Shilo Hunting Ranch in Oklahoma has a jack russell terrier that they use to find wounded hogs.  By all accounts he is good at his job and has a huge fan following.  Lots of threads on other sites about the little guy, his big heart and great nose.

I have read quite a bit about using European lines of Dachsunds as tracking dogs... they say some of the American lines have bred that capability out of the dogs.

The smaller dogs certainly seem easier to manage and care for, that sounds like a given.

I understand Jack Russell's are smart as a whip, too....

I have been in a semi tug of way with my wife over a dog for several years now - and I want a pet that can track (in that order) but cannot decide on the breed.

I wanted a Australian Heeler but my well intentioned bride says they are too high strung and require a task and room to roam.

I wanted a Staffordshire Terrier but there is the "pit bull" association with these dogs.

I am also not real sure about their tracking ability.

My friend has a Heeler, however, and he can find a deer very well... he has proven it several times.

I think in the spring, my bride is going to relent, so I have some work to do, as far as breed is concerned.

If someone has thoughts, please share!!!

Jim

They are high energy, but I like the Jack Russell terrier.

I am not sure what would be the best dog, but the Jack Russell is one good looking dog and I like their size too. 

I'm going to say Lab because I own one and she has helped us find deer quicker by way of her nose. She's getting older now, aren't we all, but once you start driving down a woods path after dark, she gets excited. She doesn't blood track the deer, rather point her in the right direction and she'll go until she finds the deer or gets tuckered out.

As far as charging another hunter for services rendered by my dog, I would never do that. I like to help others when I can and I don't like to see deer left to rot in the woods.

Yeah, our yellow lab is mellow and pretty quiet.  He will bark at something he sees sometimes, but no excessive barking and very good natured and loveable.

If a dog doesn't track the blood trail, then how do you know it is on the trail of the right deer?

As far as people charging, i guess it depends if you're just helping a neighbor or a stranger or if you raise dogs for a specific purpose and are open to the public as a service.  No different than any other business.