Breed matchup

Bloodhound vs Labrador Retriever

Interactive head-to-head—swap sides, filter traits, and see who edges each lifestyle score before you read the full guides.

Bloodhound

Labrador Retriever

Bloodhound

large · Belgium

Labrador Retriever

large · Canada

Head-to-head

Bloodhound vs Labrador Retriever

Derived comparison from breed profiles: Bloodhound runs moderate energy vs Labrador Retriever's very high. Labrador Retriever scores higher with kids (5/5 vs 2/5). Labrador Retriever sheds more (4/5). Large scent hound with an incredible sense of smell. America's most popular dog breed.

Derived from breed profile scores—not a substitute for meeting dogs or consulting professionals.

large vs large

Energy 3 vs 5

short vs short

10-12 years · 10-12 years

Biggest differences

Weight

80-110 lbs

55-80 lbs

Height

23-27 inches

21-24 inches

Lifespan

10-12 years

Monthly cost*

$90–$170

$80–$150

*Typical ownership cost band estimate—not a quote.

Lifestyle scores

Tap a trait for context. Filter by what matters most to you.

Temperament

Typical breed leanings—individuals vary.

Bloodhound

Large scent hound with an incredible sense of smell. Overall, Bloodhounds are described as gentle, patient, determined, independent. Trainability sits around 2/5 and bark tendency around 4/5, so patience and clear boundaries matter more than force.

Gentle

Patient

Determined

Independent

Labrador Retriever

America's most popular dog breed. Overall, Labrador Retrievers are described as outgoing, even-tempered, gentle, agile. Trainability sits around 5/5 and bark tendency around 2/5, so consistent positive training usually pays off quickly.

Outgoing

Even-tempered

Gentle

Agile

Care side by side

Grooming, exercise, and training at a glance.

Bloodhound

Moderate energy requiring daily walks and mental stimulation.

Labrador Retriever

Highly energetic breed requiring 1-2 hours of vigorous exercise daily.

Who should choose which?

Use this as a shortlist—then meet dogs and read full guides.

Choose Bloodhound

Choose a Bloodhound if you want a large dog with moderate energy, kids fit limited, and apartment fit poor. Temperament leans gentle and patient.

Choose Labrador Retriever

Choose a Labrador Retriever if you prefer large size, very high energy, kids fit excellent, and apartment fit limited. Traits include outgoing and even-tempered.

Still deciding?

Take the lifestyle match quiz or open both breed guides for first-year costs, health screening, and adopter questions.

FAQs

What is the difference between a Bloodhound and a Labrador Retriever?

Which is better for apartments, Bloodhound or Labrador Retriever?

Labrador Retriever is the stronger apartment candidate (2/5).

Which is better with kids, Bloodhound or Labrador Retriever?

Labrador Retriever scores higher with kids (5/5). Supervision still matters.

How do Bloodhound and Labrador Retriever compare on energy?

Bloodhound: 3/5 (moderate). Labrador Retriever: 5/5 (very high). Match the higher-energy breed only if you can meet exercise needs daily.

References

This comparison summarizes publicly available breed-standard and veterinary education sources. Always consult your veterinarian for individual care, and meet dogs in person before deciding.