Living
Which is the easier everyday dog?
The Welsh Springer Spaniel, mainly on trainability (4/5 vs 2/5) and first-time-owner fit (3/5 vs 2/5) - though it needs more exercise and is more reserved with strangers.
Bloodhound vs Welsh Springer Spaniel: Which Suits Your Home?
Bloodhound or Welsh Springer Spaniel? On paper they differ most on trainability, 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 Welsh Springer Spaniel and deciding between them. For this pair the decision usually turns on 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 Welsh Springer Spaniel, trainability 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 welsh springer spaniel if...
Choose Welsh Springer 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 | welsh springer spaniel | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size class | large | medium | Equal |
| Weight | 90–110 lbs | 35–55 lbs | Equal |
| Height | 23–27 in | 17–19 in | Equal |
| Lifespan | 7–10 years | 12–15 years | welsh springer spaniel |
| Exercise need | Moderate (3/5) | High (4/5) | 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) | Moderate (3/5) | Equal |
| Apartment suitability | Low (2/5) | Low (2/5) | Equal |
| Good for first-time owners | Low (2/5) | Moderate (3/5) | welsh springer spaniel |
| Tolerates being alone | Low (2/5) | Low (2/5) | Equal |
| Trainability | Low (2/5) | High (4/5) | welsh springer 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) | Moderate (3/5) | bloodhound |
| Cost level | Moderate (3/5) | Moderate (3/5) | Equal |
| Coat | Short, dense | Medium, straight and water-resistant | 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 Welsh Springer Spaniel is a medium breed, 35-55 lbs and 17-19 inches, noticeably smaller than the Bloodhound's 90-110 lbs and 23-27 inches - roughly half the height and well under half the weight. It's a dog built for flushing game in the field, not the tracking-hound frame the Bloodhound carries.
Energy and exercise
The Welsh Springer wants more daily activity, rated 4/5 on exercise need against the Bloodhound's 3/5, and it's a genuinely energetic field breed suited to owners who hike, run, or play fetch regularly. The Bloodhound's exercise need is lower but comes with its own catch - it wants to follow a scent, not just move around.
Grooming and shedding
Grooming tips slightly in the Bloodhound's favor, 2/5 against the Welsh Springer's 3/5, since the Springer's medium, water-resistant coat needs more regular brushing to prevent matting, especially around the ears and feathering. Shedding, though, is tied - both breeds rate a moderate 3/5, so expect regular vacuuming either way.
Apartment living, noise and time alone
These two are more evenly matched than most pairings on this site - apartment suitability, barking, and alone-time tolerance are all tied, at 2/5, 3/5, and 2/5 respectively. Neither is an ideal apartment dog and neither handles being left alone particularly well, so your living situation may not be the deciding factor here.
Training and owner experience
The Welsh Springer is the more trainable of the two, rating 4/5 against the Bloodhound's 2/5, and it's somewhat friendlier to first-time owners as well at 3/5 versus 2/5. Its field-dog background means it's used to working closely with a handler, which shows up clearly in the trainability gap.
Kids, other dogs and visitors
Kids and other dogs are tied, both breeds rating 4/5. The Bloodhound is friendlier with strangers, though, at 4/5 versus the Welsh Springer's 3/5 - fitting, since the breed's temperament notes describe it as reserved with strangers, a trait that shows up directly in this lower score.
Health and lifespan
Both share a risk of hip dysplasia and ear infections. The Welsh Springer's list also includes epilepsy and glaucoma, while the Bloodhound's runs longer overall with additions like bloat and bleeding disorders. The Welsh Springer lives meaningfully longer, though - 12-15 years against the Bloodhound's 7-10.
Cost to keep
Cost is close to identical - both rate a moderate 3/5 overall, with matching monthly ranges of $100-200 and nearly identical first-year ranges ($1,500-2,800 for the Bloodhound versus $1,400-2,900 for the Welsh Springer). Budget isn't going to be what separates these two breeds for you.
Bloodhound vs Welsh Springer Spaniel at a glance
Bloodhound weighs 90–110 lbs and lives 7–10 years; Welsh Springer Spaniel weighs 35–55 lbs and lives 12–15 years. The two diverge most on trainability. They are level on tolerates being alone, apartment suitability and barking, 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 much smaller is the Welsh Springer Spaniel?
Considerably - 35-55 lbs and 17-19 inches, against the Bloodhound's 90-110 lbs and 23-27 inches. It's roughly half the height and well under half the weight.
Which needs more exercise?
The Welsh Springer Spaniel, rated 4/5 against the Bloodhound's 3/5 - it's an energetic field breed that wants regular activity.
Is either breed better for a first-time owner?
The Welsh Springer, slightly - it rates 3/5 versus the Bloodhound's 2/5, helped by its higher trainability score of 4/5 against 2/5.
Does either fit an apartment well?
Not really - both rate a low 2/5 on apartment suitability, and both tolerate being alone poorly, also tied at 2/5.
What's the cost comparison?
Nearly identical - both run $100-200 a month, and first-year costs are close too, at $1,500-2,800 for the Bloodhound and $1,400-2,900 for the Welsh Springer.
Do they share health risks?
Yes, partially - both can develop hip dysplasia and ear infections. The Welsh Springer's list also includes epilepsy and glaucoma, not shared with the Bloodhound.
Which is friendlier with strangers?
The Bloodhound, at 4/5 versus the Welsh Springer's 3/5 - consistent with the breed's own temperament notes, which describe it as reserved with strangers.
Quick answers
View more answersCosts
Is one cheaper?
Practically no difference - both run about $100-200 a month and $1,400-2,900 in the first year.
Training
Which needs more exercise?
The Welsh Springer Spaniel, rated 4/5 against the Bloodhound's 3/5.
Health
Which lives longer?
The Welsh Springer Spaniel, typically 12-15 years against the Bloodhound's 7-10.
Related DogBreedCompass guides
- Bloodhound breed guide – Readers comparing the two usually want the full profile of Bloodhound before deciding.
- Welsh Springer Spaniel breed guide – The same for Welsh Springer 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.
- Welsh Springer Spaniel vs French Spaniel – French Spaniel sits closest to Welsh Springer 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.
- Welsh Springer Spaniel health problems – The health pages set out what each breed is actually screened for.
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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.
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