Scenting Behaviors among Breeds - Page 1

I was wondering if there are certain scenting behaviors that are known better or seen more often within certain breeds. I am wondering because I took Beau to the vet today for his annual well check-up for his vaccinations. We were the only one's waiting for an examination room. Beau is a very social boy. I just stayed neutral as I wanted him to feel relaxed at the vets. He stood up and gave his head or nose an upward tilt. And then he stuck out his tongue, quite deliberately. I thought he must be tasting the air for information? And I have seen the tongue licking that indicates an upset stomach, and this was not that at all, none of the frantic licking at surfaces, not at all.

So, since I don't know who is his daddy, I wonder if this is a scenting behavior and what breeds might have that instinct?

Oh, and Beau fans... he weighed in at 89 lbs, all fit and trim! Thought his raw-fed coat was nice and shiny! 


 

Hey Bee,
He stood up and gave his head or nose an upward tilt. And then he stuck out his tongue, quite deliberately. I thought he must be tasting the air for information?

That is exactly what he was doing.  The head tilt or nose lift showed he caught an interesting odor and he was trying to locate it, or examine it.  He probably caught the odor of a dog in one of the examining rooms and wanted to get more information.  The licking brings in the "Vomeronasal Organ or Jacobson's organ."  This organ transmits scent information taken in by the tongue or into the mouth directly to the olfactory system and stores it in the brain.  Neural transmissions from the VNO are instantly sent to the olfactory system.  One major use of this gland is for detecting pheromones from other animals an people, especially useful in finding potential mates and social interactions.  The information from the VNO is stored in the brain like a file in a filing cabinet.  It is how dogs remember people and other dogs.  You can see this behavior when you walk your dog and he licks the spot another dog has urinated on.  It is a secondary way to interpret information and process it.  We actually use this behavior, and capitalize on the unique ability of the Jacobson's organ when teaching our patrol dogs to "scent discriminate track" and they will follow a specific persons track / trail through streets, malls etc.  All dogs have the VNO or jacobsons organ, so I doubt it will help you determine breed.

Slamdunc,

Thanks for that very interesting information on what I was seeing. I thought maybe I might have stumbled on a clue! I had not recalled seeing Mojo do this, he always seems to have his nose to the ground.