Is the Barbet or the Bearded Collie better for families with children?

Both the Barbet and the Bearded Collie are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Barbet or the Bearded Collie?

The Bearded Collie sheds more than the Barbet. If shedding is a concern, the Barbet is the lower-maintenance choice.

Which is easier to train, the Barbet or the Bearded Collie?

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

Is Barbet or Bearded Collie bigger?

Barbet and Bearded Collie are a similar size (Medium).

Which barks more, Barbet or Bearded Collie?

Bearded Collie tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Barbet is the quieter choice.

Which is better for apartment living, Barbet or Bearded Collie?

For apartment or apartment living, Barbet has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Barbet vs Bearded Collie: Which Sheds Less?

Barbet vs Bearded Collie: full comparison

Trait	Barbet	Bearded Collie
Size	Medium	Medium
Energy level	High	High
Trainability	High	Medium
Friendliness	Very High	Very High
Good with children	Very High	Very High
Grooming needs	Very High	Very High
Shedding	Very Low	High
Barking	Low	Medium
Protectiveness	Low	Low
Adaptability	High	High
Typical lifespan	14 years	13 years
Hypoallergenic	Yes	No

Key differences at a glance

The Bearded Collie has noticeably higher shedding than the Barbet.

Size and living space

The Barbet is a medium-sized dog that is comfortable in most homes, though a bit of space and a yard are welcome. By comparison, the Bearded Collie is a medium-sized dog that is comfortable in most homes, though a bit of space and a yard are welcome. 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 Barbet needs real exercise every single day to stay balanced. The Bearded Collie needs real exercise every single day to stay balanced. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Barbet is a serious grooming commitment, with daily brushing and regular salon visits and leaves virtually no hair around the house. The Bearded Collie is a serious grooming commitment, with daily brushing and regular salon visits and sheds enough that regular cleaning becomes routine. The Barbet is also considered hypoallergenic, an advantage for allergy sufferers. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The Barbet takes to training fast and works willingly, is generally quiet, barking only occasionally and has a reputation for being wonderfully tolerant with kids. The Bearded Collie picks things up at a fair pace with steady practice, barks a moderate amount, usually with reason and has a reputation for being wonderfully tolerant with kids. On guarding instinct, Barbet is not especially protective and is welcoming to visitors, whereas Bearded Collie is not especially protective and is welcoming to visitors.

Which is better for…

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

Which should you choose?

Choose the Barbet if you want less shedding around the home, you need a hypoallergenic, low-dander coat, or you want an easier dog to train.

Choose the Bearded Collie if you simply prefer the breed — it's very closely matched with the Barbet on temperament, size and care.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Barbet or the Bearded Collie better for families with children?: Both the Barbet and the Bearded Collie are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Barbet or the Bearded Collie?: The Bearded Collie sheds more than the Barbet. If shedding is a concern, the Barbet is the lower-maintenance choice.
Which is easier to train, the Barbet or the Bearded Collie?: The Barbet is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.
Is Barbet or Bearded Collie bigger?: Barbet and Bearded Collie are a similar size (Medium).
Which barks more, Barbet or Bearded Collie?: Bearded Collie tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Barbet is the quieter choice.
Which is better for apartment living, Barbet or Bearded Collie?: For apartment or apartment living, Barbet has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Barbet vs Bearded Collie