Barbet vs Keeshond
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
Keeshond
Non-Sporting 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.
Keeshond Overview
Keeshonds are distinctive spitz-type dogs featuring a luxurious double coat in silver and black, with distinctive 'spectacles' around their expressive eyes. Their fox-like face, coupled with a proud, plumed tail and thick ruff around the neck, creates an instantly recognizable silhouette. Medium-sized and well-proportioned, they carry themselves with confidence and grace.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Barbets are less energetic than Keeshonds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Barbets require less grooming attention compared to Keeshonds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Barbets tend to be more reserved with strangers than Keeshonds.
- Trainability: Barbets may be slightly easier to train due to their Barbet's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Barbets adapt better to apartment living, while Keeshonds typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Barbet and Keeshond, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Barbet | Keeshond |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Sporting Group | Non-Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Barbet | Keeshond |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 19-25 inches 48-62 cm | 17-18 inches 43-46 cm |
| Weight | 35-65 lbs 16-29 kg | 35-45 lbs 16-20 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Infrequent | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Barbet | Keeshond |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Bright, Sweet-Natured | Friendly, Lively, Outgoing |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Barbet | Keeshond |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Keeshond Temperament
The Keeshond is characterized by being friendly, lively, outgoing, 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 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 Keeshond, 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
Keeshond
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Barbet
Rating: 5/5
Keeshond
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Barbet
Rating: 3/5
Keeshond
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Barbet
Rating: 2/5
Keeshond
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Barbet
Rating: 3/5
Keeshond
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.
Keeshond Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Keeshonds 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, Keeshonds 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
Keeshond Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Patellar Luxation
- Heart Issues
- 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
Keeshond
Pros
- Excellent family companion
- Good with children
- Intelligent and trainable
- Alert watchdog
- Adaptable to different living situations
Cons
- Heavy shedding
- Regular grooming required
- Can be vocal
- Needs regular exercise
- May be stubborn
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Barbet and Keeshond, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.