STRONGEST SNOUTS

1 BLOODHOUND

With more olfactory receptors than any other breed at around 300 million, the bloodhound takes home the trophy for the most powerful nose. These dogs were historically used as hunting dogs. Now bloodhounds are mostly used by law enforcement to catch criminals.

2 BASSET HOUND

Originally bred for hunting, basset hounds have around 220 million olfactory receptors to sniff out hunted game such as rabbits. It’s been suggested that their long ears allow them to sweep up scents to their nose for a better sniff.

3 BEAGLE

A study published in the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association found that its beagle subjects were around 97 per cent accurate when distinguishing blood samples of patients with lung cancer and healthy patients.

4 GERMAN SHEPHERD

Often used for their bomb and drug detecting abilities, these dogs are often seen alongside law enforcement and search-and-rescue teams. A German shepherd has around 225 million olfactory receptors to detect smells.

5 LABRADOR RETRIEVER

Studies have shown that labradors can detect when patients with type I diabetes are experiencing a low insulin event called hypoglycaemia. During this event, the presence of a chemical called isoprene is elevated in a patient’s breath, which these dogs can detect.