If you think the scent hounds breeds only like to smell the empty wrappers or bags you hid in your coat pocket or pouches, think twice! Scent hound breeds are the Most Famous Hunting Dogs. They can track the scent of another animal for days while running through fields, bush, or even running water. They are physically built for the hunt, possessing exceptional tenacity and the stamina needed to pursue the quarry with relentless determination. And when it comes to knowing about noses, these Scent hound breeds won’t stop until they have tracked down the source of the scent.
The Magical Nose
A dog’s nose is a pretty magical thing with about 300 million olfactory receptors. A sense of smell that scientists have determined is 10,000 to 100,000 more acute than humans. It is safe to say that all dogs are impressive when it comes to the power of their snouts. But some are even more impressive than others.
Scent hounds are a class of dogs that primarily use scent – rather than sight – to navigate the world around them. They generally have long ears that hang close to the ground and small statures to ensure they are always close to the actual place of action. So, who are the best of the best when it comes to getting their nose to work? Hare are the 15 most popular scent hound breeds:
1. Beagle
Beagles are known to have one of the best noses in the canine kingdom, as well as a keen intelligence that comes in handy when you are trying to pick up a particular scent. It is considered one of the best scent hounds for hunting rabbits. Their small size, as well as their athleticism and natural affinity for agility, make them an impressive and formidable scent dog with plenty of energy to stay on the trail for hours.
Height And Weight:
| Height | 13-15 Inches |
| Weight | 20-30 Pounds |
Physical Characteristics:
Short, muscular, and firm, with long ears and a standard tri-color coat; long tails carried high, and a square muzzle and snout-both ideal for keeping the nose as close to the ground as possible.
Read Also: Top 20 World’s Best Hunting Dog Breeds
2. Dachshund
This Viennese dog breed is not just for show. Despite its small size, Dachshund is a sought-after hunter, using its nose to track subtle scents on the ground and in the air. It is the only breed of scent hounds that may hunt both below and above ground – pretty impressive for such small pups. Its name translates into “badger dog,” from German. A strong sense of smell means it can track wounded animals for far-off distances.
Height And Weight:
| Dachshund | Standard | Miniature |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 8-9 Inches | 5-6 Inches |
| Weight | 16-32 Pounds | Less than 11 Pounds |
Physical Characteristics:
Long, muscular body and short legs with elongated head that allows them to dig their nose into the ground with minimal effort; short-haired, long-haired, and wiry coat varieties.
3. Basset hound
The Basset Hound is another breed with an incredible scenting ability to pick up and track even the most subtle scents. It is no surprise that they are also quite stocky. Originally from France used for hunting hare, their name translates into the base (low). This speedy dog has an excellent ability to ground scent. Their naturally strong instinct for the hunt makes them a favourite among hunters.
Height And Weight:
| Height | Less than 15 Inches |
| Weight | 40-65 Pounds |
Physical Characteristics:
The Basset Hound is a sturdy, low-slung dog with a long, heavy body and short legs. Its large, floppy ears help funnel scents toward its highly sensitive nose, while loose skin around its face creates wrinkles that give it a soulful, expressive look. The Basset Hound’s coat is smooth, short, and typically a mix of black, white, and tan, requiring little upkeep and protecting it well in outdoor settings. The tail, often tipped with white, stands upright, making it easy to spot as it moves along the trail.
Also Read: Top 10 Hunting Dog Breeds of World
4. Bluetick Coonhound
There are quite a few Coonhounds, including Bluetick, American, Black and Tan, and Redbone, and all have highly regarded nose and scent work skills. The various Coonhound breeds differ in their suitability. Some are best suited for fresh trails, while others are better for old.
The blue tick is a distinctive-looking scent hound. They have roots in the Deep South, where they used to hunt raccoons and squirrels, cornering them in trees and baying to alert the hunter. Its great tenacity in tracking even faint scents makes him a natural hunting partner. Its name comes from its distinctive blue-tinged coat with a mottled or ticking pattern.
