Barbet vs Golden Retriever
Discover the differences between Barbet and Golden Retriever 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.

Golden Retriever
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
Medium
18–28 kg
Curly, dense
12–14 years
14–23 kg
Moderately active
Large
29–34 kg
Double coat, water-repellent
10–12 years
25–29 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
Golden Retriever
Very sociable, enjoys people and other dogs
Quick to learn commands and routines
Needs regular activity and mental stimulation
Loves games and interactive activities
Adjusts well to various living environments
Care needs
Exercise, grooming, and daily care requirements
Barbet
Hip dysplasia, epilepsy
Golden Retriever
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.
Golden Retriever
Great choice
Friendly, trainable nature makes them easy for new owners to manage
Needs space
Large size and high energy can be challenging in small apartments
Highly suitable
Enjoys regular exercise and outdoor activities with active people
Perfect fit
Gentle temperament and patience make them excellent with young children
Very friendly
Generally sociable and gets along well with other pets
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
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Learn more about each breed or compare other breeds to find the perfect match for your lifestyle.
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