Is the Barbet or the Boykin Spaniel better for families with children?

Both the Barbet and the Boykin Spaniel are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Barbet or the Boykin Spaniel?

The Boykin Spaniel 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 Boykin Spaniel?

Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.

Is Barbet or Boykin Spaniel bigger?

Barbet and Boykin Spaniel are a similar size (Medium).

Which barks more, Barbet or Boykin Spaniel?

Both bark a similar amount (low).

Which is better for apartment living, Barbet or Boykin Spaniel?

For apartment or apartment living, Barbet and Boykin Spaniel are an even match — either can work well.

Barbet vs Boykin Spaniel: Which Sheds Less?

Barbet vs Boykin Spaniel: full comparison

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

Key differences at a glance

The Barbet has noticeably higher grooming than the Boykin Spaniel.
The Boykin Spaniel 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 Boykin Spaniel 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 Boykin Spaniel 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 demands daily coat care plus professional grooming to stay in shape and barely sheds, keeping your home and clothes clean. The Boykin Spaniel needs consistent brushing to keep the coat healthy and sheds a moderate amount, with heavier seasonal moults. 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 is quick to learn and a pleasure to train, speaks up only now and then and is famously gentle and patient with children. The Boykin Spaniel is quick to learn and a pleasure to train, speaks up only now and then and is famously gentle and patient with children. On guarding instinct, Barbet shows limited protectiveness and is friendly to callers, whereas Boykin Spaniel shows limited protectiveness and is friendly to callers.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Barbet and Boykin Spaniel are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, Barbet and Boykin Spaniel are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Barbet and Boykin Spaniel are an even match — either can work well.
For being left alone during the workday, Barbet and Boykin Spaniel are an even match — either can work well.
For allergy sufferers, Barbet has the edge, as it is hypoallergenic and lower-shedding.

Which should you choose?

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

Choose the Boykin Spaniel if you prefer lower grooming upkeep.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Barbet or the Boykin Spaniel better for families with children?: Both the Barbet and the Boykin Spaniel are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Barbet or the Boykin Spaniel?: The Boykin Spaniel 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 Boykin Spaniel?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Barbet or Boykin Spaniel bigger?: Barbet and Boykin Spaniel are a similar size (Medium).
Which barks more, Barbet or Boykin Spaniel?: Both bark a similar amount (low).
Which is better for apartment living, Barbet or Boykin Spaniel?: For apartment or apartment living, Barbet and Boykin Spaniel are an even match — either can work well.

Barbet vs Boykin Spaniel