Bloodhound vs Great Dane

Choosing between Bloodhound and Great Dane? The most obvious difference is size — Great Dane is the bigger dog, while Bloodhound is more compact — but temperament, grooming and exercise needs matter just as much. Below we break down exactly how the two breeds compare on the things that shape daily life with a dog, so you can see which one is the better fit for your home, family and routine.

Bloodhound vs Great Dane: full comparison

TraitBloodhoundGreat Dane
SizeLargeGiant
Energy levelMediumMedium
TrainabilityMediumMedium
FriendlinessVery HighVery High
Good with childrenVery HighVery High
Grooming needsLowVery Low
SheddingMediumMedium
BarkingHighLow
ProtectivenessLowLow
AdaptabilityMediumMedium
Typical lifespan11 years8 years
HypoallergenicNoNo

Key differences at a glance

Size and living space

The Bloodhound is a large and powerful breed that wants a roomier home and ideally a yard to move around in. By comparison, the Great Dane is one of the true giant breeds that requires real space: bigger rooms, a bigger car and a bigger food budget. If space, transport or budget are tight, the smaller of the two is the more practical choice.

Exercise and energy needs

The Bloodhound wants a decent walk or two each day and some playtime. The Great Dane wants a decent walk or two each day and some playtime. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Bloodhound needs only light grooming, a brush once or twice a week and loses a fair amount of coat, especially seasonally. The Great Dane is very easy to groom — an occasional brush is all it takes and loses a fair amount of coat, especially seasonally. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The Bloodhound trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions, is a vocal breed that sounds the alarm readily and has a reputation for being wonderfully tolerant with kids. The Great Dane trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions, speaks up only now and then and has a reputation for being wonderfully tolerant with kids. On guarding instinct, Bloodhound is not especially protective and is welcoming to visitors, whereas Great Dane is not especially protective and is welcoming to visitors.

Which is better for…

Which should you choose?

Choose the Bloodhound if you want a longer-lived breed or you want a smaller, more apartment-friendly dog.

Choose the Great Dane if you prefer a quieter dog, you prefer lower grooming upkeep, or you want a bigger, more substantial dog.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Bloodhound or the Great Dane better for families with children?
Both the Bloodhound and the Great Dane are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Bloodhound or the Great Dane?
The Bloodhound and Great Dane shed a similar amount (medium).
Which is easier to train, the Bloodhound or the Great Dane?
Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Bloodhound or Great Dane bigger?
Great Dane is the larger breed; Bloodhound is smaller and more compact.
Which barks more, Bloodhound or Great Dane?
Bloodhound tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Great Dane is the quieter choice.
Which is better for apartment living, Bloodhound or Great Dane?
For apartment or apartment living, Great Dane has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

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