Height And Weight:
| Height | 20-25 Inches |
| Weight | 40-100 Pounds |
Physical Characteristics:
The Bluetick Coonhound with a muscular build and long legs, it moves swiftly and tirelessly, making it well-suited for tracking over varied terrain. Its distinctive short, glossy coat has a striking blue-black colour pattern, speckled with small white flecks that give the “Bluetick” effect. The Bluetick has large, expressive eyes and long, drooping ears that help gather scents toward its powerful nose. This breed is alert and determined on the trail, with a characteristic “cold nose,” allowing it to track even faint or aged scents. Its tail is carried high and slightly curved, aiding in balance and making it easy to spot when on the move.
5. English Springer Spaniel
There is no scent that an English Springer Spaniel cannot detect. It is an expert at picking up scents both in hot and cold and wet and dry conditions. This ability is impressive and has made the English Springer Spaniel a preferred breed for tracking explosives, narcotics, and human remains. This feisty little Brit is a great companion for hunters.
Height And Weight:
| Height | 19-20 Inches |
| Weight | 40-50 Pounds |
Physical Characteristics:
The English Springer Spaniel is a well-built, medium-sized dog with a compact, muscular frame. It features a coat that is medium-length, wavy, and water-resistant, often in combinations of liver, black, and white. The breed’s eyes are dark and expressive, giving it an attentive, friendly look. Its long ears are feathered, hanging close to the head. The body is strong with a broad chest and a tail that is typically carried level with the back. This breed carries itself with an energetic, lively stance, embodying both elegance and vitality.
6. Bloodhound
We cannot miss the Bloodhound off this list. Bloodhounds are one of the original chase scent hound breeds. They were brought to the hunt in 1000 AD from Belgium for deer and wild boar. They have a one-track mind that refuses to give up a scent once they find it. It is almost impossible to get them back under control. This mournful-looking scent hound is the granddaddy of all tracking dogs.
Height And Weight:
| Height | 23-27 Inches |
| Weight | 80-110 Pounds |
Physical Characteristics:
Distinct physical characteristics such as huge ears, loose skin, and notorious wrinkled faces and necks. One of the most physically powerful scent dog breeds. It has a long frame that covers a large area when standing in one place.
7. Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen
The dog resembles the Shih Tzu, but Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens are widely known for their high outdoor tracking abilities. This scent hound breed has been using its superior nose work skills for centuries to track rabbits and other small prey due to its short and wiry coat, with a remarkable ability to stay on the right track regardless of terrain or external conditions.
The origin is France and Belgium, where it was ideal for tracking rabbits and other small prey. It has a short and wiry coat which helps it to hunt. Short in stature but big on tenacity. Its ability to pick up scents in the harshest conditions made him a popular hunting companion.
Height And Weight:
| Height | 13-15 Inches |
| Weight | 25-40 Pounds |
Physical Characteristics:
The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen is a small to medium-sized scent hound with a sturdy, compact body. It has a rough, wiry coat that is typically tri-colored or bi-colored, with combinations of white, orange, black, or tan. The breed’s expressive, dark eyes and long, drooping ears give it an endearing, alert appearance. It has a strong, slightly arched back, a broad chest, and short legs, which contribute to its characteristic, upright posture and lively gait. The tail is carried high and often has a slight curve, adding to its energetic and charming presence.
8. Harrier
You may not know much about the Harrier, an English scent hound breed that barely figures in popular dog culture. Harriers are not new to hunting, with short legs and strong noses. They can closely follow any animal on which they set their snouts. This English-bred dog breed has a large nose, open nostrils, and loose lips. Their shorter legs allow the hunter to follow them on horse or foot and are known for their prowess in hunting rabbit and other small prey.
Height And Weight:
| Height | 19-21 Inches |
| Weight | 45-60 Pounds |
Physical Characteristics:
Similar to a beagle in look but smaller than the foxhound. Abundantly strong and have low-set ears and loose lips that are equally important to their scent-seeking abilities.
