Bloodhound VS Bernese Mountain Dog
A detailed side-by-side comparison to help you choose between these two popular breeds.
Quick Comparison
| Trait | Bloodhound | Bernese Mountain Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Lifespan | 10–12 yrs | 7–10 yrs |
| Weight | 80–110 lbs | 70–115 lbs |
| Height | 23–27" | 23–27" |
| Price | $800–$1500 | $1500–$3000 |
| AKC Rank | #42 | #22 |
| Group | Hound | Working |
| Size | Large | Giant |
Rating Comparison
Detailed Comparison
Choosing between a Bloodhound and a Bernese Mountain Dog is a common dilemma for prospective dog owners in 2026. Both breeds have passionate followings and distinct characteristics that make them excellent companions for the right families.
Size and Appearance
The Bloodhound is a large-sized dog weighing 80–110 pounds and standing 23–27 inches tall. In comparison, the Bernese Mountain Dog is giant-sized at 70–115 pounds and 23–27 inches. This size difference is an important factor for families considering space requirements and physical handling.
Temperament
When it comes to energy levels, the Bloodhound rates 3/5 while the Bernese Mountain Dog scores 4/5. For trainability, the Bloodhound earns a 3/5 compared to the Bernese Mountain Dog's 5/5. Both breeds can be wonderful family dogs, with kid-friendliness ratings of 5/5 and 5/5 respectively.
Health and Lifespan
The Bloodhound typically lives 10–12 years, while the Bernese Mountain Dog has a lifespan of 7–10 years. Both breeds have their own set of common health concerns, and prospective owners should look for breeders who perform comprehensive health testing.
Cost
In terms of initial cost, Bloodhounds typically range from $800 to $1500, while Bernese Mountain Dogs cost $1500 to $3000. Ongoing monthly costs are approximately $203 for the Bloodhound and $208 for the Bernese Mountain Dog.
Grooming and Maintenance
Grooming needs differ between these breeds, with the Bloodhound rating 3/5 and the Bernese Mountain Dog rating 5/5. Shedding levels are 2/5 for the Bloodhound and 3/5 for the Bernese Mountain Dog.
Living Situation
For apartment dwellers, the Bloodhound rates 5/5 for apartment friendliness while the Bernese Mountain Dog scores 4/5. Exercise requirements are 2/5 for the Bloodhound and 3/5 for the Bernese Mountain Dog. Both breeds thrive with owners who can commit to daily physical activity and mental stimulation.
The Verdict
Both the Bloodhound and Bernese Mountain Dog are exceptional breeds that can bring joy and companionship to the right home. The best choice depends on your specific lifestyle, living situation, and preferences.
Choose the Bloodhound if: You want a large-sized hound dog with an energy level of 3/5 and don't mind regular grooming needs. They're ideal for families with children and apartment living.
Choose the Bernese Mountain Dog if: You prefer a giant-sized companion from the working group with higher energy levels. They excel with moderate activity levels and apartment living.
Size and Physical Differences
When comparing the Bloodhound and Bernese Mountain Dog side by side, the physical differences become immediately apparent and play a significant role in determining which breed suits your home environment. The Bloodhound weighs 80–110 lbs, while the Bernese Mountain Dog comes in at 70–115 lbs. In terms of height, the Bloodhound stands 23–27" tall compared to the Bernese Mountain Dog at 23–27". These measurements directly impact how much space the dog needs to move comfortably, the size of crate and bed required, and even the cost of food and medication dosing since larger dogs require proportionally more of both.
Lifespan is another critical physical factor — the Bloodhound typically lives 10–12 yrs, whereas the Bernese Mountain Dog has an expected lifespan of 7–10 yrs. Larger breeds generally have shorter lifespans due to faster cellular aging and greater strain on joints and organs. This difference means a potentially longer commitment with one breed versus the other, affecting everything from total lifetime costs to the emotional timeline of companionship. Consider which lifespan range aligns with your family situation and long-term plans before making a decision between these two breeds.
