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Barbet vs Golden Retriever

Discover the differences between Barbet and Golden Retriever to make the best choice for your situation.

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Barbet
France

Barbet

Sporting Group
Medium

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.

Golden Retriever
Scotland

Golden Retriever

Sporting Group
Large

A loving, intelligent breed with an easygoing nature and playful spirit. Known for loyalty and adaptability, making them exceptional companions for families of all kinds.

Quick comparison

Size:

Medium

Male:

18–28 kg

Coat:

Curly, dense

Lifespan:

12–14 years

Female:

14–23 kg

Energy:

Moderately active

Size:

Large

Male:

29–34 kg

Coat:

Double coat, water-repellent

Lifespan:

10–12 years

Female:

25–29 kg

Energy:

High energy

Personality & behavior

Compare the personality traits and behavioral characteristics of both breeds.

Barbet

Friendliness
5/5

Affectionate and sociable with people and dogs

Intelligence
4/5

Quick learner, responds well to training

Energy Level
4/5

Needs regular activity and outdoor exercise

Playfulness
5/5

Enjoys games, water, and interactive play

Adaptability
4/5

Adjusts well to different home environments

Golden Retriever

Friendliness
5/5

Very sociable, enjoys people and other dogs

Intelligence
5/5

Quick to learn commands and routines

Energy Level
4/5

Needs regular activity and mental stimulation

Playfulness
5/5

Loves games and interactive activities

Adaptability
4/5

Adjusts well to various living environments

Care needs

Exercise, grooming, and daily care requirements

Barbet

Grooming:
High grooming needs (weekly)
Exercise:
60–90 minutes daily
Shedding:
Light shedding
Trainability:
Quick learner
Climate tolerance:
Tolerates cold well
Health concerns:

Hip dysplasia, epilepsy

Golden Retriever

Grooming:
Average grooming needed (2–3 times weekly)
Exercise:
60–90 minutes daily
Shedding:
Heavy shedding
Trainability:
Highly trainable
Climate tolerance:
Comfortable in temperate climates, tolerates cold well
Health concerns:

Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia

Suitability

How well each breed fits different living situations and families

Barbet

First-time Owner
4/5

Good choice

Barbets are friendly, trainable, and eager to please, making them manageable for beginners.

Apartment Living
3/5

Somewhat suitable

They adapt to apartments but need daily activity and mental stimulation.

Active Lifestyle
5/5

Perfect fit

Their energy and love for exercise suit active owners with outdoor lifestyles.

Kids
5/5

Highly suitable

Gentle, patient, and playful, Barbets are excellent with young children.

Multiple Pets
4/5

Very friendly

They are social and generally get along well with other pets.

Being Left Alone
2/5

Not ideal

Barbets dislike being alone and may develop separation anxiety if left for long hours.

Golden Retriever

First-time Owner
5/5

Great choice

Friendly, trainable nature makes them easy for new owners to manage

Apartment Living
2/5

Needs space

Large size and high energy can be challenging in small apartments

Active Lifestyle
5/5

Highly suitable

Enjoys regular exercise and outdoor activities with active people

Kids
5/5

Perfect fit

Gentle temperament and patience make them excellent with young children

Multiple Pets
5/5

Very friendly

Generally sociable and gets along well with other pets

Being Left Alone
2/5

Prone to anxiety

Dislikes being left alone for extended 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

Golden Retriever

  • Friendly with children and other pets
  • Highly trainable and eager to please
  • Consistent, gentle temperament in most settings
  • Reliable as therapy and assistance dogs
  • Strong retrieving and swimming abilities

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

Golden Retriever

  • Prone to obesity without portion control
  • High shedding year-round requires regular grooming
  • Needs ample daily exercise to prevent boredom
  • Can develop separation anxiety when left alone
  • Susceptible to certain genetic health conditions

Ready to choose your perfect breed?

Learn more about each breed or compare other breeds to find the perfect match for your lifestyle.

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