Barbet
An ancient French water dog with a woolly coat and bushy beard, the Barbet is cheerful, sociable and sheds very little.
Barbet vs Poodle
Side by side
| Trait | Barbet | Poodle |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Retrievers, flushing dogs and water dogs | Companion and toy dogs |
| Size | Large | Toy – Large |
| Weight | 17–28 kg | 3–30 kg |
| Height at withers | 53–65 cm | 24–60 cm |
| Life expectancy | 12–14 years | 12–15 years |
| Energy | ||
| With children | ||
| With other dogs | ||
| Trainability | ||
| Grooming needs | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Heat tolerance | ||
| Apartment | Not recommended | Yes |
Key differences
- Heavier: Barbet (about 22.5 kg vs 16.5 kg on average)
- Taller: Barbet (about 59 cm vs 42 cm on average)
- Suited to apartments: Poodle only
Gaps counted as key differences: more than 20% in average weight, more than 10% in average height, at least 2 years in average life expectancy, or at least 2 points on a rating.
Which one is right for you?
A quick guide based on the ratings above. Every dog is an individual: spend time with the breed and talk to breeders, rescue organisations or a veterinarian before deciding.
- Apartment living
- Poodle is the better fitBased on apartment suitability and energy.
- Family with children
- Barbet is the better fitBased on behaviour with children.
- First-time owner
- Both are similarBased on trainability, energy and grooming needs.
- Hot climate
- Poodle is the better fitBased on heat tolerance.
- Active owner
- Barbet is the better fitBased on energy level.
Meet the two breeds
Poodle
Intelligent, cheerful and barely shedding, the Poodle comes in four sizes, from Toy to Standard, and adapts to almost any household.