9. German Shorthair
It is no wonder that this energetic dog with a tremendous sense of smell was bred in Germany back in the 17th century specifically for hunting. This dog breed is good at tracking scents both on land and water. It is a versatile companion for hunters.
Height And Weight:
| Height | 23-25 Inches |
| Weight | 55-70 Pounds |
Physical Characteristics:
The German Shorthaired Pointer is a well-proportioned, athletic dog with a sleek, muscular build. It has a short, dense coat that is usually liver (brown), liver and white, or black, offering excellent protection in various weather conditions. The breed’s eyes are typically amber or brown, displaying an intelligent and alert expression. It has a broad head, a straight back, and a deep chest, with long, powerful legs built for running. The tail is typically docked and carried at a level position, and the dog moves with a graceful, powerful stride, reflecting its strong hunting and retrieving instincts.
10. Black and Tan Coonhound
Just by looking at it, you know that this American-bred dog has Bloodhound in it. It is considered capable of tracking everything from bears to cougars, but as its name implies, it mostly hunts raccoons. Long strides, a loud howl, and a sharp nose make it a favourite for hunting.
Height And Weight:
| Black and Tan Coonhound | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 25-27 Inches | 23-25 Inches |
| Weight | 50-75 Pounds | 40-65 Pounds |
Physical Characteristics:
The Black and Tan Coonhound is a robust, medium to large-sized dog with a sleek, muscular body. It has a short, dense coat that is predominantly black with tan markings on the legs, face, and chest. The breed’s expressive, dark eyes give it an intelligent and determined look, while its long, drooping ears hang close to the head. It has a strong, well-defined neck, a broad chest, and long legs built for endurance. The tail is typically carried high and may have a slight curve, and its overall stance is confident, reflecting its purpose as a skilled hunting and tracking dog.
11. English Pointer
A strong and intelligent dog breed with a bold personality. One of the best hunting dogs who desperately enjoys outdoor activities such as Hiking and long jogs. While they are just eight weeks old, English Pointers can be stiff and pointy as their tails align with their body and their nose are too uptight. If you are more of an outdoor person who enjoys walking or a quick run in nature, then an English Pointer is your go-to choice as they are independent and are a great sport dog.
Height And Weight:
| Height | 23-28 Inches |
| Weight | 45-75 Pounds |
Physical Characteristics:
English Pointers have a deep muzzle, wide nostrils, and ultra-powerful sniffers always ready to identify the smell and swift to respond. The English Pointer is a well-built, elegant dog with a sleek, athletic frame. It has a short, smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors, typically white with patches of liver, black, or orange. The breed’s eyes are expressive and dark, giving it an intelligent and alert appearance. It has a long, graceful neck, a deep chest, and straight, muscular legs, built for speed and endurance. The tail is long, tapering, and carried level or slightly upward. With its poised posture and powerful stride, the English Pointer exudes both grace and purpose, perfectly suited for its role as a birding and hunting dog.
12. German Shepherd
One of the most popular dogs around the globe, the German Shepherd has way more extraordinary traits including the ability to smell air scent. Unlike many other breeds and keep their nose close to the ground to smell, the German Shepherd smell scent carried by the wind.
Height And Weight:
| Height | 24-26 Inches |
| Weight | 75-95 Pounds |
Physical Characteristics:
Attentive and pointy large ears, a great shining coated fur, a well-proportioned dog. With a sharp and muscular back and also a sharp mussel. From security forces, bomb squads, and rescue groups – German Shepherd are recruited on all teams, a highly intelligent and versatile breed. Without any doubt, GSD is mandatory on our list.
13. Labrador Retriever
We all know the best fit and built gets the job! And that’s rightly said for Labrador Retrievers – the most popular dog breeds with immensely great qualities of being the ultimate dog. Labs have a strong scent-identifying ability, they are part of all jobs from bomb search teams to rescue and armed forces.
