Scent hounds are a type

Dog type

Dog types are broad categories of dogs based on function, with dogs identified primarily by specific function or style of work rather than by lineage or appearance....

 of hound

Hound

A hound is a type of dog that assists hunters by tracking or chasing the animal being hunted. It can be contrasted with the gun dog, which assists hunters by identifying the location of prey, and with the retriever, which recovers shot quarry...

 that primarily hunts by scent rather than sight

Visual perception

Visual perception is the ability to interpret information and surroundings from the effects of visible light reaching the eye. The resulting perception is also known as eyesight, sight, or vision...

. The Scenthound breeds

Dog breed

Dog breeds are groups of closely related and visibly similar domestic dogs, which are all of the subspecies Canis lupus familiaris, having characteristic traits that are selected and maintained by humans, bred from a known foundation stock....

 are generally regarded as having some of the most sensitive noses among canines

Dog

The domestic dog is a domesticated form of the gray wolf, a member of the Canidae family of the order Carnivora. The term is used for both feral and pet varieties. The dog may have been the first animal to be domesticated, and has been the most widely kept working, hunting, and companion animal in...

.

Scenthounds specialize in following a smell or scent. Most of these breeds have long, drooping ears. One theory says that this trait helps to collect scent from the air and keep it near the dog's face and nose. They also have large nasal cavities, the better to process scent. Their typically loose, moist lips are said to assist in trapping scent particles.

Most of these breeds have deep, booming voices and use them actively when running, and especially when following a scent trail. Although this can be a nuisance in settled areas, it is a valuable trait that allows the dog's handler to follow the dog or pack of dogs during a hunt even when they are out of sight, such as when following a fox

Fox

Fox is a common name for many species of omnivorous mammals belonging to the Canidae family. Foxes are small to medium-sized canids , characterized by possessing a long narrow snout, and a bushy tail .Members of about 37 species are referred to as foxes, of which only 12 species actually belong to...

 or raccoon

Raccoon

Procyon is a genus of nocturnal mammals, comprising three species commonly known as raccoons, in the family Procyonidae. The most familiar species, the common raccoon , is often known simply as "the" raccoon, as the two other raccoon species in the genus are native only to the tropics and are...

 through woodland.

Scenthounds do not need to be as fast as sighthound

Sighthound

Sighthounds, also called gazehounds, are hounds that primarily hunt by speed and sight, instead of by scent and endurance as scent hounds do.-Appearance:...

s because they do not need to keep prey in sight, but they need endurance so that they can stick with a scent and follow it for long distances over rough terrain. The best scent hounds can follow a scent trail even across running water and even when it is several days old, which is a considerable amount more than a sighthound

Sighthound

Sighthounds, also called gazehounds, are hounds that primarily hunt by speed and sight, instead of by scent and endurance as scent hounds do.-Appearance:...

. Most scenthounds are used for hunting in packs, sometimes with multiple dogs in a single pack. Longer-legged hounds run more quickly and usually require that the hunters follow on horseback; shorter-legged hounds allow hunters to follow on foot. Hunting with some breeds, such as German bracke, American Foxhounds, or coonhounds, involves allowing the pack of dogs to run freely while the hunters wait in a fixed spot until the dogs' baying announces that the game has been "treed". The hunters then go to the spot on foot, following the sound of the dogs' baying.

The Fédération Cynologique Internationale

Fédération Cynologique Internationale

Fédération Cynologique Internationale is an international federation of kennel clubs based in Thuin, Belgium. The English language translation, World Canine Organisation, is not often used.Its goals are described in Article 2 of their regulations:...

 places scenthounds into Group 6, and includes a Section 2 for Leash Hounds. These are a category of scenthound, including the Bavarian Mountain Scenthound (Bayrischer Gebirgsschweisshund, no. 217), the Hanoverian Scenthound (Hannover'scher Schweisshund, no. 213), and the Alpine Dachsbracke

Alpine Dachsbracke

The Alpine Dachsbracke is a small breed of dog of the scent hound type originating in Austria. The Alpine Dachsbracke was bred to track wounded deer as well as boar, hare, and fox. It is highly efficient at following a trail even after it has gone cold...

