PuppyBase

American Hairless Terrier vs Bloodhound

Side-by-side comparison across all 14 AKC trait ratings, with a clear verdict on which breed fits which kind of household.

Perfect Puppy Quiz · 5 questions · 90 seconds

Not sure which breed fits your life?

Answer five questions about your home, your schedule, and your tolerance for shedding. We’ll match you to your top three breeds from over 200.

The bottom line

American Hairless Terrier vs Bloodhound

You’re not really comparing these two because they’re similar. You’re looking at them together because you’re torn between a dog that fits your life and one that demands you reshape it. The American Hairless Terrier and Bloodhound are both scent-driven in their own ways, but that’s where the story splits. The Hairless Terrier is your warm, lean shadow. At 12 to 16 pounds, it’s built for apartment living, allergic family members, and weekend hikes where you toss it in the car without thinking. It’s smart, trainable, and bonds hard to its people. You’ll need sunscreen for it in summer. yes, really. and it won’t last outside in snow or scorching heat. But it’s cheerful, low-shedding, and great with kids, making it a practical joy for active families who want a dog that adapts. The Bloodhound? It’s the opposite of convenient. At over 100 pounds of droopy skin and relentless nose, it lives to follow scent trails, not obey commands. It will bark through walls, track a rabbit into traffic if unattended, and slobber on your guests. It needs space, fencing, and an owner who respects its independence. Good with kids? Only if supervised. its size alone is a hazard. But for a rural home, a hunter, or someone in search and rescue, its tracking ability is unmatched. Here’s the real talk: the Hairless Terrier wants to be part of your life. The Bloodhound just wants you to keep up with his. Pick the terrier if you want a companion. Pick the hound only if you’re ready to serve his instincts.

American Hairless Terrier
Bloodhound
12–16 in
Height
23–27 in
12–16 lb
Weight
80–110 lb
14–16 yr
Lifespan
10–12 yr
$1.5–3.5k
Puppy price
$1.0–2.5k
#136
AKC popularity
#49

Trait-by-trait

Higher bar = more of that trait. Shedding, barking, drooling, grooming flipped for readability.
Affectionate w/ Family
Good with Young Children
Good with Other Dogs
Shedding Level
Coat Grooming
Drooling Level
Good with Strangers
Playfulness
Watchdog / Protective
Adaptability
Trainability
Energy Level
Barking Level
Mental Stimulation Needs
AffectionGood w/ KidsGood w/ DogsShedding LevelGroomingDrooling LevelGood w/ StrangersPlayfulnessProtectiveAdaptabilityTrainabilityEnergy LevelBarking LevelMental Stim.
American Hairless Terrier Bloodhound
Overlay

Where they diverge

Drooling Level
American Hairless Terrier drools less (4-point difference)
American
Good with Young Children
American Hairless Terrier is better with kids (2-point difference)
American
Shedding Level
American Hairless Terrier sheds less (2-point difference)
American
Adaptability
American Hairless Terrier is more adaptable (2-point difference)
American
Barking Level
American Hairless Terrier barks less (2-point difference)
American
The verdict

Choose the American Hairless Terrier if…

  • Allergy sufferers
  • Apartment dwellers
  • Active people
  • You value good with young childrenAmerican Hairless Terrier scores noticeably higher.

Choose the Bloodhound if…

  • Active people
  • Rural homes
  • Hunters
  • You value drooling levelBloodhound scores higher here.
American Hairless Terrier Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your American Hairless Terrier home.
Breed variants, breeder red flags, and what to ask
First-week checklist and daily schedules by age
Training timeline from 8 weeks to adulthood
Health screenings, emergency card, and feeding portions
Grooming schedule, first-year costs, and what nobody tells you
Get Your Guide
Bloodhound Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Bloodhound home.
Breed variants, breeder red flags, and what to ask
First-week checklist and daily schedules by age
Training timeline from 8 weeks to adulthood
Health screenings, emergency card, and feeding portions
Grooming schedule, first-year costs, and what nobody tells you
Get Your Guide

Other comparisons people run