Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Barbet Versus Portuguese Water Dog: Introduction
- Barbet versus Portuguese Water Dog: Overview
- Barbet versus Portuguese Water Dog: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Barbet and the Portuguese Water Dog
- The Similarities Between the Barbet and the Portuguese Water Dog
- Size Comparison of Barbet versus Portuguese Water Dog
- Lifespan of Barbet versus Portuguese Water Dog
- Temperament of the Portuguese Water Dog Versus the Barbet
- Health Problems of Barbet versus Health Problems of Portuguese Water Dog
- Tolerates Being Alone: Barbet versus Portuguese Water Dog
- Do Barbets shed more than Portuguese Water Dogs?
- Which one drools more, the Barbet or the Portuguese Water Dog
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Barbet or the Portuguese Water Dog?
- Does the Barbet Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Water Dog?
- Do Barbets Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Water Dogs?
- Can Barbets Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Barbet vs. Portuguese Water Dog
- Can Barbets Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Barbet or the Portuguese Water Dog?
- Are Barbets good family dogs? What about Portuguese Water Dogs?
- How Kid-friendly are Barbets and Portuguese Water Dogs?
- Is the Barbet Easier to Train than the Portuguese Water Dog?
- Conclusion: Barbet versus Portuguese Water Dog. Which One is a Better Pet?
Barbet Versus Portuguese Water Dog: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Barbet and the Portuguese Water Dog? 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 Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dog.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Barbet and the Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dog. 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 Portuguese Water Dog.
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 Portuguese Water Dog.
Barbet versus Portuguese Water Dog: Overview
Both the Barbet and the Portuguese Water Dog are similar in size. The Barbet and the Portuguese Water Dog are both medium-sized dogs.
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 Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dog: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Barbet to the Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dog
| Factor | Barbet | Portuguese Water Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Life Span | 13 to 15 years | 10 to 14 years |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| 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 | 1 foot, 5 inches to 1 foot, 11 inches tall at the |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| 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 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Weight | 37 to 62 pounds | 35 to 60 pounds |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 14.0 years | 12.0 years |
| Price Range | No Data | $2500 – $3300 |
| Average Price | No Data | $2860 |
| Temperament Score | 100.0 percent | 77.9 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 Portuguese Water Dog. 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 Portuguese Water Dog is 84 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Portuguese Water Dog is a better pet than the Barbet. So, you should get the Portuguese Water Dog!
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 Portuguese Water Dog so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Barbet and the Portuguese Water Dog
Below is a list of where the Barbet and the Portuguese Water Dog are most different:
- Barbets are not prone to nip and chew at things. However, Portuguese Water Dogs are prone to nip and chew at things.
The Similarities Between the Barbet and the Portuguese Water Dog
The Barbet and the Portuguese Water Dog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Barbet and the Portuguese Water Dog are most similar:
- Both the Barbet and the Portuguese Water Dog do not like to be left alone.
- Both the Barbet and the Portuguese Water Dog do not have the tendency to drool.
- Both the Barbet and the Portuguese Water Dog require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
- Both the Barbet and the Portuguese Water Dog are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
- Both the Barbet and the Portuguese Water Dog do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
- Both the Barbet and the Portuguese Water Dog can tolerate cold weather.
- Both the Barbet and the Portuguese Water Dog can tolerate hot weather.
- Both the Barbet and the Portuguese Water Dog get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
- Both the Barbet and the Portuguese Water Dog get along well with other dogs.
- Both the Barbet and the Portuguese Water Dog are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
- Both the Barbet and the Portuguese Water Dog are very easy to train.
- Both the Barbet and the Portuguese Water Dog are highly intelligent.
- Both the Barbet and the Portuguese Water Dog are very playful.
- Both the Barbet and the Portuguese Water Dog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
- Both the Barbet and the Portuguese Water Dog have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
Size Comparison of Barbet versus Portuguese Water Dog
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Barbet and the Portuguese Water Dog.
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, Portuguese Water Dogs weigh 35 to 60 pounds when fully grown. Portuguese Water Dogs are 1 foot, 5 inches to 1 foot, 11 inches tall at the when fully grown.
Lifespan of Barbet versus Portuguese Water Dog
The lifespan of Barbets is between 13 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Barbets is 14.0 years.
The lifespan of Portuguese Water Dogs is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Portuguese Water Dogs is 12.0 years.
Barbets live longer than Portuguese Water Dogs.
Temperament of the Portuguese Water Dog Versus the Barbet
The Barbet has a better temperament than the Portuguese Water Dog.
This is because the temperament score for the Barbet is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Portuguese Water Dog is 77.9 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 77.9 percent, the Portuguese Water Dog has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Barbet and the Portuguese Water Dog by measuring the temperaments of 1 Barbets and 163 Portuguese Water Dogs.
Health Problems of Barbet versus Health Problems of Portuguese Water Dog
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 Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dog is prone to more genetic health problems than the Barbet.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Portuguese Water Dog than for the Barbet.
5 health tests are recommended for Barbet while 11 tests are recommended for the Portuguese Water Dog.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Barbets and in Portuguese Water Dogs.
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.
Portuguese Water Dog Health Problems
Portuguese Water Dogs are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dog puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Portuguese Water Dog 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 Portuguese Water Dogs for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Portuguese Water Dogs here.
Tolerates Being Alone: Barbet versus Portuguese Water Dog
Barbets do not like to be left alone.
Portuguese Water Dogs do not like to be left alone.
Do Barbets shed more than Portuguese Water Dogs?
Barbets do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Portuguese Water Dogs do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Barbet or the Portuguese Water Dog
Barbets do have a very low tendency to drool.
Portuguese Water Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Barbet or the Portuguese Water Dog?
Barbets require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Portuguese Water Dogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Barbet Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Portuguese Water Dog?
Barbets have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Portuguese Water Dogs have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Do Barbets Bark and Howl? What about Portuguese Water Dogs?
Barbets bark and howl, but not very much.
Portuguese Water Dogs bark and howl, but not very much.
Can Barbets Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
Barbets can very well tolerate cold weather.
Portuguese Water Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Barbet vs. Portuguese Water Dog
Barbets have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Portuguese Water Dogs have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Barbets Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Portuguese Water Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
Barbets can tolerate hot weather.
Portuguese Water Dogs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Barbet or the Portuguese Water Dog?
Barbets get along very well with other dogs.
Portuguese Water Dogs get along very well with other dogs.
Are Barbets good family dogs? What about Portuguese Water Dogs?
Barbets are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Portuguese Water Dogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Barbets and Portuguese Water Dogs?
Barbets get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Portuguese Water Dogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Barbet Easier to Train than the Portuguese Water Dog?
Barbets are very easy to train.
Portuguese Water Dogs are very easy to train.
Is the Barbet Better for Apartment Owners than the Portuguese Water Dog?
Barbets adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Portuguese Water Dogs adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Barbet or the Portuguese Water Dog?
Barbets are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Portuguese Water Dogs are OK for new dog owners.
Conclusion: Barbet versus Portuguese Water Dog. 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 Portuguese Water Dog better suits you and your family.