Top 11 Dog Breeds for Tracking

Home
Top 11 Dog Breeds for Tracking

Introduction

Dogs have over 200 million scenting receptors, while we mere humans only have about five million. Some dogs have built-in scenting accessories for tracking, like long floppy ears that scoop the scent from the ground, and wrinkly folds of skin that hold the scent particles while they are sniffing. In some cases, good trackers have short legs, so their nose is closer to the ground where the scent is. Excellent breeds for tracking should be good listeners, strong-bodied, and obedient, while also having a lot of energy and stamina. Here are the top 11 dog breeds for tracking.

#1 Bloodhound

The Bloodhound is the original scent hound that dates back further than records can follow, but they’ve been helping humans track since at least 1066 BC. With super long ears, hanging skin to scoop scent, and short legs to keep them close to the ground, this pawesome pooch is number one.

#2 Basset Hound

The Basset Hound is even shorter than the Bloodhound, but comes in second since they have fewer scent receptors. However, they are still one of the best due to their dangling ears, long hanging skin, and a bloodline with centuries of pawrfect tracking. They’re also super smart, obedient, and loyal, as well as great team players.

#3 Redbone Coonhound

An interesting mix of different types of Foxhounds and Bloodhounds were brought together to make this pawesome red-coated breed that can chase raccoons up trees, which is how it got its name. These great hounds are great hunters and super sniffers with the energy to keep on going longer than you can.

Looking for a dog walker?

Connect with highly rated dog walkers in your neighborhood

#4 Majestic Tree Hound

This dog is a furrific blend of all the good hounds together; the Bloodhound, Coonhound, and Basset Hound. A large dog, the Majestic Tree Hound, can get up to 100 pounds, and while they love to hunt, they are also fun, loving, and gentle with the kids and other pets.

#5 American Foxhound

These little poochies are amazing hunters who can scent out just about anything. Tracking is easy for them even without all the wrinkles and floppy ears. The American Foxhound loves being outdoors, and will follow a scent until they find their target no matter how long or far it is.

#6 Beagle

The Beagle will do whatevfur it takes to finish a tracking session successfully while continuing to be a happy-go-lucky and perky pup. In fact, they have superior sniffers like the hounds and a desire to please you, so they will not be ready to go home until they find what they are looking for.

#7 Belgian Malinois

From stock herding in Belgium in the 1800s, this scent dog has come a long way. Playful and affectinate, the Malinois makes a great family dog, but their true specialty is in their woofderful sense of smell. Often used by police and military, this doggo can sniff out and track people, explosives, and even cancer!

#8 German Shorthaired Pointer

That large brown nose wasn't just made for kisses! This spotted Pointer uses it close to the ground to track and hunt birds and small animals by land. With floppy ears to assist, this pup is eager to please and has a lot of energy, pawfect for tracking all day long.

#9 German Shepherd

The military and police have used the German Shepherd for centuries because of their bravery and tracking abilities. They are able to find missing victims and even soldiers who have been hurt or killed in war without even worrying about their own safety. They’re also extremely smart and loyal.

#10 Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever has been the number one popular dog breed in the United States for over a decade, and thrives as a family dog. Due to their quick learning ability and desire to please their humans with their super sniffer talents, these pups are pawsitively amazing trackers too!

#11 Saint Bernard

This large furball can find victims through several feet of snow, so you know their nose is superior. These pawesome pups also have an instinctive nature that tells them what to do when they find a victim. They track in pairs so one can stay to keep the victim warm while the other goes for help.