The nose knows Bloodhounds are commonly used to track scents. (more) Why Are Bloodhounds Used as Police Dogs? Ask the Chatbot a Question More Actions Share Share Share to social media Facebook X URL https://www.britannica.com/science/Why-Are-Bloodhounds-Used-as-Police-Dogs Feedback Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Feedback Type Select a type (Required) Factual Correction Spelling/Grammar Correction Link Correction Additional Information Other Your Feedback Submit Feedback Thank you for your feedback Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

　　External Websites Ask the Chatbot a Question Written by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Last Updated: Sep 17, 2025 • Article History Table of Contents Table of Contents Ask the Chatbot Bloodhounds are often recruited for police work because of their exceptionally keen sense of smell. The dogs possess 230 million–300 million scent receptors, which is about 40 times that of humans and the highest number among dog breeds. This superior olfactory capacity enables the breed to expertly follow scent trails over vast distances and challenging terrain. In addition, their long ears and loose facial skin are suited for stirring up, trapping, and holding scents close to their face. The accuracy of Bloodhounds’ scent detection is so profound that The Guinness Book of World Records lists Bloodhounds as the first animal ...(100 of 202 words)

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