citizens, and people with fenced yards.
Final Thoughts
Don’t consider the tracking dogs (also called blood tracking dogs) as just hunting breeds. They are partners with a purpose. No matter if it is a bird dog, or a dog for work, adventure, or just a family pet, seeing your doggo using its nose to do scent-tracking stuff is got to be amazing.
However, choosing the right breed makes all the difference, be it a Bavarian Mountain Hound, a German Shepherd or a Rat Terrier or a Mountain Cur, or a Golden retriever (which is not so much a tracker, but a dear nonetheless).
Furthermore, if you want a water hunting partner, a Chesapeake Bay Retriever can be successful when they have to retrieve upland game due to their webbed feet.
So, yes! There is a dog for everyone out there!!
You have to consider what hunting dogs eat and how they are managed. It is important because your first dog makes an important ally in your life. Just remember, even the best trackers need daily or weekly training, mental stimulation, exercise, and a lot of love. So, be ready to do that and some more.
