Tracking is a sport that demonstrates a dog’s scenting ability and willingness to work on command.
The American Kennel Club offers three levels of tracking titles based on increasing distance, course complexity and age of the scent: Tracking Dog, Tracking Dog Excellent and Variable Surface Tracking. The most advanced level simulates the tracking and recovery of a lost child or injured adult.
A Portuguese Water Dog has achieved the top AKC tracking level. One of less than 50 dogs in all breeds to win this title. Some PWDs are also putting these skills to work as Search & Rescue dogs, the most famous example being Dutch and his owner Connie Millard’s work in New York City after 9/11.