If the dog has a decent nose, can follow its nose and has the drive should be fine.
To be very proficient (as in meeting the standards set in Europe for tracking dogs) it takes a lot of work and an excellent dog.
I started my beagle on blood trails and she does well. I have not been able to give her enough exposure on real trails. I laid back on the training, now do it once a month or so.
My plan is if I have a tracking job that may be tough is give her first crack. It is easier for the dog to follow a "clean" trail than one that has been trampled by several guys. I know she smells better than I do (
) and think she will save a lot of time and heartache.
Long to short, if the pup shows the drive and ability to follow its nose,should be fine. I know some who have gotten muts from the pound and made good blood trackers.
Hope this helps.
Happy Hunting
John