Which breed surprised you? Beagle. All rights reserved. The Beagle’s scenting ability makes him popular not only with hunters but also with the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, which employs the dogs to detect contraband (especially food items) in airports. They make excellent candidates for search and rescue and therapy work. The 10 dog breeds with the best sense of smell 1. The various Coonhound breeds — Black and Tan, Bluetick, English, Plott, Redbone, and Treeing Walker — all have highly effective noses but different styles of scenting. Group 6: Scent Hounds and related breeds. If you’re planning to adopt a bloodhound, it’s important to start training them from a young age. markfizzwig from Pixabay Bloodhound. Both are active and energetic dogs suitable for folks with an active lifestyle. Occasionally used as tracking dogs by law enforcement, these hounds are still employed by hunters for tracking game. After WW2, when the effort was made to re-establish Polish scent hounds, two different breeds Polish hound and Polish hunting dogs were created. Their abilities are so advanced, it’s almost hard to fathom. Scenthounds, in general, are affectionate to their family, great with children, and get along well with strangers. Second in scent-tracking abilities only to the bloodhound, basset hounds are instantly recognizable for their long, swaying bodies, their adorably stubby legs, and their large, drooping eyes. They also use their nose to scent the prey underground. But do some dog breeds and groups — such as Herding dogs, Hounds, Hunting dogs, Sporting dogs — “smell” better than others? As pets, shepherds make wonderful guard dogs. But did you know their sense of smell actually is a superpower? Black-and-tan Coonhound (Photo Credit: Shutterstock). Tenacious, intelligent, and loyal, bloodhounds have been used as tracking dogs since the 16th century. Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen is a scent hound bred to trail hares in the Vendée district of France. He is a small-size dog that originated in Austria. Labrador Retriever (Photo Credit: Shutterstock). However, early obedience training is a must, or you run the risk of aggression from these large, determined dogs. Bassets quickly took America by storm. In fact, some scholars believe it’s entirely possible these dogs have been around since 1440 or earlier. Scent Hounds. ... Scent hounds include the slower Bloodhounds, Bassets and Beagles. Scent Work Spaniels & Flushing Breeds ... Best Dog Breeds for Kids. (Photo Credit: Shutterstock). Healthy Paws, Follow these tips for a fun — and safe — road trip with your dog, We found the best air purifiers for every pet owner, 7 meaningful ways to memorialize your pet, 4 great vacation ideas your dog will love, too, How you can prepare for big, emergency vet bills, How to find a pet-friendly hotel for your next trip, What you need to know about Pomskies before you get one. Commonly employed by police and military forces and as search and rescue dogs, this breed is well known for his keen sense of smell. Dog breeds classified as scent hound follow the smell of the game animal to close in the game within a comfortable range to make the kill. It is one of the Anglo-French hound breeds which were created by crossing French scenthounds with English (Anglo) foxhounds. The Bloodhound has the best sense of smell and greatest range of scenting abilities of any dog breed, and they are tireless and tenacious when … Blood hounds and basset hounds are best example of scent hounds. The Otterhound is an old British dog breed. With large noses and long, wiry mustaches, Scotties have a sharp sense of smell that allows them to detect animals in their underground lairs. What the best Hound dog breed is for you will depend upon why you want one. So, which are the best scent-tracking dog breeds? Like the bloodhound, bassets are rumored to hail from St. Hubert’s abbey. The difference here is that the FCI has scent hounds in their own group. Labs are rambunctious as puppies, but because they love pleasing their human family members, they usually enjoy obedience training. Hunters admire the Pointer for his bird-finding ability and say he has the best nose of all the pointing breeds. If you’re looking for a highly observant and intelligent dog, … Some have 220 million or more olfactory receptors, compared to a puny 5 million for humans. Last but not least, the Bloodhound’s stamina and persistence make him a superior trailing dog. The beagle is a joyous companion which was initially employed for the purpose of searching game from the English... Bloodhound. Grooming. The key to a successful mountain lion hunt is to find fresh tracks, otherwise, you will travel for miles in vain. The various Coonhound breeds differ in what their noses are best suited for. They were bred into the noble creatures we know and love today by St. Hubert of Belgium in the seventh century, and they’re still known as St. Hubert hounds in French-speaking Europe. Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound History. Types of Hound Dog. With over 230 million scent receptors, these scent hounds also rely on their drooping skin folds and long ears to track their target successfully. Former director of Florida State University’s Sensory Research Institute James Walker puts it into perspective: “If you make the analogy to vision, what you and I can see at a third of a mile, a dog could see more than 3,000 miles away and still see as well.”