Sniffer dogs: what makes them so special?

Watching a sniffer dog at work is truly fascinating. These incredible dogs, along with their handlers, undergo months of dedicated training to reach the high certification standards necessary for their roles.

Sniffer dogs are invaluable for many types of scent detection tasks. While often linked to locating illegal drugs, they also detect blood, bodies, currency, and electronic devices. You'll see them deployed at airports, major train stations, ports, and disaster zones such as plane crashes or earthquakes. If given a piece of clothing or personal item, they can track the scent of a missing person, showcasing remarkable canine abilities.

Which dogs make the best sniffer dogs?

Dogs with exceptionally sensitive noses are top candidates for sniffer dog training. In the UK, common breeds include Springer Spaniels, Labradors, German Shepherds, and Beagles. Across Europe and beyond, breeds such as the Malinois (Belgian Shepherd), Coonhounds, and certain Pointers are also highly effective.

Basset Hounds and Bloodhounds are valued for their powerful scenting and methodical tracking, with bloodhounds using their large ears to draw up scent particles to their noses. For rescue efforts, Border Collies are prized for their keen noses and agility over challenging terrain.

How is a sniffer dog trained?

Training starts early, typically around 8 months, although some puppies are identified for this work very young. Initial obedience is crucial before scent training begins. Not all dogs succeed; those that do not meet standards are usually rehomed, sometimes with their handlers.

The canine olfactory sense is approximately 2,000 times stronger than a human's. Training varies depending on the task:

• Dogs searching for drugs are trained to exhibit ‘active’ alert behaviours, such as scratching or pawing at the source scent, often motivated using toys scented with the target substance, rewarding their discovery with praise and treats.
• Explosives detection dogs are trained to be ‘passive’, indicating the scent without disturbing potential danger, ensuring safety.
• Cadaver dogs learn to identify varying decomposition scents, starting with synthetic chemicals before progressing to real human remains in different environments (buried, submerged, or exposed). These dogs can detect bodies buried up to 4 metres deep, with training lasting from 18 months to 2 years.
• Search and rescue dogs employ two techniques: ‘tracker dogs’ follow ground scents from a known starting point, while ‘air scent dogs’ track scents carried in the air with no fixed start. Air scent dogs can detect victims buried under up to 5 metres of snow or debris.

Do sniffer dogs retire after service?

Like their human counterparts, sniffer dogs deserve a comfortable retirement, typically around 8 to 10 years old. Many remain with their handlers due to deep bonds formed. Transitioning to less active life requires ongoing care, mental stimulation, and exercise to adjust to a calmer lifestyle. These retired dogs often make wonderful family pets.

Famous sniffer dogs

Throughout history, some sniffer dogs have become celebrated for remarkable achievements. Megan, a Springer Spaniel known as the most successful sniffer on record, uncovered over 220kg of cocaine worth approximately £30 million before retiring at age 8 in 2014.

Similarly, explosive detection dogs Treo and Henry, awarded the prestigious Dickin Medal, saved countless lives during operations in Helmand Province, showing dedication epitomised by their handlers as simply ‘another day at the office’.

These extraordinary animals embody the very best of canine ability and partnership.