Skip to content

Anatolian Shepherd Dog vs Bloodhound

A side-by-side comparison to help you find the right breed for your lifestyle.

Anatolian Shepherd Dog breed photo

Anatolian Shepherd Dog

AKCFCIKC

The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a large, powerful breed originating from Turkey, known for its protective nature and exceptional ability as a livestock guardian. With a strong, independent temperament and a keen sense of territoriality, these dogs are both loyal companions and diligent workers.

Size

Extra Large

Energy

High

Lifespan

11-13 years yrs

Height

N/A

VS
Bloodhound breed photo

Bloodhound

AKCFCIKC

The Bloodhound is a large scent hound renowned for its extraordinary sense of smell and tracking abilities, often used in search and rescue operations. With its distinctive droopy ears and wrinkled skin, this gentle and affectionate breed is also known for its friendly and patient demeanor.

Size

Extra Large

Energy

High

Lifespan

8-12 years yrs

Height

N/A

Quick Comparison

TraitAnatolian Shepherd DogBloodhound
Energy
Trainability
Grooming Needs
Family Friendly
Independence

Key Characteristics

Good with Kids
Good with Dogs
Good with Cats
Hypoallergenic
Apartment Friendly
First-Time Owner OK
DetailAnatolian Shepherd DogBloodhound
SizeExtra LargeExtra Large
Energy LevelHighHigh
GroomingMediumHigh
Trainabilitychallengingchallenging
Barking LevelHighHigh
Shedding LevelHighHigh
Chew strengthHardHard
HousingAcreageYard

Owner Fit & Decision Guide

Owner Match

TraitAnatolian Shepherd DogBloodhound
Experience LevelExperiencedExperienced
First-Time Owner
Ideal OwnerActive individual or family who can provide adequate exercise and training for a Anatolian Shepherd Dog.Active individual or family who can provide adequate exercise and training for a Bloodhound.

Anatolian Shepherd Dog Dealbreakers

  • Cannot meet 60-90 min daily exercise
  • Cannot tolerate heavy shedding

Bloodhound Dealbreakers

  • Cannot meet 60-90 min daily exercise
  • Cannot tolerate heavy shedding

Surrender Risk

FactorAnatolian Shepherd DogBloodhound
Risk LevelMediumMedium
Primary ReasonsUnderestimated exercise needs, Behavioral challenges, Cost of careUnderestimated exercise needs, Behavioral challenges, Cost of care

Temperament & Personality

Behavior Comparison

TraitAnatolian Shepherd DogBloodhound
Prey Drive
Watchdog Ability
Stranger Friendly
Drool Level
Wanderlust

Vocalization

TraitAnatolian Shepherd DogBloodhound
Barking LevelHighHigh
Howling Tendency
Whining TendencyLowLow
Separation Vocalization
Anatolian Shepherd Dog bark triggers
StrangersDoorbellsOther dogs
Bloodhound bark triggers
StrangersDoorbellsOther dogs

Safety & Reliability

TraitAnatolian Shepherd DogBloodhound
Escape Artist
Dog Park Suitable
Off-Leash Reliable
Small Animal Safe
Leash Reactivity
Resource Guarding RiskLowLow

Anatolian Shepherd Dog Social Traits

Velcro Dog
One Person Dog
Handling ToleranceMedium
Stranger Wariness

Moderate

With Other Dogs

Selective

Bloodhound Social Traits

Velcro Dog
One Person Dog
Handling ToleranceMedium
Stranger Wariness

Moderate

With Other Dogs

Generally friendly

Training

Anatolian Shepherd Dog

MethodPositive reinforcement
Challenges
Requires consistent, patient training
Tips
  • s often result in defensive aggression.

Bloodhound

MethodPositive reinforcement
Challenges
** Repetition bores them. Do not drill "sit" 20 times; they will walk away after the third time.
Tips
  • ** Positive reinforcement is the *only* option. Harsh methods cause them to shut down or become defensive.

Anatolian Shepherd Dog Considerations

challengeTerritorial Aggression

Unlike a Golden Retriever that barks to alert and then greets, an Anatolian Shepherd barks to warn and then escalates to defend. They are naturally suspicious of strangers. Without impeccable management, this can lead to liability issues, especially with delivery drivers or guests entering the property unannounced.

challengeNight Barking

This breed is nocturnal by nature. Their job is to patrol the perimeter while the flock sleeps. In a suburban setting, this manifests as booming, repetitive barking at 2 AM because a leaf blew across the driveway or a neighbor started their car. This is the #1 cause of neighbor disputes and surrender.

challengeSame-Sex Aggression

Male Anatolians, in particular, are prone to severe aggression toward other male dogs once they reach sexual maturity (18-24 months). This is often not "trainable" but rather a management lifestyle requirement.

challengeThe "Deaf" Ear

They are not eager to please. If you call them and they perceive a threat (or simply don't see the point of coming), they will ignore you. They were bred to work without human instruction for weeks at a time.

