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Dog Breeds with the Best Sense of Smell

Chewy Editors
By Chewy Editors
Updated
Apr. 30, 2025
Beagle standing confidently in an open grassy field with a serene backdrop of trees and the horizon.

Photo by Shutterstock/Alexey Androsov

When it comes to our dogs, there are a lot of talents they have that we might consider, well, pretty impressive. (The ability to love us unconditionally, no matter how many times we may get angry when they poop on the carpet as we’re housetraining them, is definitely one of them.)

Another super power that’s high up on that list is their awesome sense of smell. Of course it’s true that some breeds are more well-known for their sniffers than others. We checked in with the American Kennel Club to find out – which breeds are known for having the best sense of smell? Some of the answers might surprise you …

Bloodhound

Bloodhound

The Bloodhound is one of the oldest dogs that hunt by scent. Its work with law enforcement has been so accurate that evidence trailed by a Bloodhound has been accepted in courts of law.

Beagle

Beagle

Beagles have an excellent nose, and tend to follow it wherever it may take them. They’re commonly used as narcotics and agriculture detector dogs with the U.S. Customs & Border Patrol.

German Shepherd

German Shepherd

German Shepherds are known as the world’s leading police and military dogs. They work tirelessly in Search & Rescue and narcotics detection due to their keen sense of smell.

Dachshund

Dachshund

Dachshunds are eager hunters that use their sharp sense of smell in above and below-ground work. They were originally bred to hunt badgers.

Harrier

Harrier

The Harrier is known for its strong nose, which was used to hunt hare. The breed has excellent tracking ability, and is a dedicated hunter.

Basset Hound

Basset Hound

Basset Hounds have a naturally strong hunting instinct, and will willingly follow a scent.

Redbone Coonhound

Redbone Coonhound

The Redbone Coonhound is a natural hunter with a nose that allows him to trail even the faintest of scents.

Bluetick Coonhound

Bluetick Coonhound

The Bluetick Coonhound is a steady, determined hunter that can stay on the most intricate of tracks. Like the Redbone Coonhound, the Bluetick can also follow very faint scents.

English Foxhound

English Foxhound

The English Foxhound’s good nose and determination make him a great fox hunter.

Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retrievers excel at all types of detection work because of their noses. They are widely used as Search and Rescue dogs, and have even been trained to sniff out cancer from patients’ breath.

Black and Tan Coonhound

Black and Tan Coonhound

The Black and Tan Coonhound is a determined, persistent hunter that will stay on a track … no matter what the terrain or conditions are.

Treeing Walker Coonhound

Treeing Walker Coonhound

The Treeing Walker Coonhound is a hot-nosed hunter that’s great at following scents.

Golden Retriever

Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers use their sense of smell in a variety of detection work, and they excel as Search and Rescue and allergy alert dogs.

Scottish Terrier

Scottish Terrier

The Scottie is an avid vermin hunter, using its strong sense of smell to dig and find its prey.

Belgian Malinois

Belgian Malinois

The Belgian Malinois is a popular military working dog that uses its keen nose to detect explosives.

Attributions


Chewy Editors

Chewy Editors

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