Living
Is either a good apartment dog?
No — both tie at Low (2/5), so this comparison assumes access to outdoor space regardless of which you choose.
Bloodhound vs French Spaniel: Which Suits Your Home?
Bloodhound or French Spaniel? On paper they differ most on exercise need, and on the scales Bloodhound is the heavier at 90–110 lbs. Here is how the two compare on everything that shapes an ordinary week.
This is for someone already down to Bloodhound and French Spaniel and deciding between them. For this pair the decision usually turns on exercise need and trainability, so those are covered first and in most detail. Both rate 2/5 for flats, so housing does not settle this one. It is written for the decision rather than the breed history.
Quick verdict
Between Bloodhound and French Spaniel, exercise need is what separates them, and Bloodhound is the lower-effort dog of the two to keep.
Choose bloodhound if...
Choose Bloodhound if you do not want a standing grooming appointment and your walking routine is modest.
Choose french spaniel if...
Choose French Spaniel if this is your first dog, you want a dog that picks up training quickly and a smaller dog suits your car, your home or your back.
Head-to-head comparison
| Feature | bloodhound | french spaniel | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size class | large | medium | Equal |
| Weight | 90–110 lbs | 45–60 lbs | Equal |
| Height | 23–27 in | 21–24 in | Equal |
| Lifespan | 7–10 years | 10–12 years | french spaniel |
| Exercise need | Moderate (3/5) | Very high (5/5) | bloodhound |
| Grooming need | Low (2/5) | Moderate (3/5) | bloodhound |
| Shedding | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) | Equal |
| Energy level | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) | Equal |
| Barking | Moderate (3/5) | Low (2/5) | french spaniel |
| Apartment suitability | Low (2/5) | Low (2/5) | Equal |
| Good for first-time owners | Low (2/5) | Moderate (3/5) | french spaniel |
| Tolerates being alone | Low (2/5) | Low (2/5) | Equal |
| Trainability | Low (2/5) | High (4/5) | french spaniel |
| Good with kids | High (4/5) | High (4/5) | Equal |
| Good with other dogs | High (4/5) | High (4/5) | Equal |
| Friendly to strangers | High (4/5) | High (4/5) | Equal |
| Cost level | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) | Equal |
| Coat | Short, dense | Medium, flat and feathered | Equal |
| Origin | Belgium | Various | Equal |
| Typical monthly cost | $100–$200 | $100–$200 | Equal |
| Typical first-year cost | $1,500–$2,800 | $1,400–$2,900 | Equal |
Deep dive
Size and build
The French Spaniel is a medium-to-large breed at 45–60 pounds and 21–24 inches, notably closer in stature to the Bloodhound than most other breeds in this batch of comparisons, though still well under the Bloodhound's 90–110 pounds and 23–27 inches. Height, in particular, is nearly matched — only a few inches separate the two at the shoulder.
Energy and exercise
The French Spaniel rates Very High (5/5) for exercise need against the Bloodhound's Moderate (3/5), and High (4/5) for energy level against the Bloodhound's Moderate (3/5) too. Bred as a versatile hunting dog, it wants sustained daily activity — this is not a breed that does well with short leash walks around the block.
Grooming and shedding
Grooming leans toward the Bloodhound, Low (2/5) against Moderate (3/5) for the French Spaniel's medium, flat, feathered coat, though the gap here is smaller than in most other comparisons in this batch. Shedding ties at Moderate (3/5) for both breeds, so overall coat-care effort differs more than shedding volume does.
Apartment living, noise and time alone
Apartment suitability ties at Low (2/5) for both breeds, and for similar reasons — the French Spaniel's very high exercise need makes small-space living impractical despite whatever size advantages it holds elsewhere. Barking actually favors the French Spaniel, Low (2/5) against Moderate (3/5) for the Bloodhound, giving it a slight edge with close neighbors.
Training and owner experience
Trainability favors the French Spaniel, High (4/5) against Low (2/5) for the Bloodhound, and its first-time-owner suitability score follows suit at Moderate (3/5) versus Low (2/5). It's not the easiest breed on this site to train, but it's meaningfully more responsive than the independent-minded Bloodhound.
Kids, other dogs and visitors
Kids, other dogs, and strangers all tie at High (4/5) for both breeds — the most even household-fit comparison in this whole batch. Both temperament profiles lean sociable: gentle and sociable for the French Spaniel, friendly and curious for the Bloodhound. If household compatibility is your main filter, this pair won't help you decide.
