Barbet vs French Bulldog
Discover the differences between Barbet and French Bulldog 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.

French Bulldog
Compact, playful, and affectionate, this breed charms with its expressive face and easygoing personality. Ideal for city living, French Bulldogs make steadfast companions and loving family pets.
Quick comparison
Medium
18–28 kg
Curly, dense
12–14 years
14–23 kg
Moderately active
Small
9–13 kg
Short, smooth
10–12 years
8–12 kg
Low activity needs
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
French Bulldog
Affectionate with people and enjoys companionship
Learns routines quickly but can be stubborn
Prefers short play sessions and moderate walks
Enjoys interactive games and gentle roughhousing
Comfortable in apartments and various environments
Care needs
Exercise, grooming, and daily care requirements
Barbet
Hip dysplasia, epilepsy
French Bulldog
Brachycephalic syndrome, skin allergies
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.
French Bulldog
Great choice
Easygoing temperament and manageable size suit first-time owners well
Perfect fit
Quiet and compact, they adapt well to small apartments
Not ideal
They tire quickly and don’t match very active lifestyles
Highly suitable
Gentle and playful, they are patient with young children
Very friendly
Generally sociable and get along with other pets if introduced properly
Prone to anxiety
They dislike being left alone for long periods and may develop separation 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
French Bulldog
- Affectionate with families and children
- Adaptable to apartment living
- Minimal grooming requirements
- Generally quiet and not prone to barking
- Strong loyalty to owners
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
French Bulldog
- Prone to breathing difficulties due to flat face
- Sensitive to extreme heat and cold
- May develop separation anxiety
- Stubborn during training sessions
- High risk of obesity without portion control
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