Bloodhound vs West Highland White Terrier

Which dog breed is right for you?

Bloodhound

Size
80–110 lbs, 23–27 in
Lifespan
10–12 years
Exercise
High
Grooming
Low
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Gentle Patient Determined Friendly

West Highland White Terrier

Size
15–20 lbs, 10–11 in
Lifespan
13–15 years
Exercise
Moderate
Grooming
Moderate
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Confident Entertaining Hardy Friendly

About the Bloodhound

The Bloodhound is a scent hound of unparalleled tracking ability, with origins dating back over a thousand years to monasteries in medieval Belgium and France. These large, noble dogs stand 23–27 inches tall and weigh 80–110 pounds, with a loose-skinned, powerful build and famously droopy ears and facial folds that help channel scent toward their nose. Their short, dense coat comes in black-and-tan, liver-and-tan, and red, requiring minimal grooming beyond regular wrinkle cleaning.

Temperament & Personality

Bloodhounds are gentle, patient, and affectionate — despite their imposing size, they are among the most docile and tolerant of all breeds. They are wonderful with children and other animals, displaying remarkable patience even with rough handling from toddlers. However, when they catch an interesting scent, they become single-minded and nearly impossible to redirect — they have been known to follow a trail for over 130 miles.

Pros

  • Possesses the most powerful nose in the canine world — their trailing results are admissible in court
  • Gentle, patient, and affectionate with all family members including young children
  • Excellent with other dogs and household pets
  • Calm and easygoing indoors, content to lounge when not working

Cons

  • Copious drooling — their loose jowls produce significant slobber, especially after eating and drinking
  • Strong, determined pullers on leash who can be nearly impossible to control when trailing a scent
  • Prone to bloat, hip and elbow dysplasia, and ear infections due to their long, pendulous ears
  • Relatively short lifespan of 10–12 years and susceptible to skin fold dermatitis

These gentle giants have hearts as big as their noses — explore adoptable Bloodhounds on Puplister today.

About the West Highland White Terrier

The West Highland White Terrier — universally known as the "Westie" — was developed in Scotland's western highlands during the 19th century, selectively bred from Cairn Terrier stock for its white coat to be more visible against the dark highland terrain while hunting foxes, badgers, and rats. These sturdy little dogs stand 10 to 11 inches tall and weigh 15 to 20 pounds, with a compact, balanced build and surprisingly strong legs for their size. Their double coat features a hard, straight white outer layer and a soft, dense undercoat — always pure white without exception.

Temperament & Personality

Westies are confident, entertaining, and surprisingly tough — carrying the classic terrier self-assurance in a friendly, less aggressive package than many of their terrier relatives. They are affectionate with their families, generally good with older children, and possess an independent, adventurous spirit that keeps life interesting. Westies are social dogs that enjoy meeting people, though they can be assertive with other dogs and retain a strong instinct to chase anything that moves.

Pros

  • Sturdy and adaptable — thrives in apartments, suburbs, and country settings
  • Friendly and sociable without the extreme aggression of some terrier breeds
  • Portable size with a big, confident personality
  • Alert watchdog that will reliably announce visitors

Cons

  • Prone to atopic dermatitis and skin allergies — one of the most affected breeds
  • Coat requires regular professional grooming or hand-stripping every 6 to 8 weeks
  • Can be stubborn and willful during training — responds best to positive methods
  • Tendency to dig and bark, especially when bored or left in the yard

Westies bring Scottish charm and terrier spirit into every home — find your white-coated companion on Puplister.

Available for Adoption

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Bloodhound and a West Highland White Terrier?
The Bloodhound is 80–110 lbs, 23–27 in sized while the West Highland White Terrier is 15–20 lbs, 10–11 in sized. They differ in size (80–110 lbs, 23–27 in vs 15–20 lbs, 10–11 in), lifespan (10–12 years vs 13–15 years), and care requirements.
Which breed is better with kids, Bloodhound or West Highland White Terrier?
Bloodhound is generally good with kids. West Highland White Terrier is generally good with kids.
Which breed lives longer, Bloodhound or West Highland White Terrier?
The Bloodhound has a lifespan of 10–12 years while the West Highland White Terrier has a lifespan of 13–15 years.

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