Is the Barbet or the Drentsche Patrijshond better for families with children?

Both the Barbet and the Drentsche Patrijshond are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Barbet or the Drentsche Patrijshond?

The Drentsche Patrijshond 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 Drentsche Patrijshond?

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

Is Barbet or Drentsche Patrijshond bigger?

Barbet and Drentsche Patrijshond are a similar size (Medium).

Which barks more, Barbet or Drentsche Patrijshond?

Both bark a similar amount (low).

Which is better for apartment living, Barbet or Drentsche Patrijshond?

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

Barbet vs Drentsche Patrijshond: Which Sheds Less?

Barbet vs Drentsche Patrijshond: full comparison

Trait	Barbet	Drentsche Patrijshond
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	13 years
Hypoallergenic	Yes	No

Key differences at a glance

The Barbet has noticeably higher grooming than the Drentsche Patrijshond.
The Drentