American Pit Bull Terrier versus Barbet. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

by

Quick Links: Table of Contents

American Pit Bull Terrier Versus Barbet: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the American Pit Bull 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 American Pit Bull 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 American Pit Bull Terrier and the Barbet.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the American Pit Bull 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 American Pit Bull 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 American Pit Bull 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 American Pit Bull Terrier or the Barbet.

American Pit Bull Terrier versus Barbet: Overview

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

Furthermore, the American Pit Bull 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.

American Pit Bull Terrier versus Barbet: Comparison Table

The table below compares the American Pit Bull 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 American Pit Bull Terrier and the Barbet

Factor American Pit Bull Terrier Barbet
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Dog Friendly 1/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 16 years 13 to 15 years
Height 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder 20 to 25 inches tall at the shoulder
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 4/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 3/5
Weight 30 to 85 pounds 37 to 62 pounds
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 1/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 14.0 years 14.0 years
Average Price $1160 No Data
Price Range $450 – $1200 No Data
Temperament Score 87.4 percent 100.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • 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 American Pit Bull 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 American Pit Bull Terrier is 75 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 American Pit Bull 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 American Pit Bull 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 American Pit Bull Terrier and the Barbet

    Below is a list of where the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Barbet are most different:

    • American Pit Bull Terriers do not get along well with other dogs. However, Barbets get along well with other dogs.
    • American Pit Bull Terriers are very easy to groom. However, Barbets require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
    • American Pit Bull Terriers are prone to nip and chew at things. However, Barbets are not prone to nip and chew at things.

    The Similarities Between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Barbet

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

    • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Barbet do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Barbet do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Barbet are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
    • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Barbet are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
    • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Barbet are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Barbet are very easy to train.
    • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Barbet are highly intelligent.
    • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Barbet have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
    • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Barbet have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Barbet require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Barbet are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Barbet get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Barbet are very playful.

    Size Comparison of American Pit Bull Terrier versus Barbet

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Barbet.

    American Pit Bull Terriers weigh 30 to 85 pounds when fully grown. American Pit Bull Terriers are 17 to 19 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 American Pit Bull Terrier versus Barbet

    The lifespan of American Pit Bull Terriers is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of American Pit Bull Terriers is 14.0 years.

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

    Temperament of the American Pit Bull Terrier Versus the Barbet

    The Barbet has a better temperament than the American Pit Bull Terrier.

    This is because the temperament score for the Barbet is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the American Pit Bull Terrier is 87.4 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 87.4 percent, the American Pit Bull Terrier has an above-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 American Pit Bull Terrier and the Barbet by measuring the temperaments of 931 American Pit Bull Terriers and 1 Barbets.

    Tolerates Being Alone: American Pit Bull Terrier versus Barbet

    American Pit Bull Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Barbets do not like to be left alone.

    Do American Pit Bull Terriers shed more than Barbets?

    American Pit Bull Terriers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

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

    Which one drools more, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Barbet

    American Pit Bull Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Barbets do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Barbet?

    American Pit Bull Terriers are very easy to groom.

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

    Does the American Pit Bull Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Barbet?

    American Pit Bull Terriers have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

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

    Do American Pit Bull Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Barbets?

    American Pit Bull Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Barbets bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can American Pit Bull Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Barbets Tolerate Cold Weather?

    American Pit Bull Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Barbets can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: American Pit Bull Terrier vs. Barbet

    American Pit Bull 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 American Pit Bull Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Barbets Tolerate Hot Weather?

    American Pit Bull 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 American Pit Bull Terrier or the Barbet?

    American Pit Bull Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Barbets get along very well with other dogs.

    Are American Pit Bull Terriers good family dogs? What about Barbets?

    American Pit Bull 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 American Pit Bull Terriers and Barbets?

    American Pit Bull Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the American Pit Bull Terrier Easier to Train than the Barbet?

    American Pit Bull Terriers are very easy to train.

    Barbets are very easy to train.

    Is the American Pit Bull Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Barbet?

    American Pit Bull Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Barbets adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the Barbet?

    American Pit Bull Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Barbets are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: American Pit Bull 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 American Pit Bull Terrier and the Barbet better suits you and your family.