 (Alpenländische Dachsbracke, no. 254). In addition, the Dalmatian

Dalmatian (dog)

The Dalmatian is a breed of dog whose roots are often said to trace back to Dalmatia, a region of Croatia where the first illustrations of the dog have been found. The Dalmatian is noted for its unique black- or brown-spotted coat and was mainly used as a carriage dog in its early days...

 and the Rhodesian Ridgeback

Rhodesian Ridgeback

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a dog breed developed in Southern Africa, where it was used to hunt Lions. This is most likely why this dog is known for its bravery...

 are placed in Group 6 as "Related breeds".

The United Kennel Club

United Kennel Club

The United Kennel Club is the second oldest all-breed registry of purebred dog pedigrees in the United States and the second largest in the world. According to the website, the club records 250,000 registrations annually. The UKC is not part of the International Canine Organisation, Fédération...

 divides its Scenthound Group

Scenthound Group

Scenthound Group is the name of a breed Group of dogs, used by kennel clubs to classify a defined collection of dog breeds. Dogs listed in a kennel club's Scenthound Group may not all be of the same type of dog.- Scenthound type :...

 into two categories. The first includes the American hunting dogs known as coonhounds

Coonhound

A Coonhound is a type of scent hound and a member of the hound group.Coonhounds are an American style of hunting dog developed for the quarry and working conditions found in the United States. Coondogs are highly valued.-History:...

 and the European hounds from which they were developed. These are referred to as Tree Hounds. The second category is referred to as Trailing Scenthounds, and includes dogs used for tracking of both game and humans, reputedly descended from a type of bloodhound kept by monks in Belgium.

As Pets

Scent hounds are often kept as pets, especially the Beagle

Beagle

The Beagle is a breed of small to medium-sized dog. A member of the Hound Group, it is similar in appearance to the Foxhound, but smaller, with shorter legs and longer, softer ears. Beagles are scent hounds, developed primarily for tracking hare, rabbit, and other game...

, Basset Hound

Basset Hound

The Basset Hound is a short-legged breed of dog of the hound family. They are scent hounds, bred to hunt rabbits and hare by scent. Their sense of smell for tracking is second only to that of the Bloodhound....

 and PBGV. As pets, most scent hounds are good with children, good with dogs, and many are good with other pets. However, scent hounds are often stubborn, distracted, difficult to train, and some breeds will chase cats or other small mammals that resemble the prey they were bred to hunt. Many breeds are bred as show/pet dogs rather than as hunting/field dogs.

Breeds

The Scent hound type includes the following breeds:

• Alpine Dachsbracke
  Alpine Dachsbracke
  The Alpine Dachsbracke is a small breed of dog of the scent hound type originating in Austria. The Alpine Dachsbracke was bred to track wounded deer as well as boar, hare, and fox. It is highly efficient at following a trail even after it has gone cold...
  
  
• American Foxhound
  American Foxhound
  The American Foxhound is a breed of dog that is cousin to the English Foxhound. They are scent hounds, bred to hunt foxes by scent.-History:...
  
  
• Anglo-French hounds (crossed with English Foxhounds)
  • Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie
    Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie
    The Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie is a medium-sized breed of dog used in hunting as a scenthound, usually in packs. It is one of the Anglo-French hound breeds which were created by crossing French scenthounds with English foxhounds...
    
    
  • Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore
    Grand Anglo-Francais Tricolore
    The Grand Anglo-Francais Tricolore is a breed of dog used in hunting as a scenthound, usually in packs. It is one of the Anglo-French hound breeds which were created by crossing French scenthounds with English foxhounds.- Appearance :...
    
    
  • Grand anglo-français blanc et orange
    Grand Anglo-Français Blanc et Orange
    The Grand anglo-français blanc et orange translated into English as the Great Anglo-Francais White and Orange Hound, is a breed of dog used in hunting as a scenthound, usually in packs...
    
    
  • Grand anglo-français blanc et noir
    Grand Anglo-Français Blanc et Noir
    The Grand anglo-français blanc et noir translated into English as the Great Anglo-Francais White and Black Hound, is a breed of dog used in hunting as a scenthound, usually in packs...
    
    
• Ariegeois
  Ariegeois
  -External links:****...
  
