Bloodhound vs Labrador 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
Labrador Retriever
America's most beloved family dog, known for a friendly temperament and eager-to-please attitude. Labs excel at everything from hunting to therapy work and are incredibly versatile.
Quick Answer
Choose Bloodhound if you want less shedding. Choose Labrador Retriever if you want easier to train and better with kids.
Quick Comparison
Bloodhound
Attribute
Labrador Retriever
large
Size
large
36–50 kg (79–110 lbs)
Weight
25–36 kg (55–79 lbs)
58–69 cm (23–27 in)
Height
55–62 cm (22–24 in)
10–12 yrs
Lifespan
10–13 yrs
2/5
Trainability
5/5Better
3/5
Energy
5/5
4/5
Good with Kids
5/5Better
Better3/5
Shedding
4/5
2/5
Grooming
2/5
1/5
Apartment
2/5Better
2/5
Health
3/5Better
Better$700–$2,000
Price
$800–$2,000
Attribute Comparison
Bloodhound vs Labrador Retriever: Temperament Compared
Bloodhound is calmer; Labrador Retriever is more energetic.
Bloodhound
Labrador Retriever
Playfulness
3/5
vs5/5Better
Barking Level
4/5
vs3/5Better
Energy
3/5
vs5/5
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.
Training Differences: Bloodhound and Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retriever is generally easier to train.
Bloodhound
Labrador Retriever
Trainability
2/5
vs5/5Better
Intelligence
3/5
vs5/5Better
If you're a first-time dog owner, this is critical. The Labrador Retriever's trainability score of 5/5 means it responds well to basic positive reinforcement and learns household rules fast.
Bloodhound vs Labrador Retriever: Daily Exercise Demands
Labrador Retriever needs more exercise; Bloodhound is lower-maintenance.
Bloodhound
Labrador Retriever
Energy Level
3/5
vs5/5
Exercise Needs
4/5
vs5/5
Apartment Friendly
1/5
vs2/5Better
The Labrador Retriever needs slightly more exercise (5/5) than the Bloodhound (4/5), but neither breed is at an extreme. Both have very high to moderate energy levels, so the difference in your daily routine will be modest — perhaps an extra 15-20 minutes of activity for the Labrador Retriever.
Family Life: Bloodhound vs Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retriever is better suited for families with children.
Bloodhound
Labrador Retriever
Good with Kids
4/5
vs5/5Better
Good with Dogs
4/5
vs5/5Better
Strangers
4/5
vs5/5Better
The Labrador Retriever has a slight edge with children (5/5 vs 4/5). Both breeds can do well in families, but the Labrador Retriever's friendly temperament gives it a small advantage around young kids.
Size Differences: Bloodhound vs Labrador Retriever
Bloodhound is the larger breed; Labrador Retriever is more compact.
Bloodhound
Labrador Retriever
Weight (kg)
36–50
vs25–36
Height (cm)
58–69
vs55–62
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 Labrador Retriever is a large breed at just 25–36 kg (55–79 lbs) and 55–62 cm (22–24 in).
Health and Lifespan: Bloodhound vs Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retriever tends to be the healthier breed overall.
Bloodhound
Labrador Retriever
Lifespan (years)
10–12
vs10–13
Health Robustness
2/5
vs3/5Better
Lifespan is a near-tie: the Bloodhound lives roughly 10–12 years while the Labrador Retriever averages 10–13 years. Neither breed has a clear longevity advantage, so other factors should drive your choice.
Grooming and Shedding: Bloodhound vs Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retriever sheds more; Bloodhound is easier to maintain.
Bloodhound
Labrador Retriever
Shedding
Better3/5
vs4/5
Grooming Needs
2/5
vs2/5
The Labrador Retriever sheds a bit more (4/5) than the Bloodhound (3/5). It's not a night-and-day difference, but if you prefer a cleaner home, the Bloodhound has a slight edge.
Total Cost of Ownership: Bloodhound and Labrador Retriever
Labrador 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
Labrador Retriever
Avg. Purchase$1,400
Annual Food$720
Annual Vet$500
Annual Grooming$150
Annual Total$1,370 ✓
Purchase prices are in the same ballpark: $700–$2,000 for a Bloodhound and $800–$2,000 for a Labrador Retriever. The initial investment won't differ dramatically between these two breeds.
Bloodhound vs Labrador Retriever: Summary and Verdict
On balance, the Labrador 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 Labrador 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 Labrador Retriever are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. The key differences: Labrador Retriever needs significantly more daily exercise than Bloodhound, Labrador 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 Labrador Retriever if...
- ✓This is your first dog — Labrador 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 Labrador Retriever?
The Labrador Retriever is generally better with children, scoring 5/5 compared to the Bloodhound's 4/5. The Labrador Retriever is one of our top-recommended breeds for families.
Is a Bloodhound or Labrador Retriever easier to train?
The Labrador Retriever is easier to train, scoring 5/5 versus the Bloodhound's 2/5. The Labrador Retriever's forgiving nature makes it ideal for beginners.
Which costs more, a Bloodhound or Labrador Retriever?
A Bloodhound puppy costs $700–$2,000 while a Labrador Retriever costs $800–$2,000. Annual maintenance runs about $1,540 for the Bloodhound and $1,370 for the Labrador Retriever. The Bloodhound is the more expensive breed to own long-term.
Do Bloodhounds or Labrador Retrievers live longer?
The Bloodhound lives 10–12 years on average, while the Labrador Retriever lives 10–13 years. The Labrador Retriever tends to live longer. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
Can a Bloodhound or Labrador Retriever live in an apartment?
The Labrador 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.