Bloodhound vs Shiba Inu
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
Shiba Inu
Non-Sporting 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.
Shiba Inu Overview
Spirited and independent, the Shiba Inu showcases a compact, muscular build with a distinctive fox-like appearance. Their double coat features a straight outer layer and soft undercoat, typically displaying rich red, cream, or sesame coloring. Alert triangular ears, dark almond eyes, and a confident bearing reflect their ancient Japanese heritage and hunting prowess.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Bloodhounds are less energetic than Shiba Inus, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Bloodhounds require less grooming attention compared to Shiba Inus.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Bloodhounds tend to be more reserved with strangers than Shiba Inus.
- Trainability: Shiba Inus may be slightly easier to train due to their Shiba Inu's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Shiba Inus 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 Shiba Inu, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Bloodhound | Shiba Inu |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 10-12 years | 13-16 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Hound Group | Non-Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Bloodhound | Shiba Inu |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 23-27 inches 58-69 cm | 14-17 inches 34-42 cm |
| Weight | 80-110 lbs 36-50 kg | 17-23 lbs 8-10 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Bloodhound | Shiba Inu |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Independent, Inquisitive | Alert, Active, Attentive |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Bloodhound | Shiba Inu |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Shiba Inu Temperament
The Shiba Inu is characterized by being alert, active, attentive, 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 Shiba Inu, 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
Shiba Inu
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Bloodhound
Rating: 3/5
Shiba Inu
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Bloodhound
Rating: 3/5
Shiba Inu
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Bloodhound
Rating: 2/5
Shiba Inu
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Bloodhound
Rating: 3/5
Shiba Inu
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.
Shiba Inu Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Shiba Inus 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, Shiba Inus 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
Shiba Inu Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Patellar Luxation
- Allergies
- Eye Problems
- Dental Issues
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
Shiba Inu
Pros
- Independent nature
- Clean and fastidious
- Minimal grooming needs
- Excellent watchdog
- Apartment-friendly size
Cons
- Strong prey drive
- Stubborn personality
- Challenging to train
- May be aggressive with other dogs
- Prone to escaping
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Bloodhound and Shiba Inu, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.