Bloodhound vs Cairn Terrier
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Bloodhound
Hound Group
Cairn Terrier
Terrier Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Bloodhound Overview
Majestic and powerful, Bloodhounds possess an unparalleled sense of smell with over 300 million scent receptors. Their distinctive features include long, pendulous ears, loose skin folds, and deep-set eyes that contribute to their noble yet gentle expression. Standing tall with a muscular build, they showcase a short, dense coat in colors ranging from black and tan to liver and red.
Cairn Terrier Overview
Cairn Terriers are compact, well-muscled dogs with a shaggy, weather-resistant double coat. Their distinctive features include a broad head, pointed ears, and alert, dark-colored eyes that reflect their intelligent nature. Standing 10 inches at the shoulder, these sturdy terriers possess a bold, confident stance and move with agile determination.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Bloodhounds are less energetic than Cairn Terriers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Bloodhounds require less grooming attention compared to Cairn Terriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Bloodhounds tend to be more reserved with strangers than Cairn Terriers.
- Trainability: Cairn Terriers may be slightly easier to train due to their Cairn Terrier's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Cairn Terriers adapt better to apartment living, while Bloodhounds typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Bloodhound and Cairn Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Bloodhound | Cairn Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 10-12 years | 13-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Hound Group | Terrier Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Bloodhound | Cairn Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 23-27 inches 58-69 cm | 10-10 inches 24-25 cm |
| Weight | 80-110 lbs 36-50 kg | 13-14 lbs 6-6 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Bloodhound | Cairn Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Independent, Inquisitive | Alert, Cheerful, Busy |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Bloodhound | Cairn Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Bloodhound Temperament
The Bloodhound is known for being friendly, independent, inquisitive, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Cairn Terrier Temperament
The Cairn Terrier is characterized by being alert, cheerful, busy, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Bloodhound and Cairn Terrier, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Bloodhound
Rating: 3/5
Cairn Terrier
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Bloodhound
Rating: 3/5
Cairn Terrier
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Bloodhound
Rating: 3/5
Cairn Terrier
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Bloodhound
Rating: 2/5
Cairn Terrier
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Bloodhound
Rating: 3/5
Cairn Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Bloodhound Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Bloodhounds require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Bloodhounds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Cairn Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Cairn Terriers need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Cairn Terriers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Bloodhound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Bloat
- Entropion
- Ectropion
- Ear Infections
Cairn Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Craniomandibular Osteopathy
- Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy
- Ocular Melanosis
- Portosystemic Shunt
- Von Willebrand's Disease
Pros & Cons
Bloodhound
Pros
- Exceptional tracking abilities
- Gentle and patient with family
- Good with children
- Loyal and affectionate
Cons
- Heavy drooling
- Strong tracking instincts can lead to wandering
- Stubborn during training
- High maintenance grooming needs
Cairn Terrier
Pros
- Excellent vermin hunter
- Adaptable to various homes
- Affectionate with family
- Low maintenance grooming
Cons
- Can be stubborn
- May chase small animals
- Tends to bark
- Can be independent
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Bloodhound and Cairn Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.