Page 141 - (DK) The Dog Encyclopedia

SCENT HOUNDS

SCENT

HOUNDS

A keen sense of smell is an essential part of being a dog. The sharpest noses belong to the scent
hounds, which track prey more by following scent than by using their eyes, as the sight hounds

do (see pp.124–25). These dogs, which often hunt in packs, have a natural ability to pick up a trail,
even if it is days old, and will follow it single-mindedly.

It is not known exactly when detection, and long, pendant ears. the Dachshund (see p.170), an agile
certain dogs were first recognized Bred for staying power rather than little dog, adept at getting in and
for their exceptional ability to hunt speed, they are strong-bodied, out of tight spots. The Otterhound
by scent. The origins of the modern especially in the forequarters. The (see p.142), which hunted its quarry
scent hound possibly date back to breeds of scent hound known today in rivers and streams, sometimes
the mastiff-type dogs of the ancient were selectively developed not only swimming for much of the time,
world, brought into Europe by traders according to the size of prey that has a water-repellent coat and more
from the region that is now Syria. By they followed but also the countryside extensive webbing between its toes
the Middle Ages hunting with packs that the hunts covered. The English than most dogs.
of scent hounds was a widespread and Foxhound (see p.158), for example, With a ban on hunting with
popular sport, the quarry including is comparatively fleet and lightly hounds in the UK, the future of
fox, hare, deer, and wild boar. Pack built for accompanying a mounted British breeds such as the English
hunting arrived in North America in hunt over mostly open terrain. Similar Foxhound or Harrier (see p.154)
the 17th century with English settlers, in general appearance but much is uncertain. Although usually
who brought their own foxhounds smaller, the Beagle (see p.152) hunted gregarious and good with other
with them. hare, sometimes in thick undergrowth, dogs, pack hounds rarely make
Scent hounds come in all sizes, but with followers on foot. Some short- satisfactory house pets. They need
typically have substantial muzzles legged dogs were bred to follow or dig space, are often vocal, and their
packed with odor-detecting sensors, out quarry below ground. The best eagerness to follow any scent trail
loose, moist lips that also aid scent known of these small scent hounds is can make them difficult to train.

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