Do you know? Dogs have around 200 million scent receptors, while humans have only five million. Some dogs have a built-in ability to track scent. Their floppy ears scoop scents from the ground and direct them towards their keen noses.
The wrinkly folds of skin hold scent particles while they are sniffing. Some tracking dogs have short legs, so their nose are closer to the ground where the scent is. Their good listening skills, strong bodies, and obedient nature allow them to track deer from miles away.
Tracking dogs are known for their stamina and lots of energy. While choosing the right tracking dog, you should consider their temperament and training needs. Always opt for a dog whose exercise and grooming needs match your lifestyle.
Here are the top nine dog breeds that track deer miles away.
Dog Breeds That Track Deer Miles Away
1. Bluetick Coonhound
Bluetick Coonhounds are medium-to-large-sized dogs that can stand up to 27 inches tall at the shoulder. They are known for chasing large game, including mountain lions and cougars. This scent hound will be hot on the tracks if any deer comes across.
These high-energy dogs are known for having a keen sense of smell. Bluetick Coonhounds are very vocal, even when they are not on the scent trail. While they may not be well-suited for apartment dwellers, Bluetick Coonhounds make excellent pets for active households.
WebMD explains that these athletic dogs need a decent amount of exercise every day. You can take them for long walks or engage them in play sessions in the yard. But, do not leave them unsupervised as they have a strong prey drive.
2. American Foxhound
The American Foxhound is another hound dog breed known for its determination. Their strength, stamina, endurance, and sharp sense of smell make them excellent hunting dogs. American Foxhounds were mainly bred to hunt foxes and thrive on the chase.
Whether alone or in a pack, they will chase the deer until the animal is exhausted. Due to their love for running, they are classified as “running hounds”. American Foxhounds love spending time with their family and get along well with young children and other pets.
These courageous dogs have a distinctive howl, having an odd bell-like quality. These loving and loyal companions need plenty of daily exercise to burn off their excess energy.
3. Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular gun dogs. These friendly and loving canines possess excellent hunting instincts. Labs are enthusiastic and energetic pups who can withstand cold climates and swim through water due to their dense coat.
Originally bred for retrieving fishing nets, Labradors are highly affectionate and versatile. Although they are best known for their duck hunting and waterfowl retrieving skills, they also assist hunters in tracking deer.
Their strong noses make them good tracking dogs. Their gentle bite ensures the game is returned unharmed. Labs are intelligent family dogs who are always willing to please their owners.
4. Golden Retriever
Similar to their Labrador cousins, Golden Retrievers also make excellent hunting partners. Goldens are the best at hunting birds and small prey. Their strength, intelligence, and love for running and chasing make them well-suited for tracking deer.
Goldens are avid swimmers and can make their way through water as easily as they navigate the forest. Their adaptability and high trainability allow hunters to train them for retrieving wounded deer. They promptly obey commands and make excellent family dogs.
These tenacious dogs not only make loving companions but also have a reputation for getting along well with kids. Like other breeds on our list, Goldens also require a lot of daily exercise to stay healthy and fit, according to the American Kennel Club.
5. Mountain Cur
Mountain Cur, also known as “All American Pioneer Dog,” is another hunting dog breed. These outdoorsy dogs possess a lot of energy, so you can take them for outdoor adventures where they get a chance to burn off excess energy.
Mountain Curs make excellent hunting and hiking companions. They excel at deer hunting, thanks to their endurance, speed, and strong sense of smell. These bobtailed fellows have excellent treeing instincts that allow them to chase prey up trees and inform their owners.
These intelligent, hardworking, and loyal canines are good with children and other pets, especially when socialized properly. PetMD notes that these dogs require plenty of exercise for physical and mental stimulation.
6. Plott Hound
Plott Hounds are known for their ability to sort out complex scent trails over tough terrains. They were developed in the United States as hunting dogs and are the state dog of North Carolina.
While chasing a deer on challenging terrain, Plott Hounds will bark loudly, allowing you to follow them and locate the hiding animal easily. Apart from this, they make excellent pets and family companions. But they often view small pets as prey.
Plott Hounds are high-energy dogs who need a lot of physical activity every day. Plott Hounds can also chase bears, coons, and boars.
7. Beagle
Beagles make excellent deer hunters despite their small size. Their incessant baying allows hunters to locate them and the hiding deer easily. They are easy to spot in the forest due to their colorful coat. Beagles are known for having one of the best noses in the world.
These tireless dogs were originally bred for hunting rabbits and hares. Their floppy ears direct scents towards their noses. Their strong tracking instincts allow them to flush deer out of thick cover, but Beagles are not strong enough to take down a deer on their own.
Beagles make excellent family pets for urban, suburban, and country dwellers. According to PDSA, they need an hour and a half of exercise every day to stay healthy and content.
8. English Setter
These gorgeous dogs are known for their silky coat and large heads. English Setters are the gun dogs who excel at running, pointing, and hunting. They can also be trained for retrieving. English Setters can be split into two categories: confirmation and field.
While confirmation dogs are well-suited for dog shows due to their larger frames and long feathers, field dogs are smaller and light-feathered. The latter makes excellent hunting partners and wonderful companions.
English Setters have high energy levels and need at least two hours of daily exercise to stay healthy and happy.
9. German Shorthaired Pointer
German Shorthaired Pointers are hunting dogs known for their speed, agility, and sharp instincts. They were originally bred for pointing upland birds and tracking small game on land and in water.
Their amazing scenting ability and impressive stamina enable them to locate and retrieve downed and wounded deer. GSPs’ endurance and high energy levels make them an excellent bird hunter. They are highly intelligent and eager to please dogs with a drive to work.
These athletic dogs require one to two hours of daily exercise for physical and mental stimulation. They like running, swimming, brisk walks, and playtime in a secure area.
Conclusion
Tracking dogs are known for their stamina, endurance, and agility. Their intelligence, high energy levels, and strong work drive make them suitable for locating small and large game such as deer. Several hunting breeds or hound dogs serve as excellent deer tracking dogs.
If you are looking for a high-energy canine to accompany you on deer hunting, one of these breeds might be the right fit for you. Consistent training can help overcome their suspiciousness and turn them into loving companions.
