Chow Chow vs Barbet
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Chow Chow
Non-Sporting Group
Barbet
Sporting Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Chow Chow Overview
Majestic and powerful, the Chow Chow boasts a distinctive lion-like mane and unique blue-black tongue. Their sturdy build, deep-set eyes, and thick double coat create an impressive presence. Standing proudly with a characteristic scowling expression, these ancient dogs combine strength with remarkable agility. Their aloof demeanor and dignified bearing reflect their noble heritage as guardians and companions.
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.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Chow Chows are less energetic than Barbets, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Chow Chows require more grooming attention compared to Barbets.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Chow Chows tend to be more reserved with strangers than Barbets.
- 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 Chow Chows typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Chow Chow and Barbet, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Chow Chow | Barbet |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 8-12 years | 12-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Non-Sporting Group | Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Chow Chow | Barbet |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 17-20 inches 43-51 cm | 19-25 inches 48-62 cm |
| Weight | 45-70 lbs 20-32 kg | 35-65 lbs 16-29 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Infrequent |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Chow Chow | Barbet |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Dignified, Bright, Serious-Minded | Friendly, Bright, Sweet-Natured |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Chow Chow | Barbet |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Chow Chow Temperament
The Chow Chow is known for being dignified, bright, serious-minded, making them better suited for homes without young children. 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.
Barbet Temperament
The Barbet is characterized by being friendly, bright, sweet-natured, 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 Chow Chow and Barbet, 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
Chow Chow
Rating: 3/5
Barbet
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Chow Chow
Rating: 2/5
Barbet
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Chow Chow
Rating: 3/5
Barbet
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Chow Chow
Rating: 2/5
Barbet
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Chow Chow
Rating: 4/5
Barbet
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Chow Chow Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Chow Chows 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, Chow Chows require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
Barbet Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Barbets 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, Barbets require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Chow Chow Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Entropion
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Thyroid Disease
- Patellar Luxation
Barbet Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Epilepsy
- Ear Infections
Pros & Cons
Chow Chow
Pros
- Loyal to family
- Clean and cat-like
- Excellent guard dog
- Minimal barking
- Independent nature
Cons
- Stubborn personality
- Challenging to train
- Heavy shedding
- Aloof with strangers
- Requires regular grooming
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
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Chow Chow and Barbet, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.