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How do tracking dogs follow the scent of a missing person?

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A Labradoodle dog runs energetically through grass with a stick in its mouth, ears flopping and tail raised. — dog A Labradoodle is a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle, a mix intended to incorporate the Poodle's intelligence and low-shedding coat with a Lab's energy and determination.

Tracking dogs are highly effective at locating missing persons because they possess an exceptionally acute sense of smell, which is far superior to that of humans.1

When searching for a missing person, these dogs utilize their highly developed olfactory centers, which are structured in folds to efficiently filter scents from the air. Depending on their training, dogs may follow a scent trail directly on the ground or by scenting the air. They are capable of distinguishing one individual from another, even after a significant amount of time has passed.1

To facilitate this, dogs are often trained to recognize the specific odor associated with a missing person, frequently by using items such as the person's clothing. While all dogs have a keen sense of smell, certain breeds—such as the bloodhound and German shepherd—are particularly well-suited for these tasks due to their highly developed olfactory capabilities, whereas short-nosed breeds are generally less effective for tracking.21