  
• Artois Hound
  Artois Hound
  The Artois Hound is a rare breed of dog, and a descendant of the Bloodhound. A scent hound 22-23 inches high at the withers, weighing anything between 55 and 65 pounds, it is a well constructed dog with a slow graceful gait. It has a large, strong head, a medium-length back and a pointed tail...
  
  
• Austrian black and tan hound
  Austrian black and tan hound
  The Austrian Black and Tan Hound is a breed of dog originating in Austria.It is thought to be the true descendant of the original Celtic Hound, although there is no known history of the Austrian Black and Tan Hound until after the middle of the 19th century...
  
  
• Basenji
  Basenji
  The Basenji is a breed of hunting dog that was bred from stock originating in central Africa. Most of the major kennel clubs in the English-speaking world place the breed in the Hound Group; more specifically, it may be classified as belonging to the sighthound type...
  
  
• Basset Bleu de Gascogne
  Basset Bleu de Gascogne
  The Basset Bleu de Gascogne , also known as the Blue Gascony Basset, is a long-backed, short legged breed of dog of the hound type. A breed with origins in the Middle Ages which descends from the Grand Bleu de Gascogne however it nearly went extinct around the early 19th century and its saviour was...
  
  
• Basset Fauve de Bretagne
  Basset Fauve de Bretagne
  The Basset Fauve de Bretagne is a short legged hunting breed of dog of the scent hound type, originally from Brittany, a historical kingdom of France.-Appearance:...
  
  
• Basset Hound
  Basset Hound
  The Basset Hound is a short-legged breed of dog of the hound family. They are scent hounds, bred to hunt rabbits and hare by scent. Their sense of smell for tracking is second only to that of the Bloodhound....
  
  
• Bavarian Mountain hound
  Bavarian Mountain Hound
  The Bavarian Mountain Hound is a breed of dog from Germany. It is a scent hound and has been used in Germany since the Middle Ages to trail wounded game. It is a cross between the Bavarian Hound and the Hanover Hound.-Appearance:The Bavarian Mountain Hound's head is strong and elongated. The...
  
  
• Beagle
  Beagle
  The Beagle is a breed of small to medium-sized dog. A member of the Hound Group, it is similar in appearance to the Foxhound, but smaller, with shorter legs and longer, softer ears. Beagles are scent hounds, developed primarily for tracking hare, rabbit, and other game...
  
  
• Beagle-Harrier
  Beagle-Harrier
  The Beagle Harrier is a scenthound. It is a breed of dog originating from France.-Appearance:The Beagle Harrier appears to be either a larger Beagle or a smaller Harrier...
  
  
• Berner Laufhund
  Berner Laufhund
  The Berner Niederlaufhund is a scent hound standing around 15 to 23 inches, which originated in Switzerland. It is a medium dog that is very powerful, and was used to hunt big game...
  
  
• Bloodhound
  Bloodhound
  The Bloodhound is a large breed of dog which, while originally bred to hunt deer and wild boar, was later bred specifically to track human beings. It is a scenthound, tracking by smell, as opposed to a sighthound, which tracks using vision. It is famed for its ability to discern human odors even...
  
  
• Brachet
• Catahoula Leopard Hound
• Coonhound
  Coonhound
  A Coonhound is a type of scent hound and a member of the hound group.Coonhounds are an American style of hunting dog developed for the quarry and working conditions found in the United States. Coondogs are highly valued.-History:...
  
  
  • Black and Tan Coonhound
    Black and Tan Coonhound
    The Black and Tan Coonhound is a breed of dog used principally for trailing and treeing raccoon. It's a cross between the Bloodhound, and the Black and Tan Virginia Foxhound. The Black and Tan Coonhound runs its game entirely by scent...
    
    
  • Redbone Coonhound
    Redbone Coonhound
    The Redbone Coonhound is a breed of dog, which is widely used for hunting bear, raccoon, and cougar. Their agility allows them to be used for hunting from swamplands to mountains and some can be used as water dogs...
    
    
  • Bluetick Coonhound
    Bluetick Coonhound
    The Bluetick Coonhound is a breed of dog. It is a type of coonhound and typically bred in the southern United States.- Appearance :The overall body style of the Bluetick Coonhound is muscular and speedy, not chunky or clumsily built. The head is carried well up and the tail carried over the back,...
    
