Beagle vs Bloodhound: side by side
| Beagle | Bloodhound | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small-Medium | Large |
| Weight | 9–14 kg (20–30 lb) | 36–50 kg (80–110 lb) |
| Height | 33–41 cm (13–16 in) | 23–27 in (58–69 cm) |
| Lifespan | 12–15 years | 10-12 years |
| Exercise | 60+ per day | 45–60 per day |
| Shedding | Moderate-High | Moderate |
| Temperament | Happy, curious, sociable. Pack hounds that hate solitude; a lonely Beagle sings (the famous bay) and remodels | AKC temperament summary: inquisitive / independent / friendly. Adaptability 3/5, affection with family 4/5, op |
The differences that actually matter
- Bloodhound is the bigger dog. Adults run 36–50 kg (80–110 lb) against 9–14 kg (20–30 lb) for the Beagle.
- Beagle needs more exercise. Beagles are listed at 60+ per day a day against 45–60 per day for the Bloodhound.
- Shedding: Beagle is rated moderate-high, Bloodhound moderate. In practice you will be brushing both.
- Lifespan: Beagle 12–15 years vs Bloodhound 10-12 years.
- Trainability: Beagle — Moderate — smart but scent-motivated and stubborn about recall. Bloodhound — Good — enjoys training and works to please
- First-time owners: Beagle — Yes, if escape and noise are understood. Bloodhound — Yes — forgiving of beginner mistakes.
So which one should you get?
Pick the Beagle if you want: Sociable families with fenced yards and a sense of humor about singing..
Pick the Bloodhound if you want: Households able to offer a daily walk and some play..
Neither is the "easier" option across the board — they fail in different ways. Be honest about which failure you can live with.
Health: what each one is prone to
Beagle: Obesity; Ear infections; Cherry eye; Epilepsy
Bloodhound: Bloat (GDV) — a life-threatening emergency; feed smaller meals, avoid exercise right after eating; Dental disease — brush regularly; small jaws crowd teeth
Ask any breeder or rescue for the health testing relevant to these conditions before you commit. This page is educational — not veterinary advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a Beagle and a Bloodhound?
Bloodhound is the bigger dog. Adults run 36–50 kg (80–110 lb) against 9–14 kg (20–30 lb) for the Beagle. Beagle needs more exercise. Beagles are listed at 60+ per day a day against 45–60 per day for the Bloodhound. Shedding: Beagle is rated moderate-high, Bloodhound moderate. In practice you will be brushing both. Personality differs too: the Beagle is happy, curious, sociable. pack hounds that hate solitude; a lonely beagle sings (the famou, while the Bloodhound is akc temperament summary: inquisitive / independent / friendly. adaptability 3/5, affection
Which is bigger, a Beagle or a Bloodhound?
Bloodhound is the bigger dog. Adults run 36–50 kg (80–110 lb) against 9–14 kg (20–30 lb) for the Beagle.
Is a Beagle or a Bloodhound better for first-time owners?
First-time owners: Beagle — Yes, if escape and noise are understood. Bloodhound — Yes — forgiving of beginner mistakes.
Which sheds more, a Beagle or a Bloodhound?
Shedding: Beagle is rated moderate-high, Bloodhound moderate. In practice you will be brushing both.