Side-by-side comparison: temperament, exercise, grooming, health, and cost of ownership.
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.
A playful, adaptable companion with bat-like ears and a charming personality. French Bulldogs thrive in city apartments and make excellent companions for singles and families alike.
Quick Answer
Choose Bloodhound if you want a great companion. Choose French Bulldog if you want easier to train and more apartment-friendly.
Bloodhound
Attribute
French Bulldog
Size
Weight
Height
Lifespan
Trainability
Energy
Good with Kids
Shedding
Grooming
Apartment
Health
Price
Bloodhound is the larger breed; French Bulldog is more compact.
Bloodhound
French Bulldog
Weight (kg)
Height (cm)
Size is one of the most obvious contrasts between these breeds. The Bloodhound tips the scales at 36–50 kg (79–110 lbs), dwarfing the French Bulldog's 8–13 kg (18–29 lbs).
Bloodhound needs more exercise; French Bulldog is lower-maintenance.
Bloodhound
French Bulldog
Energy Level
Exercise Needs
Apartment Friendly
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.
French Bulldog is less expensive to own annually.
Bloodhound
French Bulldog
The upfront cost gap is substantial. A French Bulldog puppy runs $1,500–$5,000, while a Bloodhound is $700–$2,000.
Both breeds have similar temperaments.
Bloodhound
French Bulldog
Playfulness
Barking Level
Energy
One of the most important factors in choosing between these two breeds is temperament. The Bloodhound is typically gentle, patient and noble, making them well suited for houses with yards and families.
Bloodhound sheds more; French Bulldog is easier to maintain.
Bloodhound
French Bulldog
Shedding
Grooming Needs
The Bloodhound sheds a bit more (3/5) than the French Bulldog (2/5). It's not a night-and-day difference, but if you prefer a cleaner home, the French Bulldog has a slight edge.
French Bulldog is generally easier to train.
Bloodhound
French Bulldog
Trainability
Intelligence
The French Bulldog has a slight training edge (3/5 vs 2/5). Both respond to positive reinforcement, but the French Bulldog tends to catch on a bit faster.
Both breeds are similarly family-friendly.
Bloodhound
French Bulldog
Good with Kids
Good with Dogs
Strangers
Both breeds score 4/5 with children, making them equally suitable for families. Either breed would make an excellent family dog.
Both breeds have similar health profiles.
Bloodhound
French Bulldog
Lifespan (years)
Health Robustness
Lifespan is a near-tie: the Bloodhound lives roughly 10–12 years while the French Bulldog averages 10–12 years. Neither breed has a clear longevity advantage, so other factors should drive your choice.
On balance, the French Bulldog has the edge — it's easier to train (3/5 vs 2/5), more apartment-friendly (5/5), lower exercise needs (2/5). For most families, the French Bulldog is the more practical choice, particularly if you value an easy-to-train companion.
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The Bloodhound and French Bulldog are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. The key differences: French Bulldog is considerably better suited to apartment living. Annual ownership costs are broadly similar for both breeds.
Choose Bloodhound if...
Choose French Bulldog if...
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?
The Bloodhound scores 4/5 for being good with kids, tying with the French Bulldog at 4/5. The Bloodhound is specifically recommended for families.
The French Bulldog is easier to train, scoring 3/5 versus the Bloodhound's 2/5. The French Bulldog's forgiving nature makes it ideal for beginners.
A Bloodhound puppy costs $700–$2,000 while a French Bulldog costs $1,500–$5,000. Annual maintenance runs about $1,540 for the Bloodhound and $1,380 for the French Bulldog. The Bloodhound is the more expensive breed to own long-term.
The Bloodhound lives 10–12 years on average, while the French Bulldog lives 10–12 years. Both breeds have similar lifespans. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
The French Bulldog adapts better to apartment living (5/5) than the Bloodhound (1/5). The French Bulldog ranks among our best apartment breeds.