Trackers on four paws: What are tracking dogs and what makes them so special?

What is a scent hound anyway?

Sweat dogs are a special group of hunting dogs that are trained to follow the trail of wounded game. The term "sweat" comes from the hunting language and means blood. The dogs therefore follow the so-called "sweat trail", i.e. the blood trail left behind by an injured animal.

This task requires an extremely good nose, a lot of stamina and a strong will to work. Welding dogs are specialized in picking up old and weak tracks that would have been impossible for other dogs to find long ago. This is exactly what makes them real experts in their field.

The most important tracking dog breeds

Not every dog can be a tracking dog. There are special breeds that have been bred for this task for centuries. Here are the best known:

The Bavarian Mountain Welding Dog

This dog originates from Bavaria and is mainly used in mountainous regions. It is medium-sized, muscular and has a short, dense coat that protects it from the weather. The Bavarian Mountain Welding Dog is known for its calm and concentrated way of working.

The Hanoverian Welding Dog

The Hanoverian Welding Dog is somewhat stronger and is often used in flatter areas. It has pronounced hunting behavior and a very good nose. This breed is particularly popular with foresters and professional hunters.

The Alpine Dachsbracke

Although it is smaller, the Alpine Dachsbracke is also one of the welding dogs. It is an excellent choice for difficult terrain and is often used in alpine regions.

How do working dogs work?

The work of a sled dog begins as soon as an injured animal is reported. Here is a typical procedure:

1. Recording the scent: The dog is brought to the kill site (the place where the animal was hit). Here it begins to pick up the scent.
2. Tracking the trail: With a deep nose and full concentration, the dog follows the blood trail, often for many kilometers.
3. Finding the game: As soon as the dog finds the injured or dead animal, it stays with it or indicates the find to its handler.

The special feature: Sweat dogs can not only follow fresh tracks, but also older tracks that are several days old. Their nose is so fine that they can detect even minimal traces of blood or trampled grass.

Important characteristics of a scent hound

Not every dog has what it takes to become a good tracking dog. These characteristics are particularly important:

• Stamina: Welding dogs often have to work for hours on end, sometimes in difficult conditions.
• Obedience: The dog must always rely on its handler and must not act on its own authority.
• Calmness: The dog must not become impatient, even during difficult or long searches.
• Good sense of smell: Of course, an extremely fine nose is the be-all and end-all in the work of a sniffer dog.

Training of a sniffer dog

The training of a gun dog is demanding and requires a lot of time and patience. The first steps begin as early as puppyhood. Here is an overview:

1. Early imprinting: Welding dogs are familiarized with different scents as puppies.
2. Practice on the artificial track: The young dogs learn to follow an artificially created blood trail.
3. First real missions: After a few months, the dogs are taken into the forest to learn on real missions.
4. Tests: Welding dogs have to pass special tests in order to be officially deployed.

Why are gun dogs so important?

In hunting, it is a fundamental principle that no animal should suffer unnecessarily. If an animal is only wounded by a shot and flees, the only way to find it and put it out of its misery is often with a sighthound. Without a tracking dog, it would often be impossible to find injured animals in rough terrain.

Welding dogs as loyal companions

Away from their work, sniffer dogs are often calm and balanced family dogs. They are loyal, affectionate and love to spend time with their humans. However, you should be aware that these dogs need a job. A life without work or a substitute occupation would make them underchallenged and unhappy.

Conclusion: Sweat dogs - true heroes on four paws

Welding dogs are impressive animals that achieve amazing things with their nose and willingness to work. For hunters, they are indispensable partners who not only help in the search, but also take responsibility for the welfare of the animals.

What do you think about hunting dogs?

Have you had any experience with these impressive dogs yourself, or is there a breed that particularly fascinates you? Let us know in the comments!