Travellers could look forward to a quicker transition through Customs thanks to a new breed of sniffer dogs.

The Ministry of Primary Industries is trialling two super-sized beagles, known as Harrier Hounds to see if they'll help with the efficiency of bag detection.

Detection Technology Manager Brett Hickman says travellers will no longer have to move around luggage for detection, thanks to the dogs' height.

"Travellers are coming in that are going to have backpacks on their back, and they're going to have bags on their trolley, and a bit more height means it's a lot easier for dogs to smell contraband."

Brett Hickman describes the breed as a beagle on steroids, with excellent noses for food and plant materials, but with more stamina and height.