scent hound

Scent hounds are hounds that primarily hunt by scent rather than sight. They are generally regarded as having some of the most sensitive noses among canines.These dogs specialize in following a smell or scent. Most of these breeds have long, drooping ears. One theory says that this trait helps to collect scent from the air and keep it near the dog's face and nose. They also have large nasal cavities, the better to process scent. Their typically loose, moist lips are said to assist in trapping scent particles.
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Scent hounds are gentle if not terribly obedient dogs that are driven by their noses. Their long earflaps and pendulous lips work to gather in scent, making these dogs very effective trackers.
With its nose to the ground a scent hound catches and then follows the odor of its prey, howling out an alert to its handler. Unlike terriers, scent hounds rarely kill prey, but rather hold the prey at bay for the handler. Exceptional tracking ability can get these dogs into trouble, as it leads them into garbage or off to chase wildlife if they are not on a leash or confined to a well-secured area.
Scent hounds were developed to hunt in braces (twos) or packs, so they are generally friendly with other dogs. Long-bodied, slow-moving, dwarf scent hound breeds (basset hound, petit basset griffon Vendeen) were developed for tracking rabbits and hares.
Unlike other scent hounds, the long, low dachshund boasts a feisty, terrier-like personality and can dive down a hole to chase out prey or catch and kill it underground. The small, well-proportioned beagle, one of the oldest scent hounds (dating to the fourteenth century), can use its nose and speed to circle a rabbit back toward a hunter. Slightly predating the beagle, the swift, sturdy harrier is used to hunt both hare and fox. The leggier English and American foxhounds were developed to hunt fox in large packs.
The otter hound and the bloodhound are the largest of the trailing hounds. They are similar in build, but the otter hound has webbed feet and a rough, water-resistant coat ideal for hunting otter in the water, while the bloodhound trails animals and humans on land.
The black-and-tan coonhound, a distant relative of both, was developed for its ability to hunt raccoon and opossum.

Scent Hounds:
American Foxhound , Basset Hound , Beagle , Black-and-Tan Coonhound , Bloodhound , Dachshund , English Foxhound , Harrier , Otter Hound , Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen , Scent Hound Mixes .