Barbet vs English Foxhound
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Barbet
Sporting Group
English Foxhound
Hound Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Barbet Overview
Barbets are medium-sized water dogs characterized by their distinctive curly, woolly coat and long, sweeping tail. Their sturdy build and webbed feet make them exceptional swimmers, while their gentle expression and beard-like facial furnishings give them a charming, rustic appearance. These intelligent dogs possess a balanced temperament, combining their sporting heritage with an affectionate family nature.
English Foxhound Overview
English Foxhounds embody strength and endurance with their muscular build and deep chest. Standing 24 inches at the shoulder, these athletic hounds showcase a short, dense coat in tricolor or black-white-tan combinations. Their long legs and powerful shoulders enable remarkable stamina, while their gentle eyes and soft expression reflect their amiable nature. Distinguished by melodious voices and keen hunting instincts, they move with grace and purpose.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Barbets are less energetic than English Foxhounds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Barbets require more grooming attention compared to English Foxhounds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Barbets tend to be more reserved with strangers than English Foxhounds.
- Trainability: English Foxhounds may be slightly easier to train due to their English Foxhound's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Barbets adapt better to apartment living, while English Foxhounds typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Barbet and English Foxhound, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Barbet | English Foxhound |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years | 10-13 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Sporting Group | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Barbet | English Foxhound |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 19-25 inches 48-62 cm | 24-24 inches 61-61 cm |
| Weight | 35-65 lbs 16-29 kg | 60-75 lbs 27-34 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Infrequent | Regularly |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Barbet | English Foxhound |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Bright, Sweet-Natured | Affectionate, Gentle, Sociable |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Barbet | English Foxhound |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Barbet Temperament
The Barbet is known for being friendly, bright, sweet-natured, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
English Foxhound Temperament
The English Foxhound is characterized by being affectionate, gentle, sociable, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Barbet and English Foxhound, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Barbet
Rating: 5/5
English Foxhound
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Barbet
Rating: 5/5
English Foxhound
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Barbet
Rating: 3/5
English Foxhound
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Barbet
Rating: 2/5
English Foxhound
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Barbet
Rating: 3/5
English Foxhound
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
Barbet Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Barbets require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Barbets require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
English Foxhound Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
English Foxhounds need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, English Foxhounds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Barbet Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Epilepsy
- Ear Infections
English Foxhound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Renal Disease
- Epilepsy
- Thrombocytopathy
- Eye Problems
Pros & Cons
Barbet
Pros
- Excellent swimming ability
- Good with families
- Low shedding coat
- Intelligent and trainable
Cons
- High grooming needs
- Requires regular exercise
- Can be expensive to maintain
- Prone to ear infections
English Foxhound
Pros
- Excellent endurance
- Good with other dogs
- Gentle temperament
- Low grooming needs
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Strong hunting instincts
- Not apartment suitable
- Can be vocal
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Barbet and English Foxhound, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.