. Copyright ©2021 Designtechnica Corporation. German Shepherd (Photo Credit: Shutterstock). The earliest Scent Hound is thought to have been the now extinct St Hubert Hound, from whom many of today’s dog breeds descend. The quintessential scent hound, this woeful looking pooch has incredible tenacity and more than 230 million scent receptors (40 times that of humans) that allow him to pick up a weeks-old scent and track it for over land and water for miles and miles. The Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound is a medium sized purebred from Germany bred to be a great scent hound and tracker and used very successfully in the Bavarian mountains, by gamekeepers and hunters, for years. Bloodhounds are known for their patience, but they also have a mile-wide stubborn streak. Grooming. He is famed for his man-trailing abilities and is so reliable his evidence is admitted in court. monitoring_string = "c1299fe10ba49eb54f197dd4f735fcdc". This breed of hunting dogs has originated by crossing a bloodhounds and foxhounds and has noticeable tracking ability of both breeds. One of the Scent Hound breeds is the Alpine Dachsbracke. Medium. If you want a hunting companion, then have a … Despite their name, these laid-back, fun-loving dogs actually come from Newfoundland, not Labrador. ... RELATED: These Are the Best … The categories were the sporting group and the non-sporting … These pups are loyal, intelligent, and reserved, which are some of the best traits for a Hound dog breed. Size. Visit the DogTime Dog Breed Center for more information. Canines, on the other hand, have nearly a whopping 300 million. Tracking scents, chasing game, and deep bonds with their human companions are all hallmarks of this diverse group of dogs. Like their cousin the Basset, they are built to be the perfect tracking dog, with a large, long head; a nose with large, open nostrils; long ears that sweep the scent upward from the ground; and a cape of loose skin around the head and neck to trap and retain the scent. Scent hounds were especially popular in surroundings where the line of sight was broken. Some are best suited for “hot” work (fresh trails) and others are better suited for “cold” work (old trails). Beagles who have been on the job for a while have a 90 percent success rate and can recognize nearly 50 distinct odors. Hailing from the Scottish Highlands, these tenacious little pups were originally bred to hunt badgers, foxes, and rats. They are active, energetic dogs that need plenty of exercise and mind stimulating games. Basset Griffon Vendeen (Grand) Type: Scent Hound, Pure Breed. Tracking scents, chasing game, and deep bonds with their human companions are all hallmarks of this diverse group of dogs. He has a long, deep muzzle with wide-open nostrils he uses to seek out his feathered finds. From these ancient breeds, dozens of modern dog breeds, both sight, and scent hounds, have been developed, resulting in today’s 32 AKC-recognized hound dog breeds. Bloodhounds have such acute olfactory abilities that the breed has become eponymous with scent tracking and (to a lesser degree) detective work in general. Talk about impressive. Coon … These hounds adore their … Polish hounds are slightly larger and heavier than Polish hunting dogs. This giant hound has 300 million scent receptors — more than any other breed. He’s low to the ground — hence his name,... 3. Shepherds are also one of the most intelligent breeds, and their cooperative nature makes them perfect for working alongside humans. Their thick coats help collect the scent, while their long snouts and large noses aid in detection. These hunting dogs are also known as guard dogs and watch dogs as they widely used by families for guarding and watching purposes. Profile status: Complete. Here are our picks of the top 10 scenthound breeds. Meanwhile, the UKC categorizes hunting dogs into three different groups: gun dogs, scent hounds, sighthound and pariah dogs, and terriers. He might be one of the smallest of the hound breeds, but the Beagle has just as many scent receptors as the German Shepherd. Scent Hounds have long and pendulous ears, which many claim assist in their scenting by ‘trapping’ the nearby air. A German Shorthair named Google works in Costa Rica scenting out jaguar scat to help researchers study the species. One of the things he’s known for is his ability to air-scent. Many of the merry little hounds follow air and ground scent. Now famous for their work detecting everything from bombs and drugs to fleeing criminals, shepherds are also used for search-and-rescue missions. Scenthound breeds, with their high desire to pursue prey, were bred to hunt game by scent, not sight. Labs are immensely clever, dedicated, and eager to please, so it’s no surprise they’ve been used as service and therapy dogs. This popular sporting dog comes in two types — field-bred and show-bred. Despite their large size, they can become wonderful family pets with training. This giant hound has 300 million scent receptors — more than any other breed. The most popular of the scent hounds is the Beagle, made famous by the comic strip, Peanuts. They’re devoted to family members but wary of strangers. Dating back to at least the 17th century, Scotties were given as gifts by Scotland-born King James I of England. The Scent Hound and related breed group are very similar to scent hound portion of the AKC and KC groups. