Born to sniff
In order to gain more respect for your dog's olfactory ability, you need to compare it to a person's nose. The noses of both humans and dog's contain scent-detecting cells, as well as nerves that transport information to the brain. In humans, the area containing these odor analyzers is about one square inch, or the size of a postage stamp. If you could unfold this area in a dog on the other hand, it may be as large as 60 square inches. Though the size of this surface varies with the size and length of the dog's nose, even flat-nosed breeds can detect smells far better than people. The following list shows the number of scent receptors in people and several dog breeds.
- Humans = 5 million scent receptors
- Dachshund = 125 million scent receptors
- German Shepherd = 225 million scent receptors
- Bloodhound = 300 million scent receptors
Your dog's unique nose
If you look at the surface of your dog's nose closely, you will no doubt notice that the surface is covered in a pattern of ridges and dimples. When you combine this feature with the unique outline of your dog's nostril openings, you get a nose print. A dog's nose print is believed to be as individual and unique as a human's fingerprints.
Walk and sniff
So please remember when out walking your dog just how important smells are to them.