    
  • English Coonhound
    English Coonhound
    The English Coonhound, sometimes referred to as the "Redtick Coonhound", is a breed of dog. It is a type of coonhound that is typically bred in the southern United States.-Coloration:...
    
     (Redtick Coonhound)
  • Treeing Walker Coonhound
    Treeing Walker Coonhound
    The Treeing Walker Coonhound is a breed of dog descended from the English Foxhound, first recognized as a separate breed in 1945. The breed began when a stolen dog of unknown origin, known as "Tennessee Lead", was crossed into the Walker Hound in the 19th century...
    
    
  • Plott Hound
    Plott Hound
    The Plott Hound is a large scent hound, specifically a coonhound, originally bred for hunting boar.- Description :The Plott Hound is one of the least known breeds of dog in the United States, even though they are the state dog of North Carolina....
    
    
• Dachshund
  Dachshund
  The dachshund is a short-legged, long-bodied dog breed belonging to the hound family. The standard size dachshund was bred to scent, chase, and flush out badgers and other burrow-dwelling animals, while the miniature dachshund was developed to hunt smaller prey such as rabbits...
  
  
• Drever
  Drever
  The Drever is a breed of dog, a short-legged scenthound from Sweden used for hunting deer and other game. The Drever is descended from the Westphalian Dachsbracke, a type of German hound called Bracke...
  
  
• Dunker
  Dunker
  A Dunker is a breed of dog also known as the Norwegian Hound. It was bred by Wilhelm Dunker by crossing a Russian Harlequin Hound with dependable Norwegian scent hounds.-Appearance:Head: Is Elongated, but not wedge shaped and a moderate stop....
  
  
• English Foxhound
  English Foxhound
  The English Foxhound is one of the four foxhound breeds of dog. They are scent hounds, bred to hunt foxes by scent.-Appearance:The English Foxhound is about 21-25 inches tall to the withers, and weighs anywhere between 65-75 pounds, although some English Foxhounds bred for the show ring can be...
  
  
• Finnish Hound
  Finnish Hound
  The Finnish Hound is a breed of dog originally bred for hunting hare and fox.-Appearance:The coat of the Finnish Hound is short, dense and coarse to the touch. The coat pattern is tricolor with tan, a black saddle and small white markings on head, feet, chest and tail tip...
  
  
• Foxhound
  Foxhound
  A foxhound is a type of large hunting hound. Foxhounds hunt in packs and, like all scent hounds, have a strong sense of smell. They are used in hunts for foxes, hence the name. When out hunting they are followed usually on horseback and will travel several miles to catch their target. These dogs...
  
  
• Français tricolore
• Français blanc et noir
  Francais Blanc et Noir
  The Chien français blanc et noir translated into English as the French White and Black Hound, is a breed of dog of the scenthound type, originating in France...
  
  
• Français blanc et orange
• Gascon Saintongeois
• Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen
  Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen
  The Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen is a long-backed, short legged hunting breed of dog of the hound type, originating in the Vendée region of France. They are still used today to hunt boar, deer, and to track rabbit and hare, but are more commonly kept as a domestic pet.They are pack dogs, so owners...
  
  
• Grand Bleu de Gascogne
  Grand Bleu de Gascogne
  The Grand Bleu de Gascogne Is a breed of dog of the scenthound type, originating in France and used for hunting in packs. Today's breed is the descendant of a very old type of large hunting dog, and is an important breed in the ancestry of many other hounds.- Appearance :The Grand Bleu de Gascogne...
  
  
• Hamiltonstovare
  Hamiltonstövare
  The Hamiltonstövare is a breed of dog, bred as a hunting hound. The breed was developed in Sweden by the founder of the Swedish Kennel Club, Count Adolf Hamilton. Its ancestry includes several German hounds as well as English Foxhounds and Harriers....
  
  
• Hanover Hound
  Hanover Hound
  The Hanover Hound is a breed of dog sometimes referred to as a Hanoverian Hound. It is a hunting and tracking dog descended from bloodhounds of medieval times. It was first introduced into France in the 1980s and is still a very rare breed...
  
  
• Harrier
  Harrier (dog)
  The Harrier is a small to medium sized dog breed of the hound class,used for hunting hares by trailing them. It resembles an English Foxhound but is smaller, though not as small as a Beagle.-Appearance:...
  
