Is the Ariège Pointer or the Curly-Coated Retriever better for families with children?

Both the Ariège Pointer and the Curly-Coated Retriever are considered good with children when properly socialised and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Ariège Pointer or the Curly-Coated Retriever?

The Ariège Pointer and Curly-Coated Retriever shed a similar amount (medium).

Which is easier to train, the Ariège Pointer or the Curly-Coated Retriever?

The Ariège Pointer is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.

Is Ariège Pointer or Curly-Coated Retriever bigger?

Ariège Pointer and Curly-Coated Retriever are a similar size (Large).

Which barks more, Ariège Pointer or Curly-Coated Retriever?

Both bark a similar amount (low).

Which is better for apartment living, Ariège Pointer or Curly-Coated Retriever?

For apartment or flat living, Curly-Coated Retriever has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Ariège Pointer vs Curly-Coated Retriever: Which Is Calmer?

Ariège Pointer vs Curly-Coated Retriever: full comparison

Trait	Ariège Pointer	Curly-Coated Retriever
Size	Large	Large
Energy level	Very High	High
Trainability	High	Medium
Friendliness	Medium	Medium
Good with children	Medium	Medium
Grooming needs	Low	Low
Shedding	Medium	Medium
Barking	Low	Low
Protectiveness	Medium	Medium
Adaptability	Medium	Medium
Typical lifespan	12 years	12 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Size and living space

The Ariège Pointer is a big, substantial dog that wants a roomier home and ideally a garden to move around in. By comparison, the Curly-Coated Retriever is a big, substantial dog that wants a roomier home and ideally a garden to move around in. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The Ariège Pointer is a true athlete that needs intense daily exercise and a job to do, or it will get restless. The Curly-Coated Retriever needs a good deal of daily exercise — long walks, running or vigorous play. If you have a busy schedule, the lower-energy of the two will be easier to keep satisfied; if you are active and want a dog to keep up, the higher-energy breed is the better match.

Grooming and shedding

The Ariège Pointer asks for a light brush once or twice a week and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. The Curly-Coated Retriever asks for a light brush once or twice a week and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The Ariège Pointer learns quickly and enjoys the training process, speaks up only now and then and is generally good with children when socialised and supervised. The Curly-Coated Retriever trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions, speaks up only now and then and is generally good with children when socialised and supervised. On guarding instinct, Ariège Pointer will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian, whereas Curly-Coated Retriever will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian.

Which is better for…

For apartment or flat living, Curly-Coated Retriever has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, Ariège Pointer and Curly-Coated Retriever are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Ariège Pointer has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, Curly-Coated Retriever has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Ariège Pointer and Curly-Coated Retriever are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Ariège Pointer if you want an easier dog to train or you want a more energetic partner for sport and adventure.

Choose the Curly-Coated Retriever if you want a calmer, lower-energy companion.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Ariège Pointer or the Curly-Coated Retriever better for families with children?: Both the Ariège Pointer and the Curly-Coated Retriever are considered good with children when properly socialised and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Ariège Pointer or the Curly-Coated Retriever?: The Ariège Pointer and Curly-Coated Retriever shed a similar amount (medium).
Which is easier to train, the Ariège Pointer or the Curly-Coated Retriever?: The Ariège Pointer is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.
Is Ariège Pointer or Curly-Coated Retriever bigger?: Ariège Pointer and Curly-Coated Retriever are a similar size (Large).
Which barks more, Ariège Pointer or Curly-Coated Retriever?: Both bark a similar amount (low).
Which is better for apartment living, Ariège Pointer or Curly-Coated Retriever?: For apartment or flat living, Curly-Coated Retriever has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Ariège Pointer vs Curly-Coated Retriever