Dogs have a keen sense of smell; they use their noses for several purposes, including hunting, retrieving, and even sniffing golden mussels in water. Canine sense of smell is far better than humans. Phoenix Veterinary Centre mentions that dogs possess up to 300 million olfactory scent receptors.
It allows dogs to detect scents at incredibly low concentrations from great distances. Several dog breeds have been used for locating missing people, detecting narcotics and explosives, and detecting things that are hard to reach for humans.
They can detect human emotions like fear and anxiety, and certain illnesses like cancer. Dogs can even identify their owners by recognizing human scent. Hunting dogs, herding dogs, sporting dogs, and hounds are better at sniffing than other breeds.
Here are the top 7 dog breeds that follow scent trails miles away.
Dog Breeds That Follow Scent Trails Miles Away
1. Basset Hound
Basset Hounds can be easily recognized by their droopy eyes, low-slung bodies, and sturdy legs. They have a powerful sense of smell, second only to Bloodhounds. Basset Hounds were originally bred to hunt rabbits and deer. Their hunting history contributes to their keen sense of smell.
Squatting and close to the ground, they are pro at detecting even the subtlest of scents. Their long ears capture scent particles from the ground and direct them towards their noses. The wrinkled skin around the face also traps various scents for maximum olfactory impact.
This is the reason Basset Hounds perform immensely well in scent work and tracking. According to the American Kennel Club, they are built for endurance rather than speed. They are stubborn on the scent trail and bark in a loud and ringing voice.
2. Beagle
Beagles were originally bred in 16th-century England for hunting small game like rabbits in packs. Since they are scent hounds, they always let their noses lead the way. Beagles can follow a scent up to 500 yards away, as per the Modern Beagle.
They are often used at airports for detecting contraband. Beagles often use their voice to let you know they are hot on a trail. These easygoing canines are not only a non-threatening addition to the security staff, but also have a charming personality that makes people smile.
Beagles make joyful and curious companions at home. They come in two sizes: those standing under 13 inches tall at the shoulder and those standing 13 to 15 inches tall. Beagles are well-suited for active and affectionate families who can keep them engaged in games and activities, explains Purina.
3. Bloodhound
Bloodhound is likely the oldest scent hound with the strongest nose in the dogdom. These large dogs stand 23-27 inches tall and weigh between 80 to 110 pounds. The ancient dog breed is recognized by its wrinkly skin and long droopy ears that help in scent tracking.
Bloodhounds were bred to hunt wild boars, deer, and rabbits. Nowadays, they are used for search and rescue missions. These tracking dogs can find a missing person for days by following a scent trail. They can also track people over water bodies.
Do You Know? Bloodhounds have over 300 million scent receptors, giving them one of the keenest olfactory senses. A Kentucky Bloodhound named Nick Carter helped capture and convict more than 600 criminals throughout his career, as noted by PBS Nature.
Bloodhounds have been known to follow a scent that’s more than 12 days old. Their noses are so strong that they can smell a trail up to 300 hours old, as mentioned by PDSA. These low-maintenance dogs have a loving and gentle temperament. They love spending time with their humans and are attuned to your moods.
4. Bluetick Coonhound
The Bluetick Coonhound is another breed with an amazing sense of smell. They were originally bred as hunting and tracking dogs. With their keen nose, they can tell whether a raccoon was there yesterday or a week ago.
Bluetick Coonhounds’ advanced olfactory system allows them to detect scents at levels as low as parts per trillion. These muscular dogs have long muzzles and large nostrils, which further enhance their scent-tracking abilities.
Additionally, their long floppy ears hold scent particles close to the nose, allowing them to pick up scents efficiently, while protecting their ears from bushes and thorns. Bluetick Coonhounds have stamina and endurance that help them detect scents for miles.
5. Dachshund
Dachshund, also known as “badger dog” or “wiener dog,” was originally bred in Germany to hunt badgers. Their unique build, long bodies, and short legs allowed them to enter burrows and flush out prey. These independent hunters have an excellent sense of smell.
They can easily distinguish a critter’s trail from a patch of dirt. Their noses allow them to detect their prey underneath the ground as well. Dachshunds not only excel at field work but can also find the cookie crumb that you dropped under the sofa.
Like Beagles, Dachshunds also have two varieties: standard and miniature. Standard Dachshunds stand 8 to 9 inches tall and weigh between 16 and 32 pounds, whereas miniature Dachshunds are 5 to 6 inches tall and weigh less than 11 pounds. They like mental challenges like puzzle games or scent-tracking sports.
6. German Shepherd
German Shepherds are large, brave, and muscular dogs with a strong sense of smell. Having 225 million scent receptors in their nose, they are known for their ability to smell. Instead of keeping their nose close to the ground, they detect the scents carried by the wind.
These courageous dogs are often used as police and military dogs due to their excellent sniffing capabilities. GSDs can detect scents over a mile away on land, which makes them appropriate for search and rescue operations. Their intelligence and high trainability, combined with their keen senses, allow them to find missing people.
PetMD explains that GSDs are highly energetic and need regular exercise for physical and mental stimulation. They are best for active owners and experienced pet parents who can keep up with their energy levels. They thrive on consistency, positive reinforcement, and rewards and treats.
7. Labrador Retriever
One of the most popular dog breeds in America, Labrador Retrievers are great companions and outclass sniffers. Due to their keen sense of smell, they have been serving in bomb detection units, search and rescue teams, and law enforcement.
Labs have also been working as military and police dogs for decades. Apart from sniffing out avalanche victims buried under several feet of snow, they also do well in water-related searches due to their excellent swimming abilities.
They can detect medical issues like diabetes and certain types of cancer in patients. Labs love family life and fit well into any lifestyle. These sturdy and solid dogs are known for their strong work ethic. Labs make excellent family dogs, but need regular exercise to stay fit.
Conclusion
Every dog breed is unique! Some are known for companionship, while others are known for their instincts. From Coonhounds to German Shepherds, several dogs are valued by dog lovers due to their excellent sense of smell. They mostly belong to the herding, hunting, or hound group.
Their physical appearance, facial features, and advanced olfactory system enable them to track a scent miles away. If you are planning to adopt a dog with a keen nose, make sure to give them proper training, regular exercise, and lots of love.
