Dogs have an extraordinary sense of smell. Their noses have more than two hundred million scent receptors, which enable them to detect scents that even humans cannot smell. Tracking dog breeds are known for having excellent noses.
They possess excellent tracking abilities and make wonderful companions for hunting expeditions. Physical traits of deer tracking dogs enable them to do well on the scent trail. Their floppy ears scoop scent particles from the ground and direct them towards their noses.
The wrinkly folds of their skin hold these scents when they are sniffing. Good trackers even have short legs so that they can stay closer to the ground where the scent is. They are usually very intelligent, strong, and obedient canines, having lots of stamina and energy.
Have a look at some ideal dog breeds for advanced deer tracking.
Top Dog Breeds for Advanced Deer Tracking
1. Bloodhound
Bloodhounds are tenacious trackers with the strongest noses in the canine world. Their exceptional sense of smell enables them to detect a scent from up to 130 miles. Thanks to their determination and incredible endurance, hunters can rely on them for advanced deer tracking.
Their wrinkly skin and long floppy ears trap scent particles when they are looking for trail deer. Bloodhounds are active dogs who need plenty of exercise for physical and mental stimulation. The American Kennel Club describes them as affectionate and devoted, but independent and stubborn canines.
These incredible sniffers are also used to find missing people during search and rescue operations. However, Bloodhounds are big dogs, so keep in mind that this furry friend will take up some space. When not working, they are quite easygoing and make great family dogs.
2. Beagle
Beagles are a scent hound valued for their amazing nose and loud voice. This floppy-eared canine was originally bred to hunt small game such as rabbits. Thanks to their keen noses and excellent tracking capabilities, they can be trained to track wounded deer.
Beagles are social and friendly, making excellent companions for all sorts of households. They are quite loving and have an eager-to-please nature, but are very curious and can be easily distracted by a scent. Beagles possess lots of energy and seemingly endless stamina.
A team of Beagles called “Beagle Brigade” is used at airports to find food in passengers’ luggage, to prevent the potential spread of infections. A two-year-old Beagle named Elvis was able to tell whether a polar bear was pregnant by smelling her poop, as mentioned by the American Kennel Club.
3. Black and Tan Coonhound
Having markings similar to Dobermans or Rottweilers, Black and Tan Coonhounds have been serving as loyal hunting dogs for decades. While they mainly chase raccoons, their phenomenal sense of smell also enables them to track wounded deer from far off distances.
Black and Tan Coonhounds are capable of tracking even day-old scents. They require at least two hours of formal exercise every day over a variety of terrains and routes, explains Purina. Lack of proper physical and mental stimulation can lead to destructive behaviors.
Black and Tan Coonhounds are outgoing and good-natured, so they make great family dogs. They are quite adaptable and thrive in active households where they get plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures.
4. Redbone Coonhound
Redbone Coonhound is another scent hound that was originally bred to hunt raccoons. A highly recommended big game recovery dog, the Redbone Coonhound is a pro at tracking deer. Their exceptional sense of smell enables them to efficiently follow the blood trail.
Redbone Coonhounds are intelligent and energetic, but have a short attention span and can be stubborn. Helping hunters is their instinct, but training these pooches can be challenging. Having incredible stamina and endurance, they can navigate all sorts of terrains with you.
They make wonderful family pets as they are affectionate to their humans and get along nicely with kids. When working within the pack, they run fast and bark as loudly as any other hound dog breed. But at home, Redbone Coonhounds are quite laidback.
5. Bluetick Coonhound
Like any other scent hound, the Bluetick Coonhound will be hot on tracking blood-trailing deer. This breed is capable of pursuing and treeing any creature they find. Bluetick Coonhounds are so courageous that they can even chase mountain lions and cougars.
Bluetick Coonhounds have keen noses and boundless energy. They need plenty of exercise for physical and mental stimulation. In the field, they use their unique “singing” skills to bay or howl and inform their hunting partner that they have treed the game or tracked the dead deer.
However, they can be quite vocal when not pursuing the game. Bluetick Coonhounds are not a good choice for apartment dwellers. In fact, they are well-suited for active owners who can keep up with their energy needs.
6. Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is one of the most popular gun dog breeds. Originally bred as waterfowl hunters, they also excel at tracking blood-trailing deer. They possess stamina, energy, and everything required to become a tracker.
Labrador Retrievers are excellent swimmers and capable of surviving extremely cold temperatures, so they can be perfect hunting partners for all weathers. Labs go the extra mile when it comes to hunting and retrieving the game.
Labradors are exuberant athletes who require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay fit. As pets, they have a friendly and outgoing personality. Labs are quite social and get along nicely with everyone, including other pets and even strangers.
7. Weimaraner
Weimaraners have a strong prey drive. These beautiful dogs make skilled hunting companions and are made for speed. Weimaraners keep their calm during the excitement of hunting. They were originally bred to hunt wolves and possess excellent tracking abilities.
They can easily track wounded deer and also excel at hunting game birds like quails and pheasants. These versatile dogs also make devoted family pets. Wimaraners form strong bonds with their owners and cannot be left alone for extended periods.
They are loaded with energy and can sustain physical activity for hours without getting tired. Take them for a day-long hunting trip or engage your Weimaraner in dog sports; their endurance and energy remain unmatched.
8. German Shorthaired Pointer
Hunting and tracking deer requires lots of stamina and scent power, and luckily, German Shorthaired Pointers do have both. This pointing breed can easily catch trail deer and efficiently hunt down game in all kinds of terrains.
These athletic and active canines are quite energetic and excel at different field tasks such as pointing, retrieving, and tracking. GSPs like to work and are eager to please, so you can easily train them to do a variety of things.
German Shorthaired Pointers make outstanding family pets but have a high prey drive. So they may not be well-suited for families with smaller pets. This enthusiastic gun dog requires vigorous exercise to stay healthy and happy.
9. American Foxhound
The American Foxhound is another scent hound known for its determination. They excel as deer hunting dogs thanks to their immense stamina, incredible strength, and sharp sense of smell. Whether alone or in a pack, American Foxhounds are capable of chasing down a deer until the animal is exhausted.
American Foxhounds love running and therefore, are “running” and not “treeing” hounds. These fast and agile dogs are led by their nose. Once they were quite popular in the southern U.S., but now they are one of the rare dog breeds.
American Foxhounds make excellent family dogs and get along nicely with young children and other pets. They are loving and loyal companions and are a good fit for active owners who can satisfy their high energy and endurance levels.
10. English Springer Spaniel
The English Springer Spaniel is an excellent bird dog, good at flushing out and chasing pheasants. Blessed with excellent retrieving skills, these pooches also excel at tracking wounded and dead deer. These medium-sized dogs are better suited for navigating smaller spaces on the hunt.
English Springer Spaniels are compact and obedient dogs, having a reputation for being attentive. Their incredible stamina enables them to do exceptionally well in the field. They make wonderful family pets, but make sure to exercise them regularly, or they will start chewing up your socks.
According to Hill’s Pet, English Springer Spaniels were meant to be working companions. So they have a strong desire to be with their people. These lively dogs are outgoing and friendly and have a fair amount of intelligence, which makes them easily trainable.
Conclusion
Some dogs excel at advanced deer hunting thanks to their keen noses and excellent tracking abilities. Their physical features, endurance, and stamina make them well-suited for detecting scents and tracking wounded or dead deer.
Such breeds are usually very energetic and athletic, so an ample amount of daily exercise is needed to keep them fit and happy. When not following the blood trail, these dogs are very calm and gentle and make loving family pets.