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. It was developed to be a leash trailing dog that could handle the … Learn more about the hound´s history and the differences between sight hounds and scent hounds here! Their prey is small and may include mice or rats. Bassets can be stubborn, but when they’re well trained, you’d be hard-pressed to find a sweeter companion. Despite their dignified appearance, Scotties are spirited and fun loving, and they require lots of play to lead happy, healthy lives. Hairless Dog Breeds. Check out our list of the best dog hunting breeds - these working canines know how to get the job done! Among the breed’s talents are the ability to sniff out explosives, prostate cancer and cheetah scat. This hybrid dog is a cross between a Bavarian Hound and the Hanover Hound. Beagles have one of the best noses in the entire canine kingdom, plus a keen intelligence that comes in handy... Dachshund. ... from whom many of today’s dog breeds descend. The Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound is a purebred dog originally from Germany. Scotties are considered the oldest of the Highland terrier group. German Shorthaired Pointer (Photo Credit: Shutterstock). The Hound Group includes dog breeds with a wonderful sense of smell and/or great athleticism. There are quite a few Coonhounds, including Bluetick, American, Black and Tan, and Redbone, and all have highly regarded nose and scent work skills. Both are athletic working dogs, bred to chase, hunt and help their handlers find prey animals. Their name comes from the French bas, meaning low or short. Indeed, some individuals make wonderful … It is probably developed in the 1870s in Germany. ... devoted companion. Let’s find out. He’s low to the ground — hence his name, from the French word bas, meaning “low” — and his long, heavy ears sweep the ground, bringing scent upward to his powerful nose. These fierce, protective dogs are almost as popular as our last breed, the Labrador retriever. Belgian Malinois (Photo Credit: Shutterstock). From hounds to pointers, we cover the top dogs! Naturally skinny dogs that work in extreme bursts of energy and immense speed. We all know that dogs have a super sense of smell. That wiener dog stature isn’t just for show. List of … Some have “hot” noses, meaning they work best on a fresh trail, while others are said to be “cold-nosed,” able to follow an old, or “cold,” trail with little trouble. Holding his large brown nose low, he follows ground scent intensely, unlike the Pointer, who runs with his head up. Bloodhounds have such acute olfactory abilities that the breed has become eponymous with scent tracking and (to a lesser degree) detective work in general. Best Types of Hound Dogs. But their intelligence and work ethic — coupled with their impressive sense of smell due to their large, long noses — have led to careers in notable fields such as search and rescue, bomb detection, and drug detection. From their playful spirit to their fierce devotion, dogs are the real-life superheroes of our world. They are best suitable for homes having a large fenced yard. Originally bred in France for hunting hare, their name literally translates into bas (low) with suffix et... German Shorthaired Pointer. Here are our picks of the canine best smellers. Field-type Springers are highly prized by hunters for their good nose, which is liver-colored or black with broad nostrils. Most hunters prefer the Blue Tick Coonhound, as they are large and fearless but hunters also opt for breeds like the Mountain Lion Cur, Black and Tan Coonhound, or the Redbone Hound. The following 10 breeds are some of the most popular hound dogs, many of which are also excellent companion dogs. Hound Dog Breeds - Sighthounds Originally bred in Canada for duck hunting, America’s favorite dog also served as fishing assistants. He is a cold-nosed Scent Hound that tracks wounded boar, hare, and fox. Regardless of size or origin, all hound dog breeds have one thing in common: they were bred to hunt. Of French origin, the Basset is built to follow a scent trail. These breeds were developed to follow game either by sight or by smell. Bloodhounds have a rich, fascinating history that begins in an abbey. The Grand Anglo-Français Blanc et Orange translated into English as the Great Anglo-French White and Orange Hound, is a breed of dog used in hunting as a scenthound, usually in packs. We’ve tried to distill these varied approaches into six different groups – they aren’t the exact ones used by … According to the American Kennel Club, the Basset is second only to the Bloodhound in scenting ability. Best Dogs for Apartments. Kennel clubs assign breeds of dogs to Groups, which are loosely based on breed types. Best Hound Dogs Beagle. Let’s find out. Scent Hounds was the evolved and more submissive breed; their crossing created Schweisshunde or Liam Hound. A good German Shepherd is highly versatile, and many are employed by the police, military, and search and rescue groups. Want to know more about specific dog characteristics? There is a long list of types of hound dogs, but some are certainly more popular than others. So, which are the best scent-tracking dog breeds? The Scottie, one of the most instantly recognizable breeds, rounds out our list. Now famous for their work with law enforcement — they were used in the 1888 manhunt for Jack the Ripper — bloodhounds have abilities so highly respected that they’re admissible in court as evidence. Here are our picks of the canine best smellers. Even if some of the breeds aren’t used for tracking tasks today, they are still considered a hound dog breed. For example, if a dog could not see through trees and thickets, a scent hound would be able to smell its prey. Bloodhound. There are many breeds in the scenthound type, and scenthounds