Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Male vs. Female Bloodhounds: The Difference (With Pictures)

Share

Male vs. Female Bloodhounds

We all know Bloodhounds by their wrinkled faces and long, floppy ears. This large dog has become one of the most popular canine companions, and more people want to bring one home every day. Before you do that, though, you might want to think about a few traits when it comes to this breed, especially when you compare the males against the females. These comparisons should help you choose between a male and female Bloodhound and encourage you to make the most suitable choice for your lifestyle.

Dogster divider_v3_NEW_MAY_24_

Visual Differences Between Male & Female Bloodhounds

Male vs. Female Bloodhounds Side By Side
Image Credit: Left- Lenkadan, Shutterstock | Right – Glikiri, Shutterstock

At a Glance

Male Bloodhound
  • Average height (adult): 26 inches
  • Average weight (adult): 90 – 110 pounds
  • Lifespan: 7 – 10 years
  • Exercise: 20 – 40 minutes per day
  • Trainability: Excellent
Female Bloodhound
  • Average height (adult): 24 inches
  • Average weight (adult): 80 – 100 pounds
  • Lifespan: 7 – 10 years
  • Exercise: 20 – 40 minutes per day
  • Trainability: Excellent

Dogster divider_v3_NEW_MAY_24_

Bloodhound 101

bloodhound
Image credit: Edoma, Shutterstock

Bloodhounds are a large breed with droopy ears and wrinkled skin on their face and bodies. Both males and females have short coats that are either black and tan, liver and tan, or red. They are known for being gentle and patient dogs who tolerate a lot. While most are mild-mannered, they have a lot of determination and independence in their blood. If they catch an interesting scent, they are more likely to follow their instincts than listen to their owners. Still, they are excellent and intelligent companions to add to your family.

Choosing between male and female Bloodhounds is a big decision, and you might gravitate towards one gender more than the other when you find out the differences between the two.

Male Bloodhounds Overview

Personality / Character

Male Bloodhounds are loyal animals, but their attention isn’t quite as good as their female counterparts. Still, their independent personalities are admirable, and it takes a dedicated master to train one. They still like a lot of love and enjoy pleasing you. If you don’t have the time to spend with them, they are a little more likely to act out from boredom.

Training

Training male Bloodhounds is a bit different than training females. Males are more stubborn than females. You might find that they ignore you once they’ve set their mind up to something. Some people find that their male Bloodhounds tend to wander more because they catch a scent and are determined to follow.

Health & Care

Bloodhounds are active dogs, and their lifestyle tends to take a toll on their bodies. Many of the most common health issues aren’t too serious with this breed. Common problems are with hip and elbow dysplasia or certain eye conditions.

Breeding

Always consider all the costs that go into breeding Bloodhounds before you commit to it. These costs include caring for the adults and puppies if you have both a male and female. This also means paying for all their food, vaccines, and other vet bills. Fortunately, most breeders who own males aren’t involved in that part of the breeding process.

Male Bloodhound Pros
  • Confident
  • Independent
  • Social
Male Bloodhound Cons
  • Stubborn
  • More destructive

Female Bloodhounds Overview

Personality / Character

The most significant difference between male and female Bloodhounds is that the females have a more calming nature. She is much more tolerant of children and more eager to please her master. In addition, she is very understanding and accepts change better than the male.

Training

Female Bloodhounds have a much better attention span than males. This trait makes training them more manageable than with the males. Females don’t get distracted, and their top priority is to make you happy. They think more about what you want than what they want, which could be ideal if you are training them to do a specific job.

Health & Care

Females and males both have similar health issues. Many of their problems aren’t life-threatening. Aside from some pain in their hips and elbows, the only other problems that are common are dry eye and cataracts.

Breeding

Breeding when you own a female is more costly than breeding with a male. The female requires a lot more attention while she tends to her litter. You must care for her as well as however many puppies she has. This includes keeping them up to date on their vet trips and vaccines, as well as feeding them and cleaning up after them until they’re ready to be separated from their mother.

Female Bloodhound Pros
  • Gentle
  • Easy to train
  • Patient
  • Eager to please
Female Bloodhound Cons
  • Most costly if breeding
  • Less independent

Dogster divider_v3_NEW_MAY_24_

How to Groom a Bloodhound

Grooming your Bloodhound, whether male or female, takes a little bit of work. These dogs have wrinkles in their skin that must be wiped clean more often than other breeds. Because they use their noses so often, avoid shampoos with a powerful fragrance. They tend to drool a lot because of their heavy lips. Bloodhounds also have large ears that easily become dirty. Try to bathe them, clean their ears, and clip their nails at least once a month.

Dogster divider_v2_NEW_MAY_24_

Which Gender Is Right for You?

