Considerations - Scent (Ex) ability for player races?

[xidoraven]

I am looking at the fact that no single player race has the scent ability, nor do they have anything similar to it to make up for such a gap (supposed gap in a character concept for something such as catfolk, dogfolk, etc.). In Dragon Compendium, Vol. I, the Lupin has a lesser version of the scent ability (since I am considering 3.5/OGL precedents as well), and in fact this precedent seems to have carried through to Pathfinder in that no currently created player race or bestial race has this ability (to my knowledge).

Are there any specific reasons for this, and if a homebrew player race were to include a scent-oriented perception ability, what imbalances might be involved, or considerations taken into account for creating race concepts such as those examples mentioned above? Please, whatever input you have, of whatever form or experience, is welcomed. I am trying to figure out how much I can give a player race in this regard without breaking any standards. Thanks and best wishes,
-will

[Saedar]

I'm pretty sure there is either a feat or alternate racial feature in the APG that gives half-orcs the scent quality.

I can't be sure though, as I am currently AFB at work.

[Dragonborn3]

Well, if you have the Advanced Player's Guide(or access to it), half-orcs can get it by taking the Keen Scent feat.

Humans can also get it, but have to take Racial Heritage(Half-Orc or Orc) in order to take Keen Scent.

Those are the only ways I know of, but both are possible at 1st level(with a 13 Wis).

EDIT: Argh, ninja'd!

[Abraham spalding]

Rage power.

[xidoraven]

Thank you much, everyone - that settles the consideration, I would say. If it could be used at first level by any sort of character, I think it allows me the freedom to apply it to a certain race as an Ex ability. Very much appreciated input. ;)
-will