PuppyBase

Bloodhound vs Russell Terrier

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 Russell Terrier

You probably wouldn’t compare a Bloodhound and a Russell Terrier on paper. they look about as alike as a pickup truck and a go-kart. But people do, and the reason is surprising: both are scent-obsessed working dogs with noses that override commands. The real question isn’t about size or energy. It’s about control. The Bloodhound is the quiet philosopher of tracking, built for endurance. At 100 pounds and deep in thought, it’ll follow a scent trail for miles with calm determination. It’s gentle, affectionate, and will lean into your side like a warm wall. But don’t be fooled by the sad eyes. this dog will ignore you completely if something interesting is in the air. And yes, it will howl. Often. You need space, time, and a solid fence. A suburban backyard won’t cut it. The Russell Terrier is the opposite kind of obsession. Ten pounds of coiled spring. It’s not following a scent for miles. it’s diving into it, underground if necessary. Originally bred to bolt foxes from dens, it’s fearless, intense, and built for action. It bonds deeply and loves hard, but it’s not the dog to leave alone on a couch. It needs jobs, agility courses, or at least a very chew-resistant home. Here’s the real talk: both are stubborn in their own way. The Bloodhound won’t come when called because it’s lost in scent. The Russell won’t come because it’s too busy digging up your garden to see what’s beneath. If you want a dog that listens, neither is your pick. Choose the Bloodhound if you’re patient, live rurally, and love a dog with quiet dignity. Pick the Russell Terrier if you want a tiny tornado with heart, and you’re ready to keep up.

Bloodhound
Russell Terrier
23–27 in
Height
10–12 in
80–110 lb
Weight
9–15 lb
10–12 yr
Lifespan
12–14 yr
$1.0–2.5k
Puppy price
$1.2–3.0k
#49
AKC popularity
#82

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 Russell Terrier
Overlay

Where they diverge

Drooling Level
Russell Terrier drools less (4-point difference)
Russell
Good with Other Dogs
Russell Terrier is better with other dogs (2-point difference)
Russell
Good with Strangers
Russell Terrier is friendlier with strangers (2-point difference)
Russell
Playfulness
Russell Terrier is more playful (2-point difference)
Russell
Watchdog / Protective
Russell Terrier is more protective (2-point difference)
Russell
The verdict

Choose the Bloodhound if…

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

Choose the Russell Terrier if…

  • Active owners
  • Dog sports enthusiasts
  • Families with older children
  • You value good with other dogsRussell Terrier 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
Russell Terrier Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Russell 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

Other comparisons people run