Bloodhound vs Bulldog
Side-by-side comparison: temperament, exercise, grooming, health, and cost of ownership.
Bloodhound
The world's greatest tracking dog with a nose that can follow a scent trail for miles. Bloodhounds are gentle, patient, and deeply affectionate but incredibly stubborn when on a trail.
VS
Bulldog
The gentle, courageous Bulldog is a beloved symbol of determination. Despite their muscular build, they are calm and friendly companions who prefer lounging on the couch to long hikes.
Quick Answer
Choose Bloodhound if you want better health. Choose Bulldog if you want more apartment-friendly.
Quick Comparison
Bloodhound
Attribute
Bulldog
large
Size
medium
36–50 kg (79–110 lbs)
Weight
18–25 kg (40–55 lbs)
58–69 cm (23–27 in)
Height
31–40 cm (12–16 in)
Better10–12 yrs
Lifespan
8–10 yrs
2/5
Trainability
2/5
3/5
Energy
2/5
4/5
Good with Kids
4/5
3/5
Shedding
3/5
2/5
Grooming
2/5
1/5
Apartment
5/5Better
Better2/5
Health
1/5
Better$700–$2,000
Price
$1,500–$4,000
Attribute Comparison
How Much Exercise Do Bloodhounds vs Bulldogs Need?
Bloodhound needs more exercise; Bulldog is lower-maintenance.
Bloodhound
Bulldog
Energy Level
3/5
vs2/5
Exercise Needs
4/5
vs2/5
Apartment Friendly
1/5
vs5/5Better
Activity needs are dramatically different here. The Bloodhound has moderate energy (3/5) and needs high exercise (4/5) — think long runs, hiking, or agility courses.
Size & Build: Bloodhound vs Bulldog
Bloodhound is the larger breed; Bulldog is more compact.
Bloodhound
Bulldog
Weight (kg)
36–50
vs18–25
Height (cm)
58–69
vs31–40
These two breeds look nothing alike. The Bloodhound is a large breed at 36–50 kg (79–110 lbs) and 58–69 cm (23–27 in), while the Bulldog is a medium breed at just 18–25 kg (40–55 lbs) and 31–40 cm (12–16 in).
Bloodhound vs Bulldog: Common Health Issues
Bloodhound tends to be the healthier breed overall.
Bloodhound
Bulldog
Lifespan (years)
Better10–12
vs8–10
Health Robustness
Better2/5
vs1/5
The lifespan difference is significant. Bloodhounds live 10–12 years on average, while Bulldogs live 8–10 years.
Cost to Own: Bloodhound vs Bulldog
Both breeds cost about the same to own.
Bloodhound
Avg. Purchase$1,350
Annual Food$840
Annual Vet$600
Annual Grooming$100
Annual Total$1,540 ✓
Bulldog
Avg. Purchase$2,750
Annual Food$600
Annual Vet$900
Annual Grooming$100
Annual Total$1,600
Be prepared for sticker shock: the Bulldog costs $1,500–$4,000 from a reputable breeder — significantly more than the Bloodhound's $700–$2,000. That's a $1,400 difference just to bring your puppy home.
Temperament Differences: Bloodhound and Bulldog
Bulldog is calmer; Bloodhound is more energetic.
Bloodhound
Bulldog
Playfulness
3/5
vs3/5
Barking Level
4/5
vs2/5Better
Energy
3/5
vs2/5
When you live with a Bloodhound, you'll notice their gentle, patient and noble character in everything they do. A Bulldog, by contrast, shows a docile, willful and friendly nature.
Training: Bloodhound vs Bulldog
Both breeds are equally trainable.
Bloodhound
Bulldog
Trainability
2/5
vs2/5
Intelligence
Better3/5
vs2/5
Both breeds score 2/5 for trainability — you'll have a similar experience training either one. Both require patient, persistent training — don't expect instant obedience from either.
Bloodhound or Bulldog for Your Family?
Both breeds are similarly family-friendly.
Bloodhound
Bulldog
Good with Kids
4/5
vs4/5
Good with Dogs
Better4/5
vs3/5
Strangers
4/5
vs4/5
Both breeds score 4/5 with children, making them equally suitable for families. Either breed would make an excellent family dog.
Bloodhound vs Bulldog: Grooming Routine and Shedding
Both breeds have similar grooming needs.
Bloodhound
Bulldog
Shedding
3/5
vs3/5
Grooming Needs
2/5
vs2/5
Both breeds shed at the same rate (3/5), so fur management will be identical for either choice. Expect a moderate amount of loose fur from both.
Summary — Bloodhound or Bulldog: Which Is Right for You?
Neither breed is objectively "better" — it depends on your priorities. Choose the Bloodhound if you value better health profile (2/5).
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The Verdict
The Bloodhound and Bulldog are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. The key differences: Bulldog is considerably better suited to apartment living. Annual ownership costs are broadly similar for both breeds.
Choose Bloodhound if...
- ✓Long-term health costs concern you — Bloodhounds are generally more robust (2/5 health score).
- ✓You have other dogs at home — Bloodhounds tend to get along well with other dogs (4/5).
- ✓Their temperament and lifestyle fit aligns better with your situation — use our quiz for a personalized recommendation.
Choose Bulldog if...
- ✓You live in an apartment or don't have a yard — Bulldogs adapt much better to smaller spaces (5/5 vs 1/5 apartment rating).
Neither may be right if...
Both breeds have significant health concerns and above-average vet costs. If budget is a constraint, consider looking at breeds with health robustness scores of 4–5/5, such as the Beagle or Australian Cattle Dog.
Looking for more options?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for families, Bloodhound or Bulldog?
The Bloodhound scores 4/5 for being good with kids, tying with the Bulldog at 4/5. The Bloodhound is specifically recommended for families.
Is a Bloodhound or Bulldog easier to train?
The Bloodhound is equally easy to train with a score of 2/5, matching the Bulldog. Consistent, positive reinforcement methods work well.
Which costs more, a Bloodhound or Bulldog?
A Bloodhound puppy costs $700–$2,000 while a Bulldog costs $1,500–$4,000. Annual maintenance runs about $1,540 for the Bloodhound and $1,600 for the Bulldog. The Bulldog costs more to maintain annually.
Do Bloodhounds or Bulldogs live longer?
The Bloodhound lives 10–12 years on average, while the Bulldog lives 8–10 years. The Bloodhound generally has a longer lifespan. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
Can a Bloodhound or Bulldog live in an apartment?
The Bulldog adapts better to apartment living (5/5) than the Bloodhound (1/5). The Bulldog ranks among our best apartment breeds.