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Bloodhound vs Scottish Terrier

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 Scottish Terrier

You don’t see Bloodhounds and Scottish Terriers in the same conversation much, but people end up comparing them when they’re drawn to strong-willed, independent dogs with big personalities in very different packages. One’s a towering scent hound with ears that sweep the floor, the other a low-slung, bearded brick of confidence. But both demand respect for their autonomy. and that’s where the real decision begins. If you're picturing weekend hikes, tracking games, or living on acres where a dog can follow a scent trail for miles, the Bloodhound is built for that life. They’re gentle with family, but once that nose hits the ground, they’re gone. You won’t keep them off-leash safely, and their baying will carry half a mile. They’re not apartment-friendly, not quiet, and they drool on your coffee table. But if you want a deeply loyal, patient dog with an almost supernatural sense of smell, they’re unmatched. The Scottie, on the other hand, fits in a city condo just fine. They’re bold, feisty, and form intense bonds with one or two people. They won’t fetch your slippers, but they’ll guard your home like it’s a castle. They’re more likely to bark at a passing squirrel than a stranger, and they can be snarky with other dogs. Kids under ten? Probably not ideal. But for a retiree or a single owner who wants a dog with character and minimal shedding, they’re a gem. Here’s the truth the breed standards won’t tell you: both breeds will ignore you when they decide they know better. But the Bloodhound does it because he’s lost in a scent. The Scottie does it because he’s convinced he’s in charge. Know which kind of stubborn you can live with.

Bloodhound
Scottish Terrier
23–27 in
Height
9.5–10 in
80–110 lb
Weight
18–22 lb
10–12 yr
Lifespan
12–12 yr
$1.0–2.5k
Puppy price
$1.5–3.5k
#49
AKC popularity
#57

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 Scottish Terrier
Overlay

Where they diverge

Drooling Level
Scottish Terrier drools less (3-point difference)
Scottish
Watchdog / Protective
Scottish Terrier is more protective (3-point difference)
Scottish
Affectionate w/ Family
Scottish Terrier is more affectionate (1-point difference)
Scottish
Good with Other Dogs
Bloodhound is better with other dogs (1-point difference)
Bloodhound
Shedding Level
Scottish Terrier sheds less (1-point difference)
Scottish
The verdict

Choose the Bloodhound if…

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

Choose the Scottish Terrier if…

  • Apartment living
  • Independent owners
  • Those wanting a distinctive, classic breed
  • You value watchdog / protectiveScottish 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
Scottish Terrier Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Scottish 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

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