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Bedlington Terrier vs Bloodhound

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

Bedlington Terrier breed photo

Bedlington Terrier

AKCFCIKC

The Bedlington Terrier is a distinctive and elegant dog breed known for its lamb-like appearance, characterized by a soft, curly coat and arched back. Originally bred in England for hunting and companionship, this breed is celebrated for its gentle yet spirited nature, making it a beloved family pet.

Size

Medium

Energy

High

Lifespan

12-16 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

TraitBedlington TerrierBloodhound
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
DetailBedlington TerrierBloodhound
SizeMediumExtra Large
Energy LevelHighHigh
GroomingHighHigh
TrainabilityModeratechallenging
Barking LevelLowHigh
Shedding LevelLowHigh
Chew strengthModerateHard
HousingApartmentYard

Owner Fit & Decision Guide

Owner Match

TraitBedlington TerrierBloodhound
Experience LevelBeginnerExperienced
First-Time Owner
Ideal OwnerActive individual or family who can provide adequate exercise and training for a Bedlington Terrier.Active individual or family who can provide adequate exercise and training for a Bloodhound.

Bedlington Terrier Dealbreakers

  • Cannot meet 60-90 min daily exercise
  • Cannot commit to grooming needs

Bloodhound Dealbreakers

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

Surrender Risk

FactorBedlington TerrierBloodhound
Risk LevelMediumMedium
Primary ReasonsUnderestimated exercise needs, Behavioral challenges, Cost of careUnderestimated exercise needs, Behavioral challenges, Cost of care

Temperament & Personality

Behavior Comparison

TraitBedlington TerrierBloodhound
Prey Drive
Watchdog Ability
Stranger Friendly
Drool Level
Wanderlust

Vocalization

TraitBedlington TerrierBloodhound
Barking LevelLowHigh
Howling Tendency
Whining TendencyLowLow
Separation Vocalization
Bedlington Terrier bark triggers
StrangersDoorbellsOther dogs
Bloodhound bark triggers
StrangersDoorbellsOther dogs

Safety & Reliability

TraitBedlington TerrierBloodhound
Escape Artist
Dog Park Suitable
Off-Leash Reliable
Small Animal Safe
Leash Reactivity
Resource Guarding RiskLowLow

Bedlington Terrier Social Traits

Velcro Dog
One Person Dog
Handling ToleranceMedium
Stranger Wariness

Low

With Other Dogs

Selective

Bloodhound Social Traits

Velcro Dog
One Person Dog
Handling ToleranceMedium
Stranger Wariness

Moderate

With Other Dogs

Generally friendly

Training

Bedlington Terrier

MethodPositive reinforcement
Challenges
Requires consistent, patient training
Tips
  • Keep training sessions short and varied

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.

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

SpeciesBedlington TerrierBloodhound
With CatsCaution - may chaseGenerally safe with proper introduction
Small MammalsSupervision requiredSupervision required
Birds / ReptilesCaution advisedCaution advised

Advanced Behavior

TraitBedlington TerrierBloodhound
Predatory Sequence RiskMediumMedium
BiddabilityLowLow
Noise SensitivityLowLow
Territorial Barking
Same-Sex Aggression Onset18 months18 months

First Year & Life Stages

First Year Challenges

ChallengeBedlington TerrierBloodhound
Puppy Difficulty
Destructive Phase6-186-18
House TrainingModerateChallenging
Crate TrainingMediumMedium
Adolescent Regression

Bedlington Terrier: Bedlington Terrier puppies require consistent training and patience.

Bloodhound: Bloodhound puppies require consistent training and patience.