Bloodhound Considerations

challengeThe "Deafness" of Scent

When a Bloodhound catches a scent, their ears literally close (the heavy flaps block the ear canal) and their brain filters out all auditory input. They are not ignoring you out of malice; they genuinely cannot process your commands while tracking. This makes .

challengeStubbornness vs. Independence

They score near the bottom of obedience intelligence rankings not because they are stupid, but because they are bred to work independently of human direction. They solve problems (finding trails) without help, which translates to opening fridges, doors, and gates in the home.

challengeSensory Overload

The combination of (slingers that reach ceilings), (caused by yeast in skin folds and oily coats), and makes them unsuitable for fastidious housekeepers or those with sensory sensitivities.

Multi-Species Compatibility

SpeciesAnatolian Shepherd DogBloodhound
With CatsGenerally safe with proper introductionGenerally safe with proper introduction
Small MammalsSupervision requiredSupervision required
Birds / ReptilesCaution advisedCaution advised

Advanced Behavior

TraitAnatolian Shepherd DogBloodhound
Predatory Sequence RiskMediumMedium
BiddabilityLowLow
Noise SensitivityLowLow
Territorial Barking
Same-Sex Aggression Onset18 months18 months

First Year & Life Stages

First Year Challenges

ChallengeAnatolian Shepherd DogBloodhound
Puppy Difficulty
Destructive Phase6-186-18
House TrainingModerateChallenging
Crate TrainingMediumMedium
Adolescent Regression

Anatolian Shepherd Dog: Anatolian Shepherd Dog puppies require consistent training and patience.

Bloodhound: Bloodhound puppies require consistent training and patience.

Life Stages Timeline

StageAnatolian Shepherd DogBloodhound
Puppy Phase12 months12 months
Adolescence6-186-18
Adult Years2-82-8
Senior Onset~8 years~8 years
Peak Energy Age1-3 years1-3 years

Size & Physical Characteristics

Physical Stats

MeasurementAnatolian Shepherd DogBloodhound
HeightN/AN/A
WeightNot enough data yetNot enough data yet
Size CategoryExtra LargeExtra Large
Lifespan

11–13 years

8–12 years

Litter Size4-84-8

Anatolian Shepherd Dog Coat

Type double
Length Medium
Texture straight
Colors
Various

Bloodhound Coat

Type double
Length Medium
Texture straight
Colors
Various

Lineage & Origin

DetailAnatolian Shepherd DogBloodhound
Original PurposeThe Anatolian Shepherd (Çoban Köpeği) is a Livestock Guardian Dog (LGD) from Turkeyheavier wrinkle, longer ears, and massive bone
OriginTurkeyeye and skin issues due to exaggeration

Breeding Details

DetailAnatolian Shepherd DogBloodhound
C-Section RateVariesVaries
Whelping DifficultyMediumMedium
Puppy Mortality RateLowLow

Physical Risks

RiskAnatolian Shepherd DogBloodhound
Bloat / GDV RiskLowLow
Slippery Floor RiskLowLow
Min Fence Height1.5m1.5m
Dig / Escape RiskLowLow

Health & Common Conditions

Anatolian Shepherd Dog Health Issues

Hip Dysplasia
Entropion
Hypothyroidism
Gastric Dilatation-VolvulusBloat
Elbow Dysplasia

Bloodhound Health Issues

Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat): High risk; a leading cause of death.
Otitis Externa (Ear Infections): Weekly (or daily) cleaning is mandatory for life.
Hip & Elbow Dysplasia: BVA/KC mean hip score is around 20, which is relatively high.
Ectropion/Entropion: Often requires surgical correction.
Skin Fold Dermatitis: Daily wiping and drying of folds.

Anatolian Shepherd Dog Suggested Tests

  • OFA/PennHIP scores for Hips and Elbows
  • OFA Thyroid panels

Bloodhound Suggested Tests

  • Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) testing
  • Prophylactic gastropexy

Health Risk Overview

Risk FactorAnatolian Shepherd DogBloodhound
Cancer RiskMediumMedium
Cardiac RiskLowLow
Neurological RiskLowLow
CCL/ACL Tear RiskLowLow
Vet Burden TierMediumMedium

Sensitivities & Allergies

SensitivityAnatolian Shepherd DogBloodhound
Skin Allergies
Environmental Allergies
Stomach SensitivityLowLow
Food Allergies

Health Maintenance

Care ItemAnatolian Shepherd DogBloodhound
Nail Growth RateNormalNormal
Eye Care NeedsLowLow
Anal Gland IssuesOccasionalOccasional

Senior Care & Aging

Anatolian Shepherd Dog Senior Care

Common Senior Issues

  • Arthritis
  • Vision decline
  • Cognitive changes
Mobility Aid LikelihoodMedium
QoL Decline Age~10 years
End of Life ComplexityMedium

Senior care varies by individual health.

