12 Dog Breeds With the Best Sense of Smell

Dogs are renowned for their extraordinary sense of smell, a trait that has helped humans for thousands of years in hunting, tracking, and detection. While all dogs have a remarkable olfactory system compared to humans, some breeds stand out for their superior scenting abilities. These breeds are often employed in search-and-rescue missions, detection of drugs or explosives, and hunting.

In this article, we’ll explore 12 dog breeds with the best sense of smell, diving into what makes their noses so exceptional and how their unique traits make them the top scent hounds and trackers in the canine world.

Understanding the Canine Sense of Smell

Dogs have up to 300 million olfactory receptors in their noses, compared to about 5 million in humans. This means dogs can detect scents at concentrations nearly 100 million times lower than humans can. Additionally, the part of a dog’s brain that processes smells is 40 times larger than a human’s, relative to brain size.

Certain breeds have evolved or been selectively bred to enhance this natural ability. Traits like longer snouts, larger nasal cavities, and increased receptor density contribute to an enhanced scenting capability.

1. Bloodhound

The Bloodhound is often regarded as the dog with the best sense of smell in the world. This breed’s tracking ability is legendary, and their sense of smell is so reliable that their evidence is accepted in courts of law.

• Olfactory receptor count: Estimated around 300 million.
• Use: Tracking lost people, search and rescue.
• Traits: Long ears help stir up scent particles, and their droopy skin traps odors close to the nose.

2. German Shepherd

Known primarily for their intelligence and versatility, German Shepherds also possess a highly developed sense of smell. They are frequently used by police and military forces worldwide for detection work.

• Olfactory receptor count: Roughly 225 million.
• Use: Search and rescue, narcotics, explosives detection.
• Traits: Strong, muscular build aids endurance during tracking missions.

3. Beagle

Beagles have an acute nose and an inquisitive nature, making them excellent scent hounds. Their smaller size allows them to track scents close to the ground, and they are commonly used to detect contraband at airports and borders.

• Olfactory receptor count: Approximately 220 million.
• Use: Detection of contraband, tracking.
• Traits: Friendly and sociable, with a powerful nose for sniffing out hidden objects.

4. Coonhound

The Coonhound, originally bred for hunting raccoons, has an excellent ability to trail scents over rough terrain. They combine stamina and strong olfactory senses, which makes them excellent trackers in woodland environments.

• Olfactory receptor count: Around 220 million.
• Use: Hunting, search and rescue.
• Traits: Long ears and deep chest aid scenting and endurance.

5. Belgian Malinois

Often compared to the German Shepherd, the Belgian Malinois is favored for police and military work. Their keen nose helps detect explosives, drugs, and other contraband with precision.

• Olfactory receptor count: Estimated near 220 million.
• Use: Military and police detection, search and rescue.
• Traits: Agile and highly trainable, with intense focus during scent work.

6. Springer Spaniel

The English Springer Spaniel has a sharp sense of smell and is frequently used as a detection dog in airports and customs. Their energetic nature pairs well with their tracking skills.

• Olfactory receptor count: Around 220 million.
• Use: Detection, hunting.
• Traits: High energy and enthusiasm combined with a sharp nose.

7. Labrador Retriever

Labradors are popular family dogs but are also widely used as detection dogs due to their excellent noses. Their friendly disposition makes them ideal for therapy and assistance roles as well.

• Olfactory receptor count: About 220 million.
• Use: Detection of drugs, explosives, search and rescue.
• Traits: Intelligent, eager to please, and excellent swimmers.

8. Dachshund

Dachshunds were originally bred to hunt badgers underground, requiring an acute sense of smell and determination. Their long noses and low stature allow them to follow scent trails underground or through dense brush.

• Olfactory receptor count: Estimated near 125 million.
• Use: Hunting and tracking.
• Traits: Courageous and stubborn, with a strong hunting instinct.

9. Bloodhound Mixes and Crossbreeds

Many crossbreeds involving bloodhounds, such as the Plott Hound, inherit the superior scenting ability. These mixes often combine the best traits of their parent breeds to excel in tracking.

• Olfactory receptor count: Variable but often high due to bloodhound genetics.
• Use: Tracking and hunting.
• Traits: Determined and scent-focused.

10. American Foxhound

The American Foxhound was bred for fox hunting and has a strong sense of smell and great endurance to chase game over long distances.

• Olfactory receptor count: Around 125-200 million.
• Use: Hunting and tracking.
• Traits: Agile and fast, with an excellent nose.

11. Bloodhound’s Relative: The Otterhound

The Otterhound, related to the Bloodhound, also has a keen nose used traditionally to track otters in water and marshy areas.

• Olfactory receptor count: Roughly 220 million.
• Use: Hunting and tracking.
• Traits: Webbed feet for swimming and a dense coat.

12. Bassett Hound

With its long ears and droopy skin, the Bassett Hound can capture and hold scent particles near its nose for an enhanced tracking experience. They are slower but very persistent scent trackers.

• Olfactory receptor count: Around 220 million.
• Use: Tracking and hunting.
• Traits: Sturdy and determined with a strong tracking instinct.

What Makes These Breeds Stand Out?

Several factors contribute to the enhanced scenting ability of these breeds:

• Number of Olfactory Receptors: More receptors mean a more sensitive nose.
• Nasal Cavity Structure: Larger nasal passages and turbinates help trap scent molecules.
• Ears and Skin: Long, floppy ears and loose skin can help waft and trap scents.
• Behavioral Traits: Stamina, focus, and trainability help these dogs stay on the trail longer.

Table: Comparison of Olfactory Receptors in Top Scent Dogs