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Bloodhound vs English Setter

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

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The bottom line

Bloodhound vs English Setter

People toss Bloodhounds and English Setters into the same conversation because they’re both big, floppy-eared dogs with a hunting past and a love for the great outdoors. But that’s where the similarity ends. Choosing between them isn’t just preference. it’s about matching your life to their instincts. The Bloodhound is a one-track nose with legs. You don’t so much own a Bloodhound as you host it. These dogs live to follow scent, and once that trail hits their radar, good luck calling them back. They’re gentle and affectionate at home, but they’re not tuned into you the way other breeds are. They’re stubborn in the quietest way. just ignoring you while they sniff a blade of grass from last Tuesday. You need a solid fence, time for daily tracking walks, and the patience to manage constant drool and barking that can wake the neighborhood. The English Setter, meanwhile, is the cheerful family athlete. They’re bird dogs at heart, built for covering ground with grace, but they adapt to family life beautifully. They’re eager to please, love kids, and while they need space and exercise, they’re more likely to check in with you during a walk. Their silky coat? Yeah, it’s high-maintenance. You’ll be brushing weekly and learning about feather trimming. Skip it and you’ll get mats and vet bills. Here’s the real difference: Bloodhounds live for the hunt, not the household. Setters want to be part of your world. If you’re looking for a companion who happens to love the field, go Setter. If you’re obsessed with scent work or tracking and can manage a dog that’s built like a bloodhound but thinks like a lone wolf, then the Bloodhound might just steal your heart. and your entire backyard.

Bloodhound
English Setter
23–27 in
Height
23–27 in
80–110 lb
Weight
45–80 lb
10–12 yr
Lifespan
12–12 yr
$1.0–2.5k
Puppy price
$1.2–3.0k
#49
AKC popularity
#94

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.
Bloodhound English Setter
Overlay

Where they diverge

Drooling Level
English Setter drools less (2-point difference)
English
Barking Level
English Setter barks less (2-point difference)
English
Affectionate w/ Family
English Setter is more affectionate (1-point difference)
English
Good with Young Children
English Setter is better with kids (1-point difference)
English
Good with Other Dogs
English Setter is better with other dogs (1-point difference)
English
The verdict

Choose the Bloodhound if…

  • Active people
  • Rural homes
  • Hunters
  • You value drooling levelBloodhound scores noticeably higher.

Choose the English Setter if…

  • Active families
  • Hunters
  • Homes with a yard
  • You value affectionate w/ familyEnglish Setter scores higher here.
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
English Setter Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your English Setter 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

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