PuppyBase

Bloodhound vs Irish Red and White Setter

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

Bloodhound vs Irish Red and White Setter

You don’t see many people weighing a Bloodhound against an Irish Red and White Setter, but when you do, it’s usually someone drawn to their shared love of the outdoors and a nose that knows. Both were built for work with humans, but that’s where the trail splits. The Bloodhound isn’t just a dog with a good sniff. they’re a walking, drooling forensic lab. That deep bark echoes for miles, and once they catch a scent, good luck calling them back. They’re gentle and deeply loyal, but stubborn in a way that’ll test your patience. You need space, time, and a high fence. They’re not the dog you casually jog with; they’re the one you train for tracking trials or search and rescue. And yes, you’ll clean slobber off the couch daily. The Irish Red and White Setter? They’re the joyful partner you take bird hunting or on trail runs. Lighter, faster, and endlessly eager to please, they thrive on activity and connection. They’ll romp with kids all day, then curl up at your feet. Their coat needs brushing, but they don’t drool or bark up a storm. They adapt better to suburban life. if you’re out moving. Here’s the real difference: the Bloodhound follows a scent like it’s a spiritual calling. The Setter wants to follow you, wherever you go. So choose the Bloodhound if you want a purpose-driven companion and have the experience to manage their independence. Pick the Setter if you want an energetic, affectionate teammate who happens to be amazing in the field. One’s a specialist with soul. The other’s a joyful all-rounder with grit. Know which you need.

Bloodhound
Irish Red and White Setter
23–27 in
Height
22.5–26 in
80–110 lb
Weight
35–60 lb
10–12 yr
Lifespan
11–15 yr
$1.0–2.5k
Puppy price
$1.5–3.0k
#49
AKC popularity
#146

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 Irish Red and White Setter
Overlay

Where they diverge

Drooling Level
Irish Red and White Setter drools less (3-point difference)
Irish
Good with Young Children
Irish Red and White Setter is better with kids (2-point difference)
Irish
Good with Other Dogs
Irish Red and White Setter is better with other dogs (2-point difference)
Irish
Good with Strangers
Irish Red and White Setter is friendlier with strangers (2-point difference)
Irish
Adaptability
Irish Red and White Setter is more adaptable (2-point difference)
Irish
The verdict

Choose the Bloodhound if…

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

Choose the Irish Red and White Setter if…

  • Hunters
  • Active families
  • Outdoors enthusiasts
  • You value good with young childrenIrish Red and White 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
Irish Red and White Setter Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Irish Red and White 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

Other comparisons people run