Bloodhound vs Harrier
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
Harrier
Hound 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.
Harrier Overview
Harriers are medium-sized hounds with a muscular build and classic hunting dog appearance. Their short, dense coat comes in a variety of colors including tricolor and red and white. Distinguished by their long, dropped ears, broad muzzle, and powerful legs, Harriers possess remarkable stamina and agility. Their friendly expression and well-proportioned frame reflect their dual heritage as both pack hunters and family companions.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Bloodhounds are less energetic than Harriers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Bloodhounds require less grooming attention compared to Harriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Bloodhounds tend to be more reserved with strangers than Harriers.
- Trainability: Harriers may be slightly easier to train due to their Harrier's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Harriers 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 Harrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Bloodhound | Harrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 10-12 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Hound Group | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Bloodhound | Harrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 23-27 inches 58-69 cm | 19-21 inches 48-53 cm |
| Weight | 80-110 lbs 36-50 kg | 45-60 lbs 20-27 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Bloodhound | Harrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Independent, Inquisitive | Friendly, Outgoing, People-Oriented |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Bloodhound | Harrier |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Harrier Temperament
The Harrier is characterized by being friendly, outgoing, people-oriented, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Bloodhound and Harrier, 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
Harrier
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Bloodhound
Rating: 3/5
Harrier
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Bloodhound
Rating: 3/5
Harrier
Rating: 5/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Bloodhound
Rating: 2/5
Harrier
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Bloodhound
Rating: 3/5
Harrier
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.
Harrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Harriers need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Harriers 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
Harrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Eye Problems
- Hypothyroidism
- Bloat
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
Harrier
Pros
- Excellent family companion
- Good with children
- Athletic and energetic
- Social and friendly
- Low grooming needs
Cons
- High exercise requirements
- Strong hunting instincts
- Can be vocal
- Needs secure fencing
- Not apartment suitable
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Bloodhound and Harrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.