Which is Better Between the Airedale Terrier and the Barbet?

by

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Airedale Terrier Versus Barbet: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Airedale Terrier and the Barbet? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Airedale Terrier and the Barbet better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Airedale Terrier and the Barbet.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Airedale Terrier and the Barbet is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Airedale Terrier and for the Barbet. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Airedale Terrier and the Barbet.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Airedale Terrier or the Barbet.

Airedale Terrier versus Barbet: Overview

Both the Airedale Terrier and the Barbet are similar in size. The Airedale Terrier and the Barbet are both medium-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the Airedale Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

On the other hand, the Barbet belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.

Airedale Terrier versus Barbet: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Airedale Terrier to the Barbet based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Airedale Terrier and the Barbet

Factor Airedale Terrier Barbet
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 10 to 13 years 13 to 15 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 1/5
Height 21 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder 20 to 25 inches tall at the shoulder
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 3/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 3/5
Weight 40 to 65 pounds 37 to 62 pounds
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 11.5 years 14.0 years
Average Price $1400 No Data
Price Range $1000 – $1800 No Data
Temperament Score 78.2 percent 100.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•
  • AKC or UKC DNA Profile
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- minimum age 12 months, recommend CAER eye exam prior to onset of breeding and then periodically thereafter
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
    		•

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Airedale Terrier in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Barbet. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Airedale Terrier is 70 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Barbet is 82 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Barbet is a better pet than the Airedale Terrier. So, you should get the Barbet!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Airedale Terrier and the Barbet so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Airedale Terrier and the Barbet

    Below is a list of where the Airedale Terrier and the Barbet are most different:

    • Airedale Terriers are prone to nip and chew at things. However, Barbets are not prone to nip and chew at things.

    The Similarities Between the Airedale Terrier and the Barbet

    The Airedale Terrier and the Barbet are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Airedale Terrier and the Barbet are most similar:

    • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Barbet do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Barbet are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
    • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Barbet do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Barbet do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
    • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Barbet require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
    • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Barbet are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Barbet get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Barbet get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Barbet gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
    • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Barbet are very easy to train.
    • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Barbet are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
    • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Barbet have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
    • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Barbet are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Barbet have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Airedale Terrier and the Barbet are very playful.

    Size Comparison of Airedale Terrier versus Barbet

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Airedale Terrier and the Barbet.

    Airedale Terriers weigh 40 to 65 pounds when fully grown. Airedale Terriers are 21 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Barbets weigh 37 to 62 pounds when fully grown. Barbets are 20 to 25 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Airedale Terrier versus Barbet

    The lifespan of Airedale Terriers is between 10 to 13 years. The average lifespan of Airedale Terriers is 11.5 years.

    The lifespan of Barbets is between 13 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Barbets is 14.0 years.

    Barbets live longer than Airedale Terriers.

    Temperament of the Barbet Versus the Airedale Terrier

    The Barbet has a better temperament than the Airedale Terrier.

    This is because the temperament score for the Barbet is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Airedale Terrier is 78.2 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 78.2 percent, the Airedale Terrier has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 100.0 percent, the Barbet has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Airedale Terrier and the Barbet by measuring the temperaments of 110 Airedale Terriers and 1 Barbets.

    Health Problems of Airedale Terrier versus Health Problems of Barbet

    Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.

    Both the Airedale Terrier and the Barbet are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.

    The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.

    Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Barbet is prone to the same number of genetic health problems as the Airedale Terrier.

    5 health tests are recommended for Airedale Terrier while 5 tests are recommended for the Barbet.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Airedale Terriers and in Barbets.

    Airedale Terrier Health Problems

    Airedale Terriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Airedale Terrier puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Airedale Terrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Airedale Terrier breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Airedale Terriers for:

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Airedale Terriers here.

    Barbet Health Problems

    Barbets are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Barbet puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Barbet puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Barbet breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Barbets for:

  • AKC or UKC DNA Profile
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- minimum age 12 months, recommend CAER eye exam prior to onset of breeding and then periodically thereafter
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Barbets here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Airedale Terrier versus Barbet

    Airedale Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Barbets do not like to be left alone.

    Do Airedale Terriers shed more than Barbets?

    Airedale Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Barbets do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Airedale Terrier or the Barbet

    Airedale Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Barbets do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Airedale Terrier or the Barbet?

    Airedale Terriers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Barbets require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the Airedale Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Barbet?

    Airedale Terriers have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Barbets have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do Airedale Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Barbets?

    Airedale Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Barbets bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Airedale Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Barbets Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Airedale Terriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Barbets can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Airedale Terrier vs. Barbet

    Airedale Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Barbets have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Airedale Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Barbets Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Airedale Terriers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Barbets can tolerate hot weather.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Airedale Terrier or the Barbet?

    Airedale Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Barbets get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Airedale Terriers good family dogs? What about Barbets?

    Airedale Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Barbets are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Airedale Terriers and Barbets?

    Airedale Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Barbets get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Airedale Terrier Easier to Train than the Barbet?

    Airedale Terriers are very easy to train.

    Barbets are very easy to train.

    Is the Airedale Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Barbet?

    Airedale Terriers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Barbets adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Airedale Terrier or the Barbet?

    Airedale Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Barbets are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Airedale Terrier versus Barbet. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Airedale Terrier and the Barbet better suits you and your family.