Bloodhound vs Golden Retriever
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
Golden Retriever
Friendly, reliable, and devoted, the Golden Retriever is one of the most popular family dogs in the world. They are eager to please and excel in obedience, agility, and as therapy dogs.
Quick Answer
Choose Bloodhound if you want less shedding. Choose Golden Retriever if you want easier to train and better with kids.
Quick Comparison
Bloodhound
Attribute
Golden Retriever
large
Size
large
36–50 kg (79–110 lbs)
Weight
25–34 kg (55–75 lbs)
58–69 cm (23–27 in)
Height
51–61 cm (20–24 in)
10–12 yrs
Lifespan
10–12 yrs
2/5
Trainability
5/5Better
3/5
Energy
4/5
4/5
Good with Kids
5/5Better
Better3/5
Shedding
5/5
Better2/5
Grooming
4/5
1/5
Apartment
2/5Better
2/5
Health
3/5Better
Better$700–$2,000
Price
$800–$2,500
Attribute Comparison
Bloodhound vs Golden Retriever: Training and Intelligence
Golden Retriever is generally easier to train.
Bloodhound
Golden Retriever
Trainability
2/5
vs5/5Better
Intelligence
3/5
vs5/5Better
If you're a first-time dog owner, this is critical. The Golden Retriever's trainability score of 5/5 means it responds well to basic positive reinforcement and learns household rules fast.
Bloodhound and Golden Retriever Temperament: What to Expect
Bloodhound is calmer; Golden Retriever is more energetic.
Bloodhound
Golden Retriever
Playfulness
3/5
vs5/5Better
Barking Level
4/5
vs3/5Better
Energy
3/5
vs4/5
Bloodhounds from the Hound group carry a gentle, patient and noble personality, shaped by their heritage as hound dogs. Golden Retrievers, belonging to the Sporting group, are friendly, intelligent and devoted — reflecting their own distinct breeding history.
Which Sheds More — Bloodhound or Golden Retriever? Grooming Compared
Golden Retriever sheds more; Bloodhound is easier to maintain.
Bloodhound
Golden Retriever
Shedding
Better3/5
vs5/5
Grooming Needs
Better2/5
vs4/5
If you hate vacuuming, this matters. The Golden Retriever's 5/5 shedding level means daily fur management is part of life.
Family and Social Compatibility: Bloodhound vs Golden Retriever
Golden Retriever is better suited for families with children.
Bloodhound
Golden Retriever
Good with Kids
4/5
vs5/5Better
Good with Dogs
4/5
vs5/5Better
Strangers
4/5
vs5/5Better
The Golden Retriever has a slight edge with children (5/5 vs 4/5). Both breeds can do well in families, but the Golden Retriever's friendly temperament gives it a small advantage around young kids.
Bloodhound vs Golden Retriever: Size and Coat
Bloodhound is the larger breed; Golden Retriever is more compact.
Bloodhound
Golden Retriever
Weight (kg)
36–50
vs25–34
Height (cm)
58–69
vs51–61
You'll notice the size difference immediately. The Bloodhound stands 58–69 cm (23–27 in) tall and weighs 36–50 kg (79–110 lbs), making it considerably larger than the Golden Retriever at 51–61 cm (20–24 in) and 25–34 kg (55–75 lbs).
Bloodhound vs Golden Retriever: Energy and Exercise Compared
Both breeds have similar exercise requirements.
Bloodhound
Golden Retriever
Energy Level
3/5
vs4/5
Exercise Needs
4/5
vs4/5
Apartment Friendly
1/5
vs2/5Better
Both breeds share identical exercise needs (4/5) and similar energy levels (Bloodhound: 3/5, Golden Retriever: 4/5). Your daily exercise routine will look the same regardless of which breed you choose — plan for at least 60 minutes of vigorous daily activity.
Which Is Healthier — Bloodhound or Golden Retriever? Health Compared
Golden Retriever tends to be the healthier breed overall.
Bloodhound
Golden Retriever
Lifespan (years)
10–12
vs10–12
Health Robustness
2/5
vs3/5Better
Lifespan is a near-tie: the Bloodhound lives roughly 10–12 years while the Golden Retriever averages 10–12 years. Neither breed has a clear longevity advantage, so other factors should drive your choice.
Bloodhound vs Golden Retriever: Purchase and Lifetime Cost
Golden Retriever is less expensive to own annually.
Bloodhound
Avg. Purchase$1,350
Annual Food$840
Annual Vet$600
Annual Grooming$100
Annual Total$1,540
Golden Retriever
Avg. Purchase$1,650
Annual Food$720
Annual Vet$500
Annual Grooming$200
Annual Total$1,420 ✓
Purchase prices are in the same ballpark: $700–$2,000 for a Bloodhound and $800–$2,500 for a Golden Retriever. The initial investment won't differ dramatically between these two breeds.
Summary and Final Take: Bloodhound or Golden Retriever?
On balance, the Golden Retriever has the edge — it's easier to train (5/5 vs 2/5), better with children (5/5), more apartment-friendly (2/5). For most families, the Golden Retriever is the more practical choice, particularly if you value an easy-to-train companion.
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The Verdict
The Bloodhound and Golden Retriever are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. The key differences: Golden Retriever sheds considerably more, Golden Retriever is notably easier to train. Annual ownership costs are broadly similar for both breeds.
Choose Bloodhound if...
- ✓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 Golden Retriever if...
- ✓This is your first dog — Golden Retrievers are easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
Looking for more options?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for families, Bloodhound or Golden Retriever?
The Golden Retriever is generally better with children, scoring 5/5 compared to the Bloodhound's 4/5. The Golden Retriever is one of our top-recommended breeds for families.
Is a Bloodhound or Golden Retriever easier to train?
The Golden Retriever is easier to train, scoring 5/5 versus the Bloodhound's 2/5. The Golden Retriever's forgiving nature makes it ideal for beginners.
Which costs more, a Bloodhound or Golden Retriever?
A Bloodhound puppy costs $700–$2,000 while a Golden Retriever costs $800–$2,500. Annual maintenance runs about $1,540 for the Bloodhound and $1,420 for the Golden Retriever. The Bloodhound is the more expensive breed to own long-term.
Do Bloodhounds or Golden Retrievers live longer?
The Bloodhound lives 10–12 years on average, while the Golden Retriever lives 10–12 years. Both breeds have similar lifespans. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
Can a Bloodhound or Golden Retriever live in an apartment?
The Golden Retriever adapts better to apartment living (2/5) than the Bloodhound (1/5). However, neither breed is an ideal apartment dog — daily outdoor exercise is essential.