Barbet vs English Toy Spaniel
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 Toy Spaniel
Toy 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 Toy Spaniel Overview
English Toy Spaniels feature a distinctive domed head, short muzzle, and large, dark eyes that give them an endearing expression. Their silky coat comes in four color combinations, with long feathering on ears, chest, and legs. Compact and square-proportioned, these gentle companions carry themselves with a dignified yet playful air, typically standing 9-10 inches at the shoulder.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Barbets are less energetic than English Toy Spaniels, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Barbets require less grooming attention compared to English Toy Spaniels.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Barbets tend to be more reserved with strangers than English Toy Spaniels.
- Trainability: English Toy Spaniels may be slightly easier to train due to their English Toy Spaniel's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: English Toy Spaniels adapt better to apartment living, while Barbets typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Barbet and English Toy Spaniel, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Barbet | English Toy Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years | 10-12 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Sporting Group | Toy Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Barbet | English Toy Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 19-25 inches 48-62 cm | 9-10 inches 23-25 cm |
| Weight | 35-65 lbs 16-29 kg | 8-14 lbs 4-6 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Infrequent | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Barbet | English Toy Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Bright, Sweet-Natured | Gentle, Playful, Intelligent |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Barbet | English Toy Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Toy Spaniel Temperament
The English Toy Spaniel is characterized by being gentle, playful, intelligent, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Barbet and English Toy Spaniel, 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 Toy Spaniel
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Barbet
Rating: 5/5
English Toy Spaniel
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Barbet
Rating: 3/5
English Toy Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Barbet
Rating: 2/5
English Toy Spaniel
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Barbet
Rating: 3/5
English Toy Spaniel
Rating: 4/5
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 Toy Spaniel Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
English Toy Spaniels need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, English Toy Spaniels require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.
Health & Lifespan
Barbet Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Epilepsy
- Ear Infections
English Toy Spaniel Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Heart Disease
- Eye Problems
- Patellar Luxation
- Syringomyelia
- Dental Issues
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 Toy Spaniel
Pros
- Gentle temperament
- Good with families
- Adaptable to apartment living
- Affectionate nature
Cons
- Regular grooming needed
- Health issues common
- Can be stubborn
- Temperature sensitive
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Barbet and English Toy Spaniel, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.