Temperament and Lifestyle Fit
Beyond physical traits, the temperament profiles of the Bloodhound and Bernese Mountain Dog reveal which breed integrates more naturally into your daily life. The Bernese Mountain Dog brings more energy at 4/5 versus the Bloodhound's 3/5, requiring more vigorous daily activity to stay content. The Bernese Mountain Dog edges ahead in trainability at 5/5 compared to 3/5 for the Bloodhound, suggesting faster learning during obedience training.
The Bloodhound is the more vocal breed with a barking level of 4/5 compared to 2/5, which matters significantly for apartment dwellers or those with noise-sensitive neighbors. Consider which temperament profile aligns with your household dynamics, daily schedule, and activity preferences before choosing between these two breeds.
Cost of Ownership
The initial purchase price differs between these breeds: the Bloodhound typically costs $800–$1500, while the Bernese Mountain Dog runs $1500–$3000. However, the purchase price represents only a fraction of the total cost of dog ownership. First-year expenses including supplies, initial veterinary visits, vaccinations, spay or neuter surgery, and early training classes typically add $1,000–$2,500 on top of the acquisition cost regardless of breed. Larger breeds generally incur higher ongoing costs because they consume more food, require larger doses of medications, and need bigger crates, beds, and accessories.
Monthly costs for either breed include food ($30–$100 depending on size and dietary needs), pet insurance ($30–$60), routine grooming ($0–$100 depending on coat type), and miscellaneous supplies. Annual veterinary care adds $300–$800 for healthy dogs, with senior dogs and those with chronic conditions requiring significantly more. Over a full lifespan, total ownership costs for medium to large breeds commonly reach $15,000–$30,000, not including emergency veterinary care. Before deciding between the Bloodhound and Bernese Mountain Dog, create a realistic budget that accounts for these ongoing expenses to ensure you can provide excellent care throughout the dog's entire life without financial strain.
Hidden costs that prospective owners frequently overlook include professional training classes ($150–$500 for basic obedience), boarding or pet sitting during vacations ($30–$75 per night), dog-proofing your home ($100–$300), and replacement of items damaged during puppyhood. Renters should factor in pet deposits ($200–$500) and monthly pet rent ($25–$75) that many landlords charge. Pet insurance at $30–$60 per month is strongly recommended regardless of which breed you choose, as a single emergency can easily cost $3,000–$8,000. Establishing an emergency veterinary fund alongside insurance provides a financial safety net that prevents care decisions from being driven by budget constraints during your dog's most vulnerable moments.
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Choose the Bloodhound if: You are looking for a breed that matches the Bloodhound's specific combination of traits and temperament characteristics outlined above. Consider this breed if your living situation, activity level, and experience with dogs align well with what the Bloodhound demands. Prospective owners should visit our full Bloodhound profile for detailed information on health issues, grooming requirements, training tips, and real ownership costs broken down by category.
Choose the Bernese Mountain Dog if: Your lifestyle and preferences align more closely with the Bernese Mountain Dog's temperament and physical characteristics. Review the complete Bernese Mountain Dog breed profile for in-depth coverage of health, temperament, cost breakdowns, and practical ownership advice. Spending time with both breeds before making a final decision is strongly recommended — attend breed-specific events, connect with local breed clubs, or visit reputable breeders and rescue organizations to interact with dogs of each breed in person.
Still undecided? Use our Dog Age Calculator and Puppy Weight Calculator to understand the growth and aging trajectory for each breed. Browse our expert guides for advice on training, nutrition, health care, and choosing the right breed for your specific situation. The right dog is not simply the most popular or the most attractive breed — it is the one whose daily needs, temperament, and care requirements align with what you can realistically provide over the next decade or more. Take the time to meet dogs of both breeds in person before committing — the investment in research and firsthand experience prevents the heartbreak of rehoming a dog that does not fit your lifestyle.