10. Pointer
The Pointer is a hunter’s dream dog, renowned for its ability to locate birds with precision. Their long muzzle and wide-open nostrils are perfectly designed for sniffing out feathered targets. No wonder they’re considered one of the dog breeds with the best sense of smell!
9. German Shorthaired Pointer
Meet the Pointer’s cousin, the German Shorthaired Pointer—a breed that takes scenting to a whole new level. These dogs are all about focus, keeping their noses close to the ground as they track. One particularly famous German Shorthair, named Google, helps researchers in Costa Rica by sniffing out jaguar scat. Now that’s using your nose for science!
8. Coonhound
The Coonhound family, including varieties like the Bluetick, Redbone, and Black and Tan, are tracking experts. These hounds are unique because some have “hot” noses (great for fresh trails) while others have “cold” noses (capable of following older trails). Their versatility makes them one of the dog breeds with the best sense of smell in any hunting scenario.
7. English Springer Spaniel
English Springer Spaniels have a nose for adventure. These sporting dogs are highly valued for their scenting skills, whether in the field or on specialized detection teams. Their talents include finding explosives, narcotics, counterfeit cash, and even bee hives. It’s no wonder they’re fan favorites in the scent world.
6. Belgian Malinois
Belgian Malinoiss are the secret agents of the dog world. They’re trusted by police, military forces, and search-and-rescue teams for their incredible ability to detect explosives, drugs, and even medical conditions like cancer. If there’s a job requiring a sharp nose, the Malinois is on the case.
5. Labrador Retriever
America’s most popular breed isn’t just a lovable companion—they’re also sniffing superstars. Labs excel in scent-related work, from arson and bomb detection to search-and-rescue missions. Their eagerness to please, combined with their sharp noses, places them among the dog breeds with the best sense of smell.
4. German Shepherd
German Shepherds are as versatile as they come, with noses that boast around 225 million scent receptors. Unlike ground-focused breeds, these dogs excel at air scenting, and detecting human odors carried on the wind. This skill makes them invaluable in search-and-rescue missions and police work.
3. Beagle
Small but mighty, the Beagle is a scenting sensation. These merry little hounds have an uncanny ability to detect both air and ground scents. Beagles are even employed by the USDA at airports to sniff out contraband food items with a stunning 90% success rate. Their talent and accuracy make them stand out among the dog breeds with the best sense of smell.
2. Basset Hound
Built for scent tracking, the Basset Hound’s low stature and long ears help them capture and retain scents from the ground. Their loose skin around the chin (called a dewlap) traps odors, giving them an edge when following trails. With this skill set, it’s no surprise they’re second only to the Bloodhound in scenting prowess.
1. Bloodhound
Crowning the list is the legendary Bloodhound, the ultimate scent-tracking machine. With a staggering 300 million scent receptors—the most of any breed—they’re unparalleled in their ability to follow a trail. Their tracking evidence is even admissible in court. Whether it’s air scenting or ground tracking, Bloodhounds are the undisputed champions of the dog breeds with the best sense of smell.
Dogs use their noses to do amazing things, from saving lives to catching criminals. These dog breeds with the best sense of smell prove just how powerful a dog’s nose can be. Want to learn more about your favorite breeds and their incredible traits? Head over to the DogTime Dog Breed Center and discover what makes these canine sniffers so extraordinary!