Life Stages Timeline

StageBedlington TerrierBloodhound
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

MeasurementBedlington TerrierBloodhound
HeightN/AN/A
WeightNot enough data yetNot enough data yet
Size CategoryMediumExtra Large
Lifespan

12–16 years

8–12 years

Litter Size4-84-8

Bedlington Terrier Coat

Type double
Length Medium
Texture straight
Colors
Various

Bloodhound Coat

Type double
Length Medium
Texture straight
Colors
Various

Lineage & Origin

DetailBedlington TerrierBloodhound
Original PurposeN/Aheavier wrinkle, longer ears, and massive bone
OriginN/Aeye and skin issues due to exaggeration

Breeding Details

DetailBedlington TerrierBloodhound
C-Section RateVariesVaries
Whelping DifficultyMediumMedium
Puppy Mortality RateLowLow

Physical Risks

RiskBedlington TerrierBloodhound
Bloat / GDV RiskLowLow
Slippery Floor RiskLowLow
Min Fence Height1.5m1.5m
Dig / Escape RiskLowLow

Health & Common Conditions

Bedlington Terrier Health Issues

Copper ToxicosisCT
Retinal Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Kidney diseaseRenal Cortical Hypoplasia

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.

Bedlington Terrier Suggested Tests

  • DNA testing for Copper Toxicosis (COMMD1)

Bloodhound Suggested Tests

  • Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) testing
  • Prophylactic gastropexy

Health Risk Overview

Risk FactorBedlington TerrierBloodhound
Cancer RiskMediumMedium
Cardiac RiskLowLow
Neurological RiskLowLow
CCL/ACL Tear RiskLowLow
Vet Burden TierMediumMedium

Sensitivities & Allergies

SensitivityBedlington TerrierBloodhound
Skin Allergies
Environmental Allergies
Stomach SensitivityLowLow
Food Allergies

Health Maintenance

Care ItemBedlington TerrierBloodhound
Nail Growth RateNormalNormal
Eye Care NeedsLowLow
Anal Gland IssuesOccasionalOccasional

Senior Care & Aging

Bedlington Terrier 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

Bedlington Terrier

high maintenance
Coat Typedouble
Coat Lengthmedium
Coat Texturestraight
Shedding LevelLow
Seasonal SheddingLow
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

Bedlington Terrier Daily Life

Exercise Needs60-90 min/day
Alone TimeUp to 4h
Mental StimulationHigh
ApartmentSuitable
Work from HomeSuitable with adequate exercise
Weekend WarriorSuitable
HousingApartment
Barking LevelLow
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

RestrictionBedlington TerrierBloodhound
BSL Restricted
Common Rental Ban
Insurance Blacklist
Weight CategoryUnder 50lbsUnder 50lbs

Climate Tolerance

ClimateBedlington TerrierBloodhound
Heat Tolerance
Cold Tolerance
Water AffinityMediumMedium

Travel Compatibility

ActivityBedlington TerrierBloodhound
Car TravelGoodGood
Camping
Beach Friendly
Hiking Rating
Cabin Flight Eligible
Hotel Friendly Size

Niche Suitability

RoleBedlington TerrierBloodhound
Service DogLowLow
Therapy DogLowLow
Deep Pressure Therapy
Canicross / Bikejoring
Apartment Adaptable
Tactile / Sensory Friendly
Livestock Guardian
Medical AlertLowLow

Costs & Expenses

Upfront Costs

CostBedlington TerrierBloodhound
Purchase PriceN/AN/A
Initial Cost Range$1,000–$2,500$1,000–$2,500
Cost Tier

Ongoing Costs

CostBedlington TerrierBloodhound
Monthly Range$80–$160$180–$300
Yearly Range$960–$1,920$2,160–$3,600
Food / MonthN/A$100-150
Insurance / MonthN/A$80-150
Grooming / SessionN/AN/A
Vet Routine / YearN/A$50-80
Monthly Cost Tier

Bedlington Terrier Lifetime Cost

N/A

Bloodhound Lifetime Cost

N/A

Quirks & Fun Facts

Daily Quirks

QuirkBedlington TerrierBloodhound
Snoring
FlatulenceOccasionalOccasional
Slobber LevelLowLow
Smell When WetModerateModerate
Zoomies FrequencyOccasionalOccasional
Counter Surfing
Digging TendencyLowLow

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Bedlington Terriers can make good family dogs with proper training and socialization. They form strong bonds with their family members.
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Compare with Other Breeds

Based on comprehensive breed research data.

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