Bloodhound Senior Care

Common Senior Issues

  • Arthritis
  • Vision decline
  • Cognitive changes
Mobility Aid LikelihoodMedium
QoL Decline Age~10 years
End of Life ComplexityMedium

Senior care varies by individual health.

Grooming & Care

Anatolian Shepherd Dog

medium maintenance
Coat Typedouble
Coat Lengthmedium
Coat Texturestraight
Shedding LevelHigh
Seasonal SheddingHigh
Ear Cleaningweekly
Dental RiskMedium
Obesity Prone
Winter Gear Needed
Summer Restrictions
Paw Protection
Odor LevelModerate
Tactile FeelVaries by coat type
Colors
Various

Bloodhound

high maintenance
Coat Typedouble
Coat Lengthmedium
Coat Texturestraight
Shedding LevelHigh
Seasonal SheddingHigh
Ear Cleaningweekly
Dental RiskMedium
Obesity Prone
Winter Gear Needed
Summer Restrictions
Paw Protection
Odor LevelModerate
Tactile FeelVaries by coat type
Colors
Various

Lifestyle Compatibility

Anatolian Shepherd Dog Daily Life

Exercise Needs60-90 min/day
Alone TimeUp to 4h
Mental StimulationHigh
ApartmentChallenging - needs space
Work from HomeSuitable with adequate exercise
Weekend WarriorSuitable
HousingAcreage
Barking LevelHigh
First-Time Owner
Exercise Types
WalkingPlayTraining
NighttimeSleeps well when exercised
Food MotivationMedium

Bloodhound Daily Life

Exercise Needs60-90 min/day
Alone TimeUp to 4h
Mental StimulationHigh
ApartmentChallenging - needs space
Work from HomeSuitable with adequate exercise
Weekend WarriorSuitable
HousingYard
Barking LevelHigh
First-Time Owner
Exercise Types
WalkingPlayTraining
NighttimeSleeps well when exercised
Food MotivationMedium

Housing & Legal Restrictions

RestrictionAnatolian Shepherd DogBloodhound
BSL Restricted
Common Rental Ban
Insurance Blacklist
Weight CategoryUnder 50lbsUnder 50lbs

Climate Tolerance

ClimateAnatolian Shepherd DogBloodhound
Heat Tolerance
Cold Tolerance
Water AffinityMediumMedium

Travel Compatibility

ActivityAnatolian Shepherd DogBloodhound
Car TravelGoodGood
Camping
Beach Friendly
Hiking Rating
Cabin Flight Eligible
Hotel Friendly Size

Niche Suitability

RoleAnatolian Shepherd DogBloodhound
Service DogLowLow
Therapy DogLowLow
Deep Pressure Therapy
Canicross / Bikejoring
Apartment Adaptable
Tactile / Sensory Friendly
Livestock Guardian
Medical AlertLowLow

Costs & Expenses

Upfront Costs

CostAnatolian Shepherd DogBloodhound
Purchase PriceN/AN/A
Initial Cost Range$1,000–$2,500$1,000–$2,500
Cost Tier

Ongoing Costs

CostAnatolian Shepherd DogBloodhound
Monthly Range$130–$210$180–$300
Yearly Range$1,560–$2,520$2,160–$3,600
Food / Month$100-150$100-150
Insurance / MonthN/A$80-150
Grooming / SessionN/AN/A
Vet Routine / YearN/A$50-80
Monthly Cost Tier

Anatolian Shepherd Dog Lifetime Cost

N/A

Bloodhound Lifetime Cost

N/A

Quirks & Fun Facts

Daily Quirks

QuirkAnatolian Shepherd DogBloodhound
Snoring
FlatulenceOccasionalOccasional
Slobber LevelLowLow
Smell When WetModerateModerate
Zoomies FrequencyOccasionalOccasional
Counter Surfing
Digging TendencyLowLow

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Anatolian Shepherd Dogs can make good family dogs with proper training and socialization. They form strong bonds with their family members.
For Anatolian Shepherd Dog & Bloodhound owners

Turn your dog into a brand deal.

Pet brands are looking for authentic creators — not celebrities. If you own a Anatolian Shepherd Dog or Bloodhound, you can get free products, gear, and exclusive perks just for sharing your dog's life on Instagram.

Apply for free

No followers minimum · Free to join

Compare with Other Breeds

Based on comprehensive breed research data.

View Anatolian Shepherd Dog profile·View Bloodhound profile