Bloodhound vs Whippet
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
Whippet
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.
Whippet Overview
Graceful and athletic, Whippets possess a distinctive silhouette with their deep chest, curved back, and long, slender legs. Their short, smooth coat comes in various colors and patterns. Known for combining remarkable speed with gentle companionship, these sight hounds display an elegant blend of muscular strength and refined features, embodying both power and grace in their streamlined build.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Bloodhounds are less energetic than Whippets, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Bloodhounds require more grooming attention compared to Whippets.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Bloodhounds tend to be more reserved with strangers than Whippets.
- Trainability: Whippets may be slightly easier to train due to their Whippet's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Whippets 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 Whippet, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Bloodhound | Whippet |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 10-12 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Hound Group | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Bloodhound | Whippet |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 23-27 inches 58-69 cm | 18-22 inches 46-56 cm |
| Weight | 80-110 lbs 36-50 kg | 25-40 lbs 11-18 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Bloodhound | Whippet |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Independent, Inquisitive | Affectionate, Playful, Calm |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Bloodhound | Whippet |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Whippet Temperament
The Whippet is characterized by being affectionate, playful, calm, which makes them great companions for families. 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 Whippet, 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
Whippet
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Bloodhound
Rating: 3/5
Whippet
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Bloodhound
Rating: 3/5
Whippet
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Bloodhound
Rating: 2/5
Whippet
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Bloodhound
Rating: 3/5
Whippet
Rating: 2/5
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.
Whippet Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Whippets 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, Whippets 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
Whippet Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Heart disease
- Eye problems
- Anesthesia sensitivity
- Dental issues
- Joint problems
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
Whippet
Pros
- Gentle and affectionate
- Low grooming needs
- Quiet and clean
- Good with children
- Athletic and graceful
Cons
- High prey drive
- Cannot be off-leash in unsecured areas
- Sensitive to cold
- Needs regular exercise
- Can be stubborn
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Bloodhound and Whippet, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.