Scent Work

Scent Work October 12-13 (bassets given preference)

AKC Scent Work is a canine sport that mimics the work of professional detection dogs. It challenges dogs to locate specific scents hidden in various environments, including containers, interiors, exteriors, and buried searches. The sport is open to all breeds and emphasizes a dog’s natural ability to use its nose, making it a rewarding and engaging activity for both dogs and handlers. Competitions are structured with increasing levels of difficulty, and dogs must demonstrate focus, accuracy, and persistence to locate the target odors—typically essential oils such as birch, anise, clove, and cypress.

Basset Hounds are particularly well-suited for AKC Scent Work due to their exceptional sense of smell. As scenthounds bred for tracking game, they possess one of the most developed olfactory abilities of any breed, second only to the Bloodhound. Their methodical and deliberate tracking style allows them to excel in scent-based challenges, making them natural contenders in this sport. Furthermore, Scent Work provides mental and physical stimulation for Basset Hounds, offering an excellent outlet for their tracking instincts in a structured environment. The sport can also strengthen the bond between dog and handler while showcasing the breed’s remarkable scenting capabilities.