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)

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

https://www.instagram.com/p/CVA_Wfzlr6n/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

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

Can Dogs Get Car Sick? Vet-Approved Tips to Help

When people envision dogs and cars, they’ll often think of a happy dog poking their head out the window and enjoying the breeze....

My Dog Doesn’t Like to Be Touched: What Should I Do? Vet-Verified Tips

As loving dog parents, we want to interact with our dogs in a tactile way, so it can be disheartening when your dog...

How to Entertain a Herding Dog: 15 Vet-Approved Ideas

Herding dogs are intelligent and easy to train, which makes them great pets. They are also usually friendly, affectionate, and protective, but they...

8 Common Dog Paw Problems & What to Do (Vet Answer)

Issues with your dog’s paw(s) can occur for a number of reasons. Dogs can suffer wounds, issues with their nails, or cause trauma...

More related

How Much Does a Dog Eye Exam Cost in 2025? Average Price & Info

Veterinary care is such an important part of our relationship with our dog. Just like we require doctor visits, our pups need to...

Alaskan Fish Oil for Dogs: Vet-Reviewed Benefits & Applications

Fish oil has been in the headlines for the past several years, not only for its purported benefits for human health but also...

Short-Legged Jack Russell Terrier: Origin, Pictures, Facts & History

If you have done any amount of research into the Jack Russell Terrier (JRT) breed, you know how many offshoots there are and...

Keeshond: Info, Pictures, Facts & Traits

The Keeshond is a lively, outgoing dog breed that makes a loving and loyal companion. These medium-sized, intelligent dogs have plush coats and...

Keep reading

Royal Canin vs Kirkland Dog Food: 2025 Comparison, Pros & Cons

Finding a dog food that’s a great fit for your four-legged friend is a struggle. There are so many brands available, so many ingredients, so much confusion…the list goes on. So, how does a dog owner know which dog foods...

Dogster_Dog Food Royal Canin vs Kirkland

Can Dogs Eat Frosted Mini Wheats? Vet-Reviewed Risks & FAQ

Frosted Mini-Wheats are a popular cereal known for their high fiber and sugary coating. They might be a delicious breakfast for a person, but are they good for dogs? Most importantly, are Frosted Mini Wheats safe for dogs to eat?...

Can Dogs Eat Frosted Mini Wheats

Can Dogs Eat Alfalfa? Vet-Verified Facts to Know

Alfalfa is an important grazing plant that feeds livestock worldwide. Many people wonder, can dogs can eat alfalfa? The short answer is yes, alfalfa is a healthy food for dogs. However, there are a few factors to consider before making...

Can Dogs Eat Alfalfa

Can Dogs Eat Sour Cream? Vet-Approved Facts & FAQ

There are several tasty dishes that we enjoy by themselves, but the moment that you add a dollop of sour cream, the dish is transformed into something magical! It’s only natural that you want to share your food with your...

Can Dogs Eat Sour Cream

7 Best Dog Foods for Ear Infections in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Did you know that food allergies may cause itchy ears? Dogs who develop chronic ear infections may be experiencing an allergic reaction to an ingredient in their food, such as chicken, beef, or grains. Certain breeds, such as Cocker Spaniels,...

dog eating in a food bowl

Can Dogs Eat Red Cabbage? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Info

Finding healthy treats for our dogs isn’t as straightforward as many pet parents might think, especially when considering vegetables. Due to our many biological differences, the plants that benefit us in our diets are often unexpectedly hazardous to dogs. Though...

Dogster-Can-Dogs-Eat-Red Cabbage

Can Dogs Eat Cauliflower? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & FAQ

According to the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA), cauliflower is the 16th most popular vegetable based on 2022 retail sales.1 After all, you can enjoy it in so many ways, whether as a rice substitute, raw, or in the various...

Can Dogs Eat Cauliflower

11 Best Dog Foods for IBD in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

As pet parents, we hate it when our pets are in pain or sick. If your dog is suffering from an upset stomach and digestive issues, it could be suffering from IBD or inflammatory bowel disease. If your pup has...

a dachshund dog looks sick lying on its owner