French Bulldog vs Barbet
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
French Bulldog
Non-Sporting Group
Barbet
Sporting Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
French Bulldog Overview
French Bulldogs captivate with their distinctive bat-like ears and compact, muscular build. Their short, smooth coat comes in various colors, complementing a charming, wrinkled face and endearing expression. Standing 11-13 inches tall, these sturdy companions combine alertness with a laid-back demeanor, showcasing their adaptable nature through playful antics and affectionate interactions.
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: French Bulldogs are less energetic than Barbets, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: French Bulldogs require less grooming attention compared to Barbets.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, French Bulldogs tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Barbets.
- Trainability: Barbets may be slightly easier to train due to their Barbet's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: French Bulldogs 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 French Bulldog and Barbet, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | French Bulldog | Barbet |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 10-12 years | 12-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Non-Sporting Group | Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | French Bulldog | Barbet |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 11-13 inches 28-33 cm | 19-25 inches 48-62 cm |
| Weight | 28-28 lbs 13-13 kg | 35-65 lbs 16-29 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Regularly | Infrequent |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | French Bulldog | Barbet |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Adaptable, Playful, Smart | Friendly, Bright, Sweet-Natured |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | French Bulldog | Barbet |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
French Bulldog Temperament
The French Bulldog is known for being adaptable, playful, smart, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. 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 French Bulldog 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
French Bulldog
Rating: 5/5
Barbet
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
French Bulldog
Rating: 4/5
Barbet
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
French Bulldog
Rating: 2/5
Barbet
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
French Bulldog
Rating: 2/5
Barbet
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
French Bulldog
Rating: 2/5
Barbet
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
French Bulldog Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
French Bulldogs 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, French Bulldogs require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
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
French Bulldog Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Brachycephalic Syndrome
- Hip Dysplasia
- Spinal Problems
- Eye Issues
- Heat Sensitivity
Barbet Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Epilepsy
- Ear Infections
Pros & Cons
French Bulldog
Pros
- Excellent companion dog
- Adaptable to small spaces
- Good with children
- Low exercise needs
Cons
- Multiple health issues
- Expensive medical care
- Heat sensitive
- Snoring and breathing issues
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 French Bulldog and Barbet, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.