Health and lifespan
Lifespan is the closest of any pairing in this batch — 10 to 12 years for the French Spaniel against 7 to 10 for the Bloodhound, only a two-year gap at the overlapping range. Its health list is shorter too, five conditions including epilepsy and the breed-specific Acral Mutilation Syndrome, against ten for the Bloodhound, which additionally carries bloat and bleeding disorder risks.
Cost to keep
Cost level ties at Moderate (3/5), and monthly costs tie exactly at $100–$200. First-year totals sit close — $1,500–$2,800 for the Bloodhound against $1,400–$2,900 for the French Spaniel — making cost essentially a non-factor in choosing between these two.
Bloodhound vs French Spaniel at a glance
Bloodhound weighs 90–110 lbs and lives 7–10 years; French Spaniel weighs 45–60 lbs and lives 10–12 years. The two diverge most on exercise need and trainability. They are level on tolerates being alone, apartment suitability and cost level, so those cannot decide it. In the table, a "winner" means easier for an ordinary household — not better. Size, coat and origin are recorded without a verdict. Because both breeds are scored the same way, the gaps are reliable even where the absolute numbers are rough.
Frequently asked questions
How similar in size are these two breeds?
Closer than most Bloodhound comparisons — the French Spaniel stands 21 to 24 inches against the Bloodhound's 23 to 27, though it's still lighter at 45 to 60 pounds versus 90 to 110.
Which needs more exercise?
The French Spaniel by a wide margin — Very High (5/5) against Moderate (3/5) for the Bloodhound, reflecting its background as a versatile hunting breed.
Which is better for a first-time owner?
The French Spaniel, rated Moderate (3/5) against the Bloodhound's Low (2/5) — a real gap, though neither is the easiest starter breed.
Is either suited to an apartment?
No — both tie at Low (2/5) for apartment suitability, mainly because the French Spaniel's exercise needs rule out small spaces too.
What will monthly costs look like?
Identical — $100 to $200 a month for both breeds.
How close are their lifespans?
Closer than any other pairing in this batch — 10 to 12 years for the French Spaniel against 7 to 10 for the Bloodhound.
What's the biggest health concern for the French Spaniel?
Acral Mutilation Syndrome and epilepsy stand out as breed-specific risks that don't appear on the Bloodhound's list.
Quick answers
View more answersCosts
Is there a cost difference?
Essentially none — both run $100 to $200 monthly, with first-year totals within $100 of each other.
Training
Which needs more exercise?
The French Spaniel, rated Very High (5/5) against Moderate (3/5) for the Bloodhound — the widest gap in this comparison.
Health
How different are their lifespans?
Not by much, for this site — 10 to 12 years for the French Spaniel against 7 to 10 for the Bloodhound, the narrowest gap in this batch of comparisons.
Related DogBreedCompass guides
- Bloodhound breed guide – Readers comparing the two usually want the full profile of Bloodhound before deciding.
- French Spaniel breed guide – The same for French Spaniel, so the comparison can be checked against the detail.
- Bloodhound vs Old English Sheepdog – Old English Sheepdog is the closest breed to Bloodhound on the measured axes, so it is the natural next comparison.
- French Spaniel vs Welsh Springer Spaniel – Welsh Springer Spaniel sits closest to French Spaniel, which makes it the alternative worth ruling out.
- What Bloodhound costs to keep – Anyone weighing these two is usually also pricing them, and the cost pages carry city-level figures.
- French Spaniel health problems – The health pages set out what each breed is actually screened for.
Related guides
Comparison
Weimaraner vs Yorkshire Terrier: Size, Cost & Temperament
ComparisonRead guide->
Cost
Yorkshire Terrier Cost in Seattle: What to Expect
CostRead guide->
List
Best Dogs for Retirees & Seniors: Low-Energy, Loyal & Easy to Handle
ListRead guide->
Guide
Best Dog for Cold Climates: A Breed Comparison Guide
GuideRead guide->
Cost
Yorkshire Terrier Cost in Providence: What to Expect
CostRead guide->
Cost
Yorkshire Terrier Cost in Sioux Falls: What to Expect
CostRead guide->
Important reminder
Health information here is general and is not veterinary advice. If your dog shows pain, sudden behaviour change, or worsening symptoms, consult a licensed veterinarian.
Some links on this site are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you, and we only suggest products we believe are helpful for dog owners.
Find Your Perfect Breed
Match your lifestyle to the right dog.
Take quizFind your match
Not sure which breed is right for you? Take our 2-minute quiz to find out.
Take the quiz