Guide on Deciding Betweeen the Barbet and the Rhodesian Ridgeback.

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Barbet Versus Rhodesian Ridgeback: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Barbet and the Rhodesian Ridgeback? 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Barbet and the Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback. 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback.

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 Rhodesian Ridgeback.

Barbet versus Rhodesian Ridgeback: Overview

A very important difference between the Barbet and the Rhodesian Ridgeback is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Barbet is a medium-sized dog while the Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.

Barbet versus Rhodesian Ridgeback: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Barbet to the Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback

Factor Barbet Rhodesian Ridgeback
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 1/5 5/5
Life Span 13 to 15 years 10 to 12 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Height 20 to 25 inches tall at the shoulder 24 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 1/5
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 1/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 1/5
Weight 37 to 62 pounds 70 to 85 pounds
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Average Lifespan 14.0 years 11.0 years
Price Range No Data $1250 – $1900
Average Price No Data $1620
Temperament Score 100.0 percent 84.2 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • 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
    		•
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination. Exams are recommended annually to age 9, annual recertifcation is required
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•

    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 Rhodesian Ridgeback. 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback is 74 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Barbet is a better pet than the Rhodesian Ridgeback. 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Barbet and the Rhodesian Ridgeback

    Below is a list of where the Barbet and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are most different:

    • Barbets require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom. However, Rhodesian Ridgebacks are very easy to groom.

    The Similarities Between the Barbet and the Rhodesian Ridgeback

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

    • Both the Barbet and the Rhodesian Ridgeback do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the Barbet and the Rhodesian Ridgeback do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Barbet and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
    • Both the Barbet and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are not prone to nip and chew at things.
    • Both the Barbet and the Rhodesian Ridgeback can tolerate cold weather.
    • Both the Barbet and the Rhodesian Ridgeback can tolerate hot weather.
    • Both the Barbet and the Rhodesian Ridgeback get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Barbet and the Rhodesian Ridgeback get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the Barbet and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Both the Barbet and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Barbet and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are very playful.
    • Both the Barbet and the Rhodesian Ridgeback are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Barbet and the Rhodesian Ridgeback have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.

    Size Comparison of Barbet versus Rhodesian Ridgeback

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Barbet and the Rhodesian Ridgeback.

    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, Rhodesian Ridgebacks weigh 70 to 85 pounds when fully grown. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are 24 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Barbet versus Rhodesian Ridgeback

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

    The lifespan of Rhodesian Ridgebacks is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Rhodesian Ridgebacks is 11.0 years.

    Barbets live longer than Rhodesian Ridgebacks.

    Temperament of the Barbet Versus the Rhodesian Ridgeback

    The Barbet has a better temperament than the Rhodesian Ridgeback.

    This is because the temperament score for the Barbet is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Rhodesian Ridgeback is 84.2 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 100.0 percent, the Barbet has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 84.2 percent, the Rhodesian Ridgeback has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Barbet and the Rhodesian Ridgeback by measuring the temperaments of 1 Barbets and 563 Rhodesian Ridgebacks.

    Health Problems of Barbet versus Health Problems of Rhodesian Ridgeback

    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 Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback is prone to more genetic health problems than the Barbet.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Rhodesian Ridgeback than for the Barbet.

    5 health tests are recommended for Barbet while 6 tests are recommended for the Rhodesian Ridgeback.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Barbets and in Rhodesian Ridgebacks.

    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.

    Rhodesian Ridgeback Health Problems

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Rhodesian Ridgeback 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 Rhodesian Ridgebacks for:

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination. Exams are recommended annually to age 9, annual recertifcation is required
  • Hip Dysplasia

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Barbet versus Rhodesian Ridgeback

    Barbets do not like to be left alone.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks do not like to be left alone.

    Do Barbets shed more than Rhodesian Ridgebacks?

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

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Barbet or the Rhodesian Ridgeback

    Barbets do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Barbet or the Rhodesian Ridgeback?

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

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks are very easy to groom.

    Does the Barbet Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Rhodesian Ridgeback?

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

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks 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.

    Do Barbets Bark and Howl? What about Rhodesian Ridgebacks?

    Barbets bark and howl, but not very much.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Barbets Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Rhodesian Ridgebacks Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Barbets can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Barbet vs. Rhodesian Ridgeback

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

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

    Can Barbets Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Rhodesian Ridgebacks Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Barbets can tolerate hot weather.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Barbet or the Rhodesian Ridgeback?

    Barbets get along very well with other dogs.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Barbets good family dogs? What about Rhodesian Ridgebacks?

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

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Barbets and Rhodesian Ridgebacks?

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

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Barbet Easier to Train than the Rhodesian Ridgeback?

    Barbets are very easy to train.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks are not easy to train.

    Is the Barbet Better for Apartment Owners than the Rhodesian Ridgeback?

    Barbets adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Barbet or the Rhodesian Ridgeback?

    Barbets are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Rhodesian Ridgebacks are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Barbet versus Rhodesian Ridgeback. 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 Rhodesian Ridgeback better suits you and your family.