Compared to us humans, all dogs have a superior sense of smell, but some dogs' noses are next level – if you hadn’t guessed already, we're talking about scent hounds. Bred for their skills in the olfactory department, scent hounds were mostly bred to be hunting dogs.
Today scent hounds are kept as working dogs, as well as beloved family pets. Read on to find out more about these dogs with powerful noses…
What is a scent hound?
Scent hounds typically have short statures and long droopy ears that hang low to the ground, which work together to help them collect scents to analyse. Together with that, and their bigger-than-average nasal cavities, scent hounds are perfectly developed to track down prey. In the right conditions, some dogs can smell up to 12.5 miles (20km).
They don't need to be super speedy, but they need to be able to go the distance to allow them to stick with a scent over rough terrain, sometimes when the scent is days old.
As well as their notable noses, scent hounds have a hallmark deep booming baying voice, used to let their owner know they are following a scent trail. Some breeds of scent hound may bark more than others, something to take into consideration if you're considering bringing one home.
Given their love of tracking and loud vocals, scent hounds aren't a great fit for anyone living in a small apartment. Likewise, this is a dog choice for the active among us. Scent hounds are fantastic dogs, but they are highly energetic and need to be provided with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
Scent hound vs sight hound
Both of these types of hounds are bred for hunting, but sight hounds hunt rely on their eyesights, while scent hounds use their noses.
Sight hounds typically have incredible eyesight and can use that, along with their nimble, fast bodies to track down prey at high speed. Scent hounds use their sense of smell, and what they lack in speed they make up for in endurance.
Scent hounds
1. American English Coonhound
This popular hunting companion was bred from English Foxhounds, first brought to America in the early 1800s. Known for their quick pace and ability to keep going, this breed is determined when tracking down raccoons. Inside the home you can expect more chilled vibes (so long as well exercised).
2. American Foxhound
A dedicated breeder and hunter, George Washington is credited as helping to develop the American Foxhound with the mission to chase but not kill foxes. A topnotch sniffer, American Foxhounds are one of the few hounds which can track solo while their owner stays stationary.
3. Basenji
Instead of barking, the Basenji lets out a noise halfway between a yodel and a laugh, which has earnt it the name ‘Africa's Barkless Dog’. With a strong instinct to pursue game, Basenjis need a home with a properly contained garden and plenty of time for mental and physical exercise. They’re great at tracking, obedience and agility.
4. Basset hound
Squat and low to the ground, the basset hound has been bred to help on the hunt rabbits and deer, rendering them highly proficient at tracking even the most subtlest of scents. They might not be fast, but these little legs can keep going and going.
5. Beagle
Beagles boast not only incredibly sensitive noses, but intelligence to boot. Their small size and athletic bodies make them the perfect dog for hunting in packs, trained to hunt rabbit and hare without harming them. At home beagles are joyful and curious companions.
6. Black and tan coonhound
The oldest of the coonhound breeds, this American dog breed came about by crossing English breeds like bloodhounds and English Foxhounds. The result? A high-energy dog capable of hunting down raccoons through the night and across challenging terrains.
7. Bloodhound
The quintessential tracking dog, the bloodhound is a large scent hound originally bred for hunting deer, boar and rabbit. Since the Middle Ages these clever hounds have been used to track people, and today their unbeatable sense of smell is used to assist law enforcement efforts.
8. Bluetick coonhound
Bred for its raccoon hunting abilities, the Bluetick coonhound is best known for their mottled glossy coat of blue and black, and their unique bays and bawls while out on a hunt. A fundamentally friendly dog breed, they make for a loyal and loving companion too.
9. Dachshund
They might be tiny, but don't overlook the dachshund! These small dogs were first bred in Germany some 300 years ago and today are champion hunters, capable of hunting above and below the ground, the only scent hound certified to do so.
10. English Foxhound
One of the four foxhound breeds, as the name suggests English Foxhounds have been bred to hunt foxes by scent. Reported to have been first developed in England in the late 16th century, the first English Foxhound was registered in 1909.
Bred for its exceptional pack hunting abilities, this loving breed still loves to track scent while out on walks.
11. Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen
The leggiest of the basset breeds, the Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen hails from France. With bags of energy, this rabbit hunter loves the company of other dogs and needs lots of exercise.
12. Harrier
Smaller than an English Foxhound, but not as small as a beagle, the harrier has been used since the 13th century for hunting prey in packs. With boundless energy, a playful nature and a devotion to their people, the harrier makes for a delightful companion.
13. Norwegian Elkhound
One of Europe's oldest dog breeds, the Norwegian Elkhound can be spotted in Norse art and is said to have sailed with the Vikings. Originally bred for scenting giant elk and moose, today this northern spitz-type breed is the national dog of Norway.
14. Otterhound
This ancient scenthound was bred in Medieval England for otter hunting, which is no longer legal. This is one of the reasons the breed is currently considered a vulnerable breed, with around 600 animals worldwide.
Still, their history is seen in their waterproof shaggy coat, webbed feet and love of swimming, a combination of which made them excellent at following an otters underwater scent trail.
15. Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen
As the name suggests, this breed is a smaller – and less leggy – version of the aforementioned Basset Griffon Vendéen, hailing from the west coast of France.
16. Plott Hound
Built and bred for hunting bears, the Plott Hound is determined, rugged and fearless. Named after the breeder who bred them, Johannes Plott, a German living in North Carolina, the Plott Hound boasts a glossy dark coat, long tail and a curious expression. At home, this dog is mellow and loving.
17. Redbone coonhound
Bred by American settlers to provide raccoon meat, the Redbone Coonhound is efficient at hunting small game that hide in trees. At home, they do well when giving a vigorous activity like swimming, then a lengthy period of rest and recovery. The sleek mahogany coat and charming brown eyes will win anyone over.
18. Treeing Walker Coonhound
The name is somewhat of a misnomer, the Treeing Walker Coonhound is a runner who can cover distance, and quickly too. Once it's tracked its prey to a tree, it then guards the area and barks to let its owner know.
Named after Thomas Walker, who helped develop the breed in the mid 1700s, the Treeing Walker Coonhound is a confident, affectionate and highly trainable dog.
If you’ve enjoyed this feature, you may also want to read our round-up of the most vocal dog breeds
Edited by Georgia Guerin.
Recent updates
This feature was last updated on March 6, 2025.
