Compare Bloodhound and Basset Hound on scenting ability, temperament, exercise, grooming, health, and family fit to choose the right hound for your life.

Quick Comparison Table

Introduction

Both Bloodhounds and Basset Hounds are classic scent hounds with iconic faces: droopy ears, deep wrinkles, and soulful eyes. But they suit very different homes and lifestyles. This guide compares their scent ability, temperament, exercise and grooming needs, health risks, costs, and family suitability to help you decide which breed fits your life. I’ll highlight specific data (lifespan, weight ranges, recommended exercise minutes/day, grooming frequency) and practical advice for living with each breed.

Primary sources referenced include the American Kennel Club (AKC) and breed health organizations such as the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).

Scent Ability: Nose-to-Nose Comparison

• Bloodhound: Bloodhounds are among the world’s premier scent trackers. They are commonly described as having up to 300 million scent receptors and an extraordinary ability to follow old trails and complex scent patterns (AKC). Their drive to follow a scent can be all-consuming — when on a trail, a Bloodhound will happily ignore other cues.

• Basset Hound: Bassets are also exceptional scent hounds, bred to follow scent at a slower pace while hunting in thick cover. They may have fewer scent receptors than a Bloodhound in popular descriptions, but their low-to-the-ground anatomy and focused temperament make them superb in trailing and detection work too.

(See AKC breed profiles for both breeds for more on scenting history and abilities.)

Temperament: Personality & Trainability

Side-by-side:

• Bloodhound:

• Basset Hound:

Family fit: Both breeds are family-oriented and affectionate. Bloodhounds are larger and may be boisterous around small children; supervise interactions. Bassets’ lower height and calm temperament often make them an easier fit for families with small children or multi-pet households.

Exercise Needs (minutes/day)

• Bloodhound: 60–90+ minutes daily. This can include long leash walks, scent work, and safe off-leash time in a secure area. Mental stimulation (nosework, tracking) is as important as physical exercise.

• Basset Hound: 30–60 minutes daily. A couple of brisk walks and some play or scent games will usually suffice. Bassets are less energetic overall but easily gain weight, so regular activity is important.

Grooming & Maintenance

• Coat & shedding:

• Ears & eyes:

• Nails & dental:

• Grooming frequency summary:

Health Issues & Lifespan

Lifespan: Both breeds average about 10–12 years (AKC).

Common health concerns:

• Bloodhound:

• Basset Hound:

Breeder screening: For both breeds, look for breeders who provide OFA hip/elbow clearances, cardiac and eye certifications, and who screen for breed-specific issues. Responsible breeders will discuss health testing and share results.

Cost to Own (estimates)

• Upfront puppy cost: $600–$2,000+ depending on breeder, lineage, and location. Rescue/adoption fees are often lower ($150–$600).
• First-year costs (puppy supplies, vaccines, spay/neuter, microchip): estimate $1,200–$3,000.
• Annual ongoing costs (food, preventive care, insurance, routine vet): $800–$2,000+ depending on location and health.

Which Breed Is Right For You?

Consider the following scenarios:

• You live in a large house with a secure yard, enjoy outdoor activities, and want a dog for tracking or search-and-rescue hobby work: Bloodhound is a strong match. They need space and time outdoors, and thrive on scent work.

• You live in an apartment or a small house, want a lower-energy, easygoing dog that’s good with family and kids: Basset Hound is often a better fit. They adapt to smaller spaces and enjoy moderate daily walks.

• You want a dog primarily for scent sports or competitive tracking: Choose a Bloodhound for their endurance and nose. If you prefer recreational nosework and a calmer companion, a Basset is excellent.

• You have small children or elderly household members: Both breeds are affectionate, but Bassets’ shorter stature and calmer demeanor may be safer and easier to manage around small children.

• You’re a first-time dog owner: A Basset Hound’s lower exercise requirements and relaxed temperament can make training and daily care more manageable. Bloodhounds require patience with training and secure handling due to their drive to follow scents.

• You’re worried about grooming and messy ears: Both breeds need regular ear care because of pendulous ears. Neither is high-maintenance for coat care beyond weekly brushing.

Pros & Cons

Bloodhound — Pros:

• World-class scenting ability and tracking drive
• Gentle, affectionate with family
• Excellent for scent sports or search work

• Large size and drooling can be messy
• Strong scent-driven focus requires secure containment and patient training
• Higher exercise needs and space requirements

• Laid-back, family-friendly temperament
• Smaller, sturdier build better for apartments/homes without large yards
• Excellent nose for recreational scent work

• Prone to weight gain and spinal issues if overweight
• Stubborn streak can make training slow without motivation
• Ear and skin fold care needs attention to avoid infections

Key Takeaways

• Both Bloodhounds and Basset Hounds are exceptional scent hounds with affectionate temperaments.
• Choose a Bloodhound if you want a dedicated tracker, have space and time for 60–90+ minutes of daily activity, and don’t mind a large, drooling companion.
• Choose a Basset Hound if you want a lower-height, more laid-back companion who still enjoys scent games and fits better in smaller living spaces with 30–60 minutes daily activity.
• Both breeds require weekly ear checks, regular grooming, health screening from responsible breeders, and proactive weight management.
• Meet dogs of both breeds, talk to reputable breeders/rescues, and consider your home, activity level, and willingness to manage breed-specific health risks before deciding.

FAQs

Q: Which breed drools more? A: Bloodhounds typically drool more due to looser jowls and larger mouths. Bassets drool too, but generally less.

Q: Are either of these breeds good with children? A: Yes—both breeds are affectionate and generally good with children when supervised and socialized. Always teach kids respectful handling of dogs.

Q: Can these breeds live in apartments? A: Bassets adapt well to apartments if they get daily walks and play. Bloodhounds can live in apartments but need ample outdoor time and can be vocal and prone to following scents — secure containment is essential.

Q: Are either hypoallergenic? A: No. Neither breed is hypoallergenic. Both shed moderately.

Q: How do I find a reputable breeder? A: Look for breeders who provide health clearances (OFA, PennHIP, eye evaluations), allow you to meet parents, and who raise puppies in home settings. Rescue groups are also a great option.

If you’d like, I can suggest specific local rescue organizations, sample questions to ask a breeder, or a starter checklist for training and health screening for either breed.

Frequently Asked Questions