  
• Hungarian hound
  Hungarian hound
  The Transylvanian Hound is a breed of dog originating in Hungary.-History:The breed was originally kept by Hungarian kings and princes for hunting various game . In the beginning of the twentieth century, the breed was nearly extinct and in 1968 new efforts began to save it...
  
  
• Kerry Beagle
  Kerry Beagle
  The Kerry Beagle is one of the oldest Irish Hounds, believed to be descendant from the Old Southern Hound or Celtic Hounds, detailed pedigrees date back as far as 1794. Originally bred as a scent hound used to track game, larger hounds were then sent in to do the actually hunting...
  
  
• Kritikos Ichnilatis (Cretan Hound)
• Norwegian Elkhound
  Norwegian Elkhound
  The Norwegian Elkhound is one of the ancient Northern Spitz-type breed of dog and is the National Dog of Norway. The Elkhound has served as a hunter, guardian, herder, and defender. In a land of subzero temperatures, deep snow, thick forests, and rugged mountains, only the hardiest of the breeds...
  
  
• Norwegian Lundehund
  Norwegian Lundehund
  The Norwegian Lundehund is a small dog breed of the Spitz type that originates from Norway. Its name is composed of the prefix Lunde, from the Norwegian lundefugl , and the suffix hund, meaning dog...
  
  
• Otterhound
  Otterhound
  The Otterhound is an old British dog breed, with Bloodhound ancestors, and one of the ancestors of the Airedale Terrier.-Appearance:The Otterhound is a large, rough-coated hound with an imposing head. Originally bred for hunting, it has great strength and a strong body with long striding steps....
  
  
• Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen
  Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen
  The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen , or PBGV, is a breed of dog of the scent hound type, bred to trail hares in bramble filled terrain of the Vendée district of France.-Appearance:...
  
  
• Piccolo Lepraiolo Italiano
• Plott Hound
  Plott Hound
  The Plott Hound is a large scent hound, specifically a coonhound, originally bred for hunting boar.- Description :The Plott Hound is one of the least known breeds of dog in the United States, even though they are the state dog of North Carolina....
  
  
• Polish Hound
  Polish Hound
  The Polish Hound is a hound-like hunting breed of dog that is indigenous to Poland.They are 50 to 70 pounds & 22 to 26 inches tall at the shoulders. They are black and tan with a short dense coat.- External links :*...
  
   (pl
  PL
  PL, P.L., Pl, or Pl. may refer to::In politics, law and philosophy:*Pl., an abbreviation for Plural*Partido Laborista*Patrologia Latina...
  
  .Ogar Polski )
• Polish Scenthound (pl
  PL
  PL, P.L., Pl, or Pl. may refer to::In politics, law and philosophy:*Pl., an abbreviation for Plural*Partido Laborista*Patrologia Latina...
  
  .Gonczy Polski )
• Porcelaine
  Porcelaine
  The Porcelaine is a breed of dog originating from France. It is believed to be the oldest of the French scent hounds. Its alternate name is the Chien de Franche-Comté, named after a French region bordering Switzerland...
  
  
• Rache
  Rache
  Rache , also spelt 'racch', 'rach', and 'ratch', from Old English 'ræcc', linked to Old Norse 'rakkí', is an obsolete name for a type of hunting-dog used in Britain in the Middle Ages. It was a scent hound used in a pack to run down and kill game, or bring it to bay. The word appears before the...
  
   (obsolete)
• Rhodesian Ridgeback
  Rhodesian Ridgeback
  The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a dog breed developed in Southern Africa, where it was used to hunt Lions. This is most likely why this dog is known for its bravery...
  
  
• Segugio Italiano a Pelo Forte
  Segugio Italiano
  The Segugio Italiano is an Italian breed of dog of the scenthound family. It comes in both short-haired and wire-haired varieties. It is thought to be an ancient breed, descended in pre-Roman eras from progenitor scenthounds in ancient Egypt....
  
  
• Segugio Italiano a Pelo Raso
  Segugio Italiano
  The Segugio Italiano is an Italian breed of dog of the scenthound family. It comes in both short-haired and wire-haired varieties. It is thought to be an ancient breed, descended in pre-Roman eras from progenitor scenthounds in ancient Egypt....
  