may do other work as well, so exactly which breeds should be called scenthound can be controversial. English Springers have been trained to detect such diverse odors as explosives, narcotics, fake currency, bee hives, and human remains. Basset Hound. Their charming companionship is an added bonus. With thick, rudderlike tails, Labs are natural-born water dogs. For the past 10 years, shepherds have held the number two slot for the most popular dog in the U.S. We can thank German Captain Max von Stephanitz for this breed, established in 1899 in Germany for herding and protecting livestock. Their dense, waterproof coats can keep them warm in Newfoundland’s icy waters, and they even have webbed feet, making them rapid swimmers. Basset Hound (Photo Credit: Shutterstock). A very “terrier” like scent hound is the little Dachshund, which makes a great family pet. Despite their large size, they can become wonderful family pets with training. 10 Best Hound Breeds for Following a Scent Beagle. The Lab is the most popular breed in the United States. (Fun fact: George Washington received a pack of basset hounds as a gift from his friend, Lafayette.) The ultimate pet owner's guide to the best products and tips for keeping animals happy and healthy. The bloodhound gets its keen sense of smell from its massive olfactory area, which is much larger than that of most breeds. Then most people realise that the American lists … In modern times, their keen olfactory senses often prompt Scotties to dig up your yard, so early obedience training is essential. Hound History. Of French origin, the Basset is built to follow a scent trail. Some breeds — like the bloodhound and the basset hound — are renowned for their keen olfactory abilities, while others aren’t immediately linked with scent tracking. Hailing from Germany, the Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound is the Bayerischer Gebirgsschweisshund in its native German. Most commonly, though, they’re kept as family pets. He is famed for his... 2. Below are 26 hound dog breeds, broken down into the two main subcategories, and including sight and scent hound breeds. Besides being a great companion dog, he is best known for his fine nose. It is a scent hound and is currently recognized as a vulnerable native dog breed. The Bloodhound is one of the larger scent hound breeds, and one that was originally used for tracking larger prey such as wild boar and deer, but that has also been widely used for tracking people in search and rescue work and hunting for fugitives. The bloodhound is famous for its unique tenacity and scenting skills. ... Best Hound Breeds. Bassets are notoriously friendly and affectionate with children, other family pets, and even strangers. These 7 dog breeds get along with cats (most of the time), These blue-eyed dog breeds can make great pets, 5 ways you can prevent animal cruelty in your community, 5 handy tips to make apartment hunting with a dog less stressful, Insurance showdown: Pets Best vs. Classically a scent hound is a dog that primarily uses its sense of smell to hunt a prey. So, let’s take a look at some of the most popular hound dog breeds. Bloodhound. This well-known herding breed is said to have 225 million scent receptors in his nose. Whichever hound dog breed you choose, you will gain an affectionate and devoted companion. The German Shorthaired Pointer ranks in at number nine on our list; he follows the scent with his nose pressed close to the ground. Moderate. Once upon a time, all dog breeds fell into one of two categories. Sighthounds tend to be slim and wiry. It seemed that I only knew a few of them and there was obviously many more on many more people’s lists than I knew. Each kennel club determines which breeds it will place in a given group. We now split the Hound group into Sighthounds and Scent Hounds. Becoming Part of the AKC The American Kennel Club (AKC) was founded in 1884 by a group of dedicated dog sportsmen who wanted to create a premier dog club for the celebration and delegation of specific dog breeds. The loose skin beneath his chin, known as a dewlap, helps to trap the scent, keeping it easily accessible as he works. The popular (#27) Basset is very gentle, friendly and trustworthy. It is also called the Bavarian Mountain Hound or the Bayerischer Gebirgsschwei, abbreviated to BMS or BMH. The sight hounds and the scent hounds. ... Bassets are one of the easiest-going and best-natured of all dog breeds. Basset Hound. Like his cousin the Pointer, the German Shorthair has outstanding scenting and trailing ability in the field. A dog’s sense of smell is roughly 10,000–100,000 times stronger than ours. ... With over 230 million scent receptors, these scent … Hounds are hunting dogs that either hunt by following the scent of a game animal (scenthounds) or by following the animal by sight (sighthounds). It is best to keep scent hounds on a leash during walks and confine in a securely fenced area for their safety. Rather than keeping his nose to the ground, he casts about for human scent that is carried by the wind. Labs are found working in many scent-related jobs, from arson, drug and bomb detection to search and rescue. Complete list of Scent Hound breeds by Country For a while there I was getting stumped by what scent hounds were out there. Humans have around 6 million olfactory receptors in their noses. — “smell” better than others? Bloodhounds can not only follow a scent on the ground, they can also air scent. This puppy has rather high... Borzoi. English Springer Spaniel (Photo Credit: Shutterstock).