While male and female Bloodhounds aren’t too different from one another, there are a few subtle comparisons that could have swayed your decision about which one to bring home. Ask yourself how both the personality traits and training are going to affect your life. Consider how each one could change your life and either better it or keep it at a disadvantage. Your dog’s gender isn’t always at the top of the list, but it could be the one factor that determines whether they fit your lifestyle.

Related reads: 


Featured Image Credit: Top – Lenkadan, Shutterstock | Bottom – Sabine Hagedorn, Shutterstock

Want content like this delivered to you?

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

News, insights, expert advice, and everything dog

* By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.




How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.


Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

The Crate Setup Most Dog Owners Get Wrong (And How To Fix It!)

Most people assume that if their dog hates the crate, the crate is the problem. So they try a bigger one, a different...

1,500 Beagles Rescued from Wisconsin Lab Farm – Here’s Where They’re Going

You may remember that a few weeks ago, we reported on a tense situation at Ridglan Farms, Wisconsin, a facility infamous for housing...

Dogster’s Weekly Photo Contest Winners: Window Watchers (May 11, 2026)

Every week our team gets the privilege of sorting through our readers photos to choose what dogs will win this weeks contest! See...

Can a Relationship Work When One Person Doesn’t Like Dogs? Tips & When to Walk Away

For dog owners, a partner who doesn’t like dogs isn’t a minor quirk to overlook. Dogs aren’t a hobby you can scale back...

More related

20 DIY Golden Retriever Halloween Costumes You Can Make Today! (With Pictures)

Halloween is a popular holiday where we dress up and play the role of someone or something else for one day. Costumes vary...

BarkBox vs Chewy Dog Subscription Box: Complete Comparison 2026 Update

Each year, Americans spend at least $72 billion on their pets. From premium pet food to dog subscription boxes, spoiling your pet is...

Do Vets Do Unnecessary Procedures? Answered by One of Our Vets

Over the last 15+ years since I’ve graduated veterinary school, a lot has changed. There are new products coming out every day that...

How Dogs Choose Their Favorite Person & Signs That You’re the One (Vet-Verified)

Each of our four dogs has a distinct favorite person in our family. How does this happen?...

Keep reading

How to Cook Pumpkin for Dogs: Recipes & What to Know

Pumpkin is a staple vegetable, especially during autumn, when it even becomes a symbol for the season and we all proudly sport our pumpkin-themed sweaters and show off our pumpkin carving skills. A lot of us get our dogs involved...

homemade pumpkin puree in a bowl

6 Best Foods for German Shepherds to Gain Weight in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

German Shepherds are strong, highly active dogs that require a quality high-protein diet to stay fit and healthy throughout their lives. Without a proper diet, it can be tough for these dogs to keep a healthy weight on. If your...

german shepherd eating dog food outdoors

Can Dogs Have Almond Milk? Vet-Verified Nutrition & Health Facts

Lactose intolerance is common in adult dogs, so it’s not recommended for them to consume dairy milk. Fortunately, your dog can enjoy many different alternatives, including almond milk, in moderation. In general, almond milk is safe for dogs to drink,...

a glass of Almond milk surrounded with almonds

9 Best Affordable Canned & Wet Dog Food in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

Did you know that the average American dog owner spends over $400 a year on food? In fact, dog owners spend more on food every year than they do on other pet-related expenses, such as vaccinations, grooming, pet insurance, training,...

person giving food to shih tzu dog

Can Dogs Eat Deviled Eggs? Vet-Verified Nutrition, Risks & Alternatives

Deviled eggs, sometimes also called stuffed or curried eggs, are a popular appetizer for holiday dinners and potlucks. These creamy and tangy treats are made with basic ingredients most people already have in their pantry, so they’re not only delicious...

Can Dogs Eat Deviled Eggs

Alpo Dog Food Review 2026: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Review Summary Dog food recipes keep changing by the day, and it’s hard to know which dog food is the best for your pup. Alpo is a common brand lining dollar store and department store isles for quick, easy meals....

Dogster_Alpo Dog Food Review

7 Best Dog Foods for Bladder Stones in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

Bladder stones are not only painful and can leave your dog feeling miserable, but they can also lead to serious and dangerous health concerns. There are many options out there for food, and each food will do something different depending...

brown dog sniffing a dog food

10 Best Dog Foods for Shih Poos in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

If you have a Shih Poo, you know all about little dog preferences and demands. All pup owners want the best for their pooch—big or small. But diet needs change depending on body structure—just like with humans. So, we have...

shih poo sitting on a grass

Love Dogs? So Do We! Join the Dogster Community

Stay informed with expert pet care insights delivered straight to your inbox! Discover professional guidance on animal behavior, feeding tips, trusted product picks, and much more.




Sign up for the Dogster Email Newsletter