Bloodhound vs Whippet

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

Whippet

Size
25–40 lbs, 18–22 in
Lifespan
12–15 years
Exercise
Moderate
Grooming
Low
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Gentle Quiet Affectionate Athletic

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 Whippet

The Whippet was developed in Victorian England by coal miners and mill workers who bred small Greyhounds with terriers to create an affordable racing and rabbit-coursing dog — earning the nickname "the poor man's racehorse." These elegant sighthounds stand 18 to 22 inches tall and weigh 25 to 40 pounds, with a streamlined, aerodynamic build capable of reaching speeds up to 35 miles per hour. Their short, smooth coat comes in virtually any color or pattern and lies close to the body, accentuating their graceful, muscular contours.

Temperament & Personality

Whippets are gentle, quiet, and remarkably calm indoors — often spending hours draped elegantly across furniture in poses that would make a greyhound proud. They are affectionate and sensitive with their families, good with children (though their slender build makes them vulnerable to rough play), and generally friendly with other dogs. Despite their sprinting ability, Whippets are surprisingly low-energy at home and are often described as the ideal apartment dog for owners who enjoy outdoor exercise.

Pros

  • Extremely calm and quiet indoors — one of the most unobtrusive housemates
  • Short, low-maintenance coat with minimal shedding and no doggy odor
  • Gentle, affectionate nature — rarely aggressive toward people or other dogs
  • Healthy breed with a long lifespan of 12 to 15 years

Cons

  • Intense prey drive — will chase and potentially catch small animals including cats
  • Thin skin and low body fat make them sensitive to cold and prone to scrapes
  • Cannot be trusted off-leash in unfenced areas — once they run, they cannot hear you
  • Susceptible to anesthesia sensitivity and cardiac arrhythmias

Whippets are the perfect blend of couch companion and outdoor athlete — find one looking for a home on Puplister.

Available for Adoption

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Bloodhound and a Whippet?
The Bloodhound is 80–110 lbs, 23–27 in sized while the Whippet is 25–40 lbs, 18–22 in sized. They differ in size (80–110 lbs, 23–27 in vs 25–40 lbs, 18–22 in), lifespan (10–12 years vs 12–15 years), and care requirements.
Which breed is better with kids, Bloodhound or Whippet?
Bloodhound is generally good with kids. Whippet is generally good with kids.
Which breed lives longer, Bloodhound or Whippet?
The Bloodhound has a lifespan of 10–12 years while the Whippet has a lifespan of 12–15 years.

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