Height And Weight:
| Height | 21.5-24.5 Inches |
| Weight | 55-80 Pounds |
Physical Characteristics:
Easily recognizable by their broad head, drop ears, and large. And how can we miss out on those expressive eyes? Two trademarks of the Lab are the thick but fairly short double coat, which is very water repellent, and the well-known “otter tail.” The tail is thick and sturdy and comes off the topline almost straight.
14. Belgian Malinois
An obedient and loyal companion. Very strong-headed, proud, alert, and obsessed with human bonds, Belgian Malinois are commonly recruited into armed forces and bomb squads as they have a solid ability to snuffle any threat of bombs or drugs.
Height And Weight:
| Belgian Malinois | Male | Female |
| Height | 24-26 Inches | 22-24 Inches |
| Weight | 55-75 Pounds | 40-60 Pounds |
Physical Characteristics:
The Belgian Malinois is a strong, medium-sized dog with a well-proportioned, athletic build. It has a short, dense coat that is fawn to mahogany in color, often with a black mask on the face and ears. The breed’s almond-shaped eyes are dark and intelligent, giving it a keen, focused expression. It has a proud, straight back, a deep chest, and well-muscled limbs designed for agility and endurance. The tail is moderately long and typically carried in a gentle curve. The Malinois has an alert, confident stance, embodying both grace and power, with a keen readiness for work and activity.
15. American Foxhound
Foxhound has remarkable scent abilities; they even prefer wandering on their own while following a smell trail of different scents. These hound’s kind, athletic, and of low maintenance for their owners. All packed with enthusiasm, they need lots of exercise and a work regime otherwise it can turn into a destructive being.
Height And Weight:
| American Foxhound | Male | Female |
| Height | 22-25 Inches | 21-24 Inches |
| Weight | 45-65 Pounds | 40-60 Pounds |
Physical Characteristics:
The American Foxhound is a well-balanced, athletic dog with a lean, muscular build. It has a short, smooth coat that comes in a variety of colour combinations, often featuring a mix of white, black, and tan. The breed’s eyes are dark and expressive, conveying an alert and intelligent demeanor. It has a long, graceful neck, a deep chest, and long, straight legs designed for endurance. The tail is carried high and often slightly curved. Its overall appearance is elegant yet powerful, reflecting its history as a Skilled Hunting Dog bred for stamina and speed.
Final Words:
While all dogs have an exceptional sense of smell to identify any suspicious activity, but not all breeds are suited for scent hunting. Breeds like English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Boxers, and especially non-scent hound breeds such as Greyhounds, Whippets, and Chinese Cresteds are not ideal for scent detection.
Frequently Asked Questions:
A scent hound is a dog breed specialized in using its keen sense of smell to track scents over long distances. They are often used for hunting or search-and-rescue operations.
Dogs like Beagles, Bloodhounds, and Basset Hounds are considered to have the best noses for detecting scents due to their highly developed olfactory senses.
Hound breeds are divided into two categories: Scent Hounds (e.g., Bloodhound, Beagle) and Sight Hounds (e.g., Greyhound, Borzoi). Each has unique tracking abilities.
Bloodhounds are widely recognized as having the best sense of smell, with their ability to track scents that are days old.
Yes, Dachshunds are scent hounds bred to track and hunt badgers. Their long bodies and strong noses make them excellent at ground-level tracking.
Bavarian Mountain Hounds are used for tracking wounded game like deer or boars, making them valuable hunting companions.
Yes, Bloodhounds have a superior sense of smell for specific tracking purposes. While wolves rely on their sense of smell for survival, Bloodhounds are specialized trackers with over 300 million scent receptors.
The Borzoi is primarily a pure breed, originating from Russia and bred from ancient hunting dogs, with influence from Arabian Greyhounds to enhance their speed and hunting skills.
Basset Hounds can develop a strong odor due to their long, droopy ears trapping moisture and bacteria, skin folds harboring oils, or dietary issues. Regular cleaning and grooming can help manage this.
