The sport of AKC Scent Work is based on the work of professional detection dogs. All dogs (purebred and mixed breeds) can participate; even dogs with physical challenges are eligible. AKC Scent Work celebrates the joy of sniffing and asks dogs to sniff to their heart’s content. It turns a dog’s favorite activity into a rewarding game and it is a wonderful way to build confidence in a shy dog.
Here, read about three All American Dogs who have achieved the highest title in AKC Scent Work: SWD (Scent Work Detective).
Millie Freiermuth CD BN RE FCAT4 SWD SWAE SWM SCME SEME RATCHX CGC TKI FITG owned by Jill Freiermuth of Whitewater, WI
Jill adopted Millie in 2018 from the Humane Society where she volunteers. Millie was 6 months old and a bit on the shy side. Jill wanted to get her into classes and she has taken many, ranging from AKC Rally® to Barn Hunt. She had competed before in dog sports and Millie was no exception. Right from the start Millie was ready to learn anything Jill would try with her.
Scent Work quickly became her favorite sport due to the food rewards and always ending the search on a positive note. As Millie’s confidence grew she worked farther away from Jill and could cover much more ground than on a leash. Interiors is her favorite element because she can work off leash. When Jill could pinpoint the change in behavior — quick sniffing, moving with intent, nose freezes — the game really became fun for them, and their teamwork grew strong.
“The NQ’s teach a lot too – funny, those are the best teaching moments,” Jill said. “Millie never knows she didn’t qualify because we have the same routine: a happy celebration on the way back to our truck where she gets a special treat. There will not ever be another Millie who loves to twirl and prance with pride after a search because she knows she’s the best girl.”
Fauci-Hua-Hua SWD SWME SHDME owned by Mireille Rabier of Atascadero, CA
Fauci, a 10-pound Chihuahua mix, was born in January 2020 and was found in the street several months later that year in July. “He is a mighty sniffer!” Mireille said, “and he loves Scent Work, going on hikes and to the beach where we live on the Central Coast of California.”
Sir Isaac Newton Bc RE TD AJP OFP SWD SWME SHDN CGC owned by Karen Walker Allen of Spokane Valley, WA
Karen connected and fell in love immediately with Newt when she met him as a 3-month old puppy from a farm. Her husband wanted him to have a profound name, so she enrolled the Border Collie mix as Sir Isaac Newton BC and there is where their journey began.
They wrapped up 2025 with his Scent Work Detective title at Pacific NW Scent Work Club’s trials in November of 2025. “It was a long journey to obtaining this title; as a methodical worker and a dog who loves to freeze, quite frequently time was against us,” Karen said. She could not deny him the chance to finish the puzzle and freeze, many wondering why she did not make the calls earlier. “These moments may only be seconds but they do take precious time during the search. Newton and I have many unspoken words; our connection is one of honor and respect.”
Karen feels that Newton is thankful for being taken along for the ride. He will continue sniffing and being her demo dog with AKC Scent Work judging assignments.