  
• Segugio Maremmano
  Segugio Maremmano
  The Segugio Maremmano is a breed of dog from the coastal plains of Maremma, in Tuscany. It is widely used for hunting wild boar. Tuscan breeders have selected the dogs for hunting ability and their appearances vary....
  
  
• Serbian Hound
  Serbian Hound
  The Serbian Hound , previously known as the Balkan Hound , is a pack hunting dog breed used in Serbia. It is red or tan with a black saddle, neck and cranium and red or tan face. Its head is flat and sloping, its muzzle pointed, with drop ears of the usual scent hound type...
  
  
• Serbian Tricolour Hound
  Serbian Tricolour Hound
  The ' is a breed of dog of the hound type. Formerly called the , the name was changed for clarity after the breakup of Yugoslavia in 1991. The breed was first exhibited at shows in 1950...
  
  
• Schweizer Laufhund
  Schweizer Laufhund
  The Schweizer Laufhund is a breed of hound dog, originally from Switzerland.-History:The Swiss Hound has very ancient origins. Its presence in times of the Roman Helvetia is certified on a mosaic, discovered at Avenches, by the representation of packhounds corresponding to the varieties of Swiss...
  
  
• Slovensky Kopov
  Slovenský kopov
  The Slovenský kopov is a medium sized breed of hunting dog of the scenthound type. The breed originated in Slovakia, in Eastern Europe, and is bred for boar hunting...
  
   (Slovakian Hound)
• Talbot
  Talbot (dog)
  The talbot was a white hunting dog which is now extinct because of its lack of purpose and need for constant care, but it has been credited with being an ancestor of the modern beagle and bloodhound...
  
   (extinct)
• Westphalian Dachsbracke
  Westphalian Dachsbracke
  The Westphalian Dachsbracke is a small, short legged scenthound, a breed of dog originating in Westphalia, a region of Germany. The Westphalian Dachsbracke was used in Sweden to develop the Drever.-Appearance:...
  
  

See also

• Dog type
  Dog type
  Dog types are broad categories of dogs based on function, with dogs identified primarily by specific function or style of work rather than by lineage or appearance....
  
  
• Explosive detection
  Explosive detection
  Explosive detection is a non-destructive inspection process to determine whether a container contains explosive material. Explosive detection is commonly used at airports, ports and for border control.-Dogs:...
  
  
• Fox hunting
  Fox hunting
  Fox hunting is an activity involving the tracking, chase, and sometimes killing of a fox, traditionally a red fox, by trained foxhounds or other scent hounds, and a group of followers led by a master of foxhounds, who follow the hounds on foot or on horseback.Fox hunting originated in its current...
  
  
• Hunting dog
  Hunting dog
  A hunting dog refers to any dog who assists humans in hunting. There are several types of hunting dogs developed for various tasks. The major categories of hunting dogs include hounds, terriers, dachshunds, cur type dogs, and gun dogs...
  
  
• Scenthound Group
  Scenthound Group
  Scenthound Group is the name of a breed Group of dogs, used by kennel clubs to classify a defined collection of dog breeds. Dogs listed in a kennel club's Scenthound Group may not all be of the same type of dog.- Scenthound type :...
  
  
• Sighthound
  Sighthound
  Sighthounds, also called gazehounds, are hounds that primarily hunt by speed and sight, instead of by scent and endurance as scent hounds do.-Appearance:...
  
  
• Tracking (dog)
  Tracking (dog)
  Tracking is a technique in which dogs are trained to locate certain objects, such as a downed bird, using the object's scent. Many bird and rabbit hunters train their dogs in tracking. The scent hounds are generally regarded as having the best tracking abilities among all dog breeds.In dog sports,...
  
  
• Search and rescue dog
  Search and rescue dog
  The use of dogs in search and rescue is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and in locating missing people. Dedicated handlers and well-trained dogs are required for the use of dogs to be effective in search efforts...
  
  
• Truffle hog
  Truffle hog
  The truffle hog or truffle pig is a domestic pig used for locating and extracting a type of fungus known as truffles from temperate forests in Europe and North America. The pigs have a good sense of smell and are able to identify truffles from as low as three feet underground...