Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Barbet Versus Chow Chow: Introduction
- Barbet versus Chow Chow: Overview
- Barbet versus Chow Chow: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Barbet and the Chow Chow
- The Similarities Between the Barbet and the Chow Chow
- Size Comparison of Barbet versus Chow Chow
- Lifespan of Barbet versus Chow Chow
- Temperament of the Chow Chow Versus the Barbet
- Health Problems of Barbet versus Health Problems of Chow Chow
- Tolerates Being Alone: Barbet versus Chow Chow
- Do Barbets shed more than Chow Chows?
- Which one drools more, the Barbet or the Chow Chow
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Barbet or the Chow Chow?
- Does the Barbet Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Chow Chow?
- Do Barbets Bark and Howl? What about Chow Chows?
- Can Barbets Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Chow Chows Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Barbet vs. Chow Chow
- Can Barbets Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Chow Chows Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Barbet or the Chow Chow?
- Are Barbets good family dogs? What about Chow Chows?
- How Kid-friendly are Barbets and Chow Chows?
- Is the Barbet Easier to Train than the Chow Chow?
- Conclusion: Barbet versus Chow Chow. Which One is a Better Pet?
Barbet Versus Chow Chow: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Barbet and the Chow Chow? 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 Barbet and the Chow Chow 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 Barbet and the Chow Chow.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Barbet and the Chow Chow 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 Barbet and for the Chow Chow. 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 Barbet and the Chow Chow.
Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Barbet or the Chow Chow.
Barbet versus Chow Chow: Overview
A very important difference between the Barbet and the Chow Chow is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Barbet is a medium-sized dog while the Chow Chow is a large-sized dog.
Furthermore, 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.
On the other hand, the Chow Chow belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.
Barbet versus Chow Chow: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Barbet to the Chow Chow 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 Barbet and the Chow Chow
| Factor | Barbet | Chow Chow |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Life Span | 13 to 15 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Height | 20 to 25 inches tall at the shoulder | 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Weight | 37 to 62 pounds | 40 to 70 pounds |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 14.0 years | 13.5 years |
| Price Range | No Data | $1000 – $2500 |
| Average Price | No Data | $1810 |
| Temperament Score | 100.0 percent | 71.7 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
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Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Barbet 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 Chow Chow. 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 Barbet is 82 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Chow Chow is 69 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Barbet is a better pet than the Chow Chow. 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 Barbet and the Chow Chow so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Barbet and the Chow Chow
Below is a list of where the Barbet and the Chow Chow are most different:
- Barbets do not like to be left alone. However, Chow Chows can be left alone for some time without problems.
- Barbets are not prone to nip and chew at things. However, Chow Chows are prone to nip and chew at things.
- Barbets get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly. However, Chow Chows do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
- Barbets get along well with other dogs. However, Chow Chows do not get along well with other dogs.
- Barbets are highly intelligent. However, Chow Chows not very intelligent.
- Barbets are very playful. However, Chow Chows not very playful.
- Barbets are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family. However, Chow Chows are not affectionate with family. They are not good family dogs.
- Barbets have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy. However, Chow Chows have low energy levels. They do not require a lot exercise time.
The Similarities Between the Barbet and the Chow Chow
The Barbet and the Chow Chow are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Barbet and the Chow Chow are most similar:
- Both the Barbet and the Chow Chow require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
- Both the Barbet and the Chow Chow are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
- Both the Barbet and the Chow Chow do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
- Both the Barbet and the Chow Chow can tolerate cold weather.
Size Comparison of Barbet versus Chow Chow
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Barbet and the Chow Chow.
Barbets weigh 37 to 62 pounds when fully grown. Barbets are 20 to 25 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
On the other hand, Chow Chows weigh 40 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Chow Chows are 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Barbet versus Chow Chow
The lifespan of Barbets is between 13 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Barbets is 14.0 years.
The lifespan of Chow Chows is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Chow Chows is 13.5 years.
Barbets live longer than Chow Chows.
Temperament of the Chow Chow Versus the Barbet
The Barbet has a better temperament than the Chow Chow.
This is because the temperament score for the Barbet is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Chow Chow is 71.7 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 100.0 percent, the Barbet has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
With its temperament score of 71.7 percent, the Chow Chow has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Barbet and the Chow Chow by measuring the temperaments of 1 Barbets and 99 Chow Chows.
Health Problems of Barbet versus Health Problems of Chow Chow
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 Barbet and the Chow Chow 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 Chow Chow is prone to more genetic health problems than the Barbet.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Chow Chow than for the Barbet.
5 health tests are recommended for Barbet while 6 tests are recommended for the Chow Chow.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Barbets and in Chow Chows.
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:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Barbets here.
Chow Chow Health Problems
Chow Chows are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Chow Chow 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 Chow Chow puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Chow Chow 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 Chow Chows for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Chow Chows here.
Tolerates Being Alone: Barbet versus Chow Chow
Barbets do not like to be left alone.
Chow Chows can be left alone for some time without problems.
Do Barbets shed more than Chow Chows?
Barbets do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Chow Chows do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Barbet or the Chow Chow
Barbets do have a very low tendency to drool.
Chow Chows drool moderately.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Barbet or the Chow Chow?
Barbets require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Chow Chows require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Barbet Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Chow Chow?
Barbets have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Chow Chows have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.
Do Barbets Bark and Howl? What about Chow Chows?
Barbets bark and howl, but not very much.
Chow Chows are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Barbets Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Chow Chows Tolerate Cold Weather?
Barbets can very well tolerate cold weather.
Chow Chows can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Barbet vs. Chow Chow
Barbets have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Chow Chows do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Can Barbets Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Chow Chows Tolerate Hot Weather?
Barbets can tolerate hot weather.
Chow Chows cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Barbet or the Chow Chow?
Barbets get along very well with other dogs.
Chow Chows do not get along well with other dogs.
Are Barbets good family dogs? What about Chow Chows?
Barbets are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Chow Chows are not affectionate with family. They are not good family dogs.
How Kid-friendly are Barbets and Chow Chows?
Barbets get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Chow Chows do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
Is the Barbet Easier to Train than the Chow Chow?
Barbets are very easy to train.
Chow Chows are not easy to train.
Is the Barbet Better for Apartment Owners than the Chow Chow?
Barbets adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Chow Chows adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Barbet or the Chow Chow?
Barbets are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Chow Chows are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Conclusion: Barbet versus Chow Chow. 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 Barbet and the Chow Chow better suits you and your family.