What Dogs Smell Things the Best?

A dogs sense of smell is often described as a canines best asset. Dogs have a much stronger nose than humans, an advantage leading to their use as police dogs and to assist the disabled. But not all dogs have the same strength of smell. Some breeds, such as hounds, were bred for their powerful nose and are known for being among the best "smellers" of the dog community.

  1. Beagles

    • Beagles have an extraordinary sense of smell.

      Beagles are among the most popular dogs in America, and they also have a keen sense of smell. Because their nose is low to the ground, they do not have to stop to catch a scent. In addition, beagles have more than 200 million scent receptors and their wet nose help attract and hold scent molecules. The breed is highly intelligent, being able to seek out certain smells and remember them. Their droopy ears - an average of 7 inches long - help them to trap scents and keep the smells close to their powerful noses.

    Basset Hounds

    • Basset hounds were bred for hunting, or more specifically, for tracking and catching rabbits. Like beagles, basset hounds short bodies help keep their noses low to the ground, enabling them to better track and hold scents. Bassets also hold the record for the longest dog ears, which drag along the ground while they chase prey and keep them focused on their target scent. The powerful nose of the basset allows them to take in various subtle smells at once and zero in on one. The basset hound's nose is second only to that of the bloodhound.

    Bloodhounds

    • Bloodhounds are known for having the best nose among dog breeds.

      Known as "a nose with a dog attached," the bloodhound is famous for its unwavering scent tracking abilities. Bred to hunt, bloodhounds have ultra-sensitive scent membranes that enable him to detect smells about a thousand times better than humans. Experts estimate the a bloodhound's nose has nearly 230 million scent receptors far exceeding those of other dog breeds. Its wrinkly appearance contributes to its scent-tracking powers. The loose, creased skin traps scent particles, while its long, droopy ears collect odors and help carry them to the dog's nose. The bloodhound is regularly used in law enforcement because of its legendary nose. In fact, its trailing skills are so respected, such results are admissible evidence in court.

    Coonhounds

    • The coonhound comes in various colors and varieties including, the American black and tan, the bluetick and the Plott hound. Known for its amazing tracking abilities, coonhounds are used for hunting bears, small game and even humans. Coonhounds can hold the same scent for hours and follow tracks of people and animals even if the tracks are days old. Slits in the nose help the breed keep exhaled air from mixing with other scents and distorting the target scent. Coonhounds' smelling abilities even enable them to follow scents across water. They do this by picking up on the scent of skin cells left behind by their prey.