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Scent Hounds Dog Breed ExplainedScent hounds are hounds that primarily hunt by scent rather than sight. This dog breed is regarded as having some of the most sensitive noses among canines. Scent hounds have historically been a rather fierce group capable of contending with wild boar, cats and wolves. In more modern times, selective breeding has resulted in some of the gentlest and most laid back personalities of the canine world. Scent hounds 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. This type of dog breed also have large nasal cavities, the better to process scent. Their typically loose, moist lips are said to assist in trapping scent particles.
Most scenthounds have deep, booming voices and use them actively when running, and especially when following a scent trail. Although this can be a nuisance in settled areas, it is a valuable trait that allows the dog's handler to follow the dog or pack of dogs during a hunt even when they are out of sight. Scenthounds do not need to be as fast as sighthounds They do not need to keep prey in sight, but they need endurance so that they can stick with a scent and follow it for long distances over rough terrain.  The best scent hound can follow a scent trail even across running water and even when it is several days old.They must be able to withstand all conditions found in the field. During a four hour hunt, many hounds will be swimming for most of the time, often for 20 miles or so, and any dog with a major fault in conformation could not do that. Longer-legged scenthounds ran more quickly and usually required that the hunters follow on horseback; shorter-legged hounds allowed hunters to follow on foot. 
Most scent hounds, even when kept as family pets, still are happiest when following a scent trail. The Scenthounds consist of Bassets, the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen, Beagles, Bloodhounds, Coonhounds, Dachshunds, Harriers, Otterhounds, Foxhounds and the Hamiltonstovare. Scenthounds have exceptional sense of smell and use this in their pursuit of game or quarry. Scent Hounds Dog Breeds ExplainedThe scent hound family of dogs includes: AAlpine Dachsbracke BBasset Bleu de Gascogne CCoonhound DF
Finnish Spitz GGrand Basset Griffon Vendeen (GBVB) HHamiltonstovare K
Kerry Beagle NNorwegian Elkhound O
PPetit Basset Griffon Vendeen SSegugio Italiano Scent Hounds Dog Breed TriviaWhile the Basset Hounds have excellent scenting powers, the Bloodhound, has the keenest nose and greatest scenting powers in the Hound Group. Scent Hounds Dog Breed Links
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Dog Food Secrets The Official Porcelaine French Scent Hound UK Club - This noble and distinguished breed of scenthound is one of the oldest originating from France and the Swiss borders. Bred for hunting small deer, rabbits and hares and wild boar in some regions. Believed to descend from the Montaimboeuf breed which is now extinct, possibly English harriers and the likeness of Swiss Laufhunds. The Porcelaine could be traced back as far as the 1600's although thought to be considerably older. Basset Hound Club of America - The Basset Hound is a long, low, scenting hound of French ancestry. His many admirers consider him to be among the most beautiful and unusual of all hounds, his dignified look owing in great part to a large, majestic head adorned with long, velvety ears, a wrinkled brow and dark, soulful eyes. The Basset Hound remains one of the most easily recognizable of all dog breeds. American Rare Breed Association Scent Hounds Group - The mission of the American Rare Breed Association is to serve and protect the Rare Breed Dog in the United States. To promote and educate the public dog fancier about over 130 or more breeds from around the world that are not now recognized by the major kennel club of the United States, the American Kennel Club. Stay Informed! Bookmark Dog Breeds Explained Now! 
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