Russell Terrier vs Barbet
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Russell Terrier
Terrier Group
Barbet
Sporting Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Russell Terrier Overview
Russell Terriers are compact, muscular dogs with distinctive V-shaped ears and alert expressions. Their strong, flexible bodies feature a balanced proportion between height and length. The predominantly white coat may have tan or black markings, remaining harsh and weather-resistant. These agile terriers move with purpose and precision, displaying the athletic build essential for their historical hunting abilities.
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: Russell Terriers are more energetic than Barbets, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Russell Terriers require less grooming attention compared to Barbets.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Russell Terriers tend to be more reserved with strangers than Barbets.
- Trainability: Russell Terriers may be slightly easier to train due to their Russell Terrier's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Barbets adapt better to apartment living, while Russell Terriers typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Russell Terrier and Barbet, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Russell Terrier | Barbet |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years | 12-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Terrier Group | Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Russell Terrier | Barbet |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 10-12 inches 25-30 cm | 19-25 inches 48-62 cm |
| Weight | 9-15 lbs 4-7 kg | 35-65 lbs 16-29 kg |
| Coat Type | Medium coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Medium | Short |
| Shedding | Occasional | Infrequent |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Russell Terrier | Barbet |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Alert, Inquisitive, Lively | Friendly, Bright, Sweet-Natured |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Russell Terrier | Barbet |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Russell Terrier Temperament
The Russell Terrier is known for being alert, inquisitive, lively, 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. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
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 Russell Terrier 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
Russell Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Barbet
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Russell Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Barbet
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Russell Terrier
Rating: 5/5
Barbet
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Russell Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Barbet
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Russell Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Barbet
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Russell Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Russell Terriers require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their medium coat coat, Russell Terriers 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
Russell Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- Lens Luxation
- Deafness
- Legg-Calve-Perthes
- Glaucoma
Barbet Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Epilepsy
- Ear Infections
Pros & Cons
Russell Terrier
Pros
- Highly energetic and playful
- Compact size suits various homes
- Intelligent and trainable
- Low grooming requirements
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Strong prey drive
- Can be stubborn
- May be vocal
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 Russell Terrier and Barbet, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.