Barbet vs German Shepherd
Discover the differences between Barbet and German Shepherd to make the best choice for your situation.
Try different breeds
Barbet
Affectionate, intelligent, and lively, the Barbet thrives as a loyal family companion. This curly-coated water dog brings joy with its playful spirit and gentle disposition.
German Shepherd
Confident, loyal, and highly intelligent, this breed thrives as both a devoted family companion and a reliable working partner. Always alert and eager to learn, it adapts to many roles with ease.
Quick comparison
Medium
18–28 kg
Curly, dense
12–14 years
14–23 kg
Moderately active
Large
30–40 kg
Double coat, dense undercoat
9–13 years
22–32 kg
High energy
Personality & behavior
Compare the personality traits and behavioral characteristics of both breeds.
Barbet
Affectionate and sociable with people and dogs
Quick learner, responds well to training
Needs regular activity and outdoor exercise
Enjoys games, water, and interactive play
Adjusts well to different home environments
German Shepherd
Warm with family, reserved with strangers
Quick learner, highly trainable and alert
Needs regular activity and vigorous exercise
Enjoys games, interactive and engaging
Adjusts well to new situations and environments
Care needs
Exercise, grooming, and daily care requirements
Barbet
Hip dysplasia, epilepsy
German Shepherd
Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia
Suitability
How well each breed fits different living situations and families
Barbet
Good choice
Barbets are friendly, trainable, and eager to please, making them manageable for beginners.
Somewhat suitable
They adapt to apartments but need daily activity and mental stimulation.
Perfect fit
Their energy and love for exercise suit active owners with outdoor lifestyles.
Highly suitable
Gentle, patient, and playful, Barbets are excellent with young children.
Very friendly
They are social and generally get along well with other pets.
Not ideal
Barbets dislike being alone and may develop separation anxiety if left for long hours.
German Shepherd
Challenging for beginners
Needs experienced, consistent training and socialization
Not ideal
Needs space and frequent exercise to prevent boredom
Perfect fit
Thrives with active owners who can provide daily physical and mental challenges
Highly suitable
Loyal and protective, can be gentle and patient with proper socialization
Usually compatible
Can get along with other pets if raised together and well socialized
Prone to anxiety
Dislikes being left alone for long periods and may develop behavioral issues
Breed strengths
What each breed excels at and their best qualities
Barbet
- Adaptable to various living environments
- Friendly and affectionate with families
- Highly trainable and eager to please
- Low-shedding, curly coat reduces loose hair
- Good with children and other pets
German Shepherd
- Highly intelligent and quick to learn tasks
- Strong loyalty to family members
- Excellent working and service dog abilities
- Protective instincts make them good guardians
- Adaptable to various training activities
Challenges & considerations
Potential challenges and considerations for each breed
Barbet
- Needs regular coat grooming and trimming
- Prone to ear infections due to hairy ears
- Requires daily mental and physical exercise
- Can become bored and destructive if unstimulated
- May be reserved with strangers at first
German Shepherd
- Prone to hip and elbow dysplasia
- High exercise needs require daily activity
- Can develop separation anxiety if left alone
- May be wary of strangers without socialization
- Heavy seasonal shedding requires frequent grooming
Ready to choose your perfect breed?
Learn more about each breed or compare other breeds to find the perfect match for your lifestyle.
Discover more helpful tools
Make use of our other free tools to get the most out of your pet experience