ScentHounds: The History of the Scent Hound
If you thought you had a sensitive nose, you should probably think again!
Scent hounds are a certain classification of canine dogs that are notorious for their sensitive noses; in fact, they are said to have the most sensitive nose in the canine family.
Scent hounds are normally hound dogs, but it wasn't until about halfway through the 15th century that people even tried to put hound dogs into classifications; they were just used for hunting.
These days there are sight hounds, scent hounds, and other types of classifications for hound dogs out there, noting these dogs for their special talents and contributions to the world.
The Look of a ScentHound
As far as looks go, scent hounds are not difficult to spot. In most cases, they fit the normal scent hound bill, with lengthy and droopy ears. Some people think that this may be what helps them to pick up on scents so easily, but that theory has yet to be proven. Scent hounds tend to have shorter legs than other dog breeds, and deep barking voices.
Scent hounds do not have to have long legs to run fast; they specialize in smells and following their prey into small areas to find them during hunting historically speaking, so by nature scent hounds are built this way. This makes them great for people who want smaller breeds of dogs for their homes and families.
Scent Hounds Have Many Uses
Scent hounds are often used by the police and other law enforcement agencies to follow the trail of a person they are seeking; the reason why scent hounds are used over other breeds of dogs is that they have the smelling endurance that other types of dogs lack, possessing the ability to follow a scent over the roughest of terrains, through thick brush, and even over running water.
Why Scenthounds Are So Popular
Scent hounds are a popular dog breed these days for more than one reason. Not only are their sensitive noses immensely popular, but they are very loyal and make great family dogs and companion dogs for people who live alone. This dog breed has a reputation for being able to follow commands well and they are more easily trained than some other dog breed types, making them great hunting dogs and for people who don't wish to have a five year old puppy on their hands someday.
Scent hounds are great dogs for just about everyone. They may not be the largest dogs out there, but their loyalty and friendliness is not easily surpassed by other breeds of dog out there.
Is a scent hound the right breed of dog for you and your life?
Only time will tell for you but the fact remains that scent hounds are family dogs by nature, and working dogs by creed. People who have scent hounds call them great pets, and if you have them from the time they are puppies you could truly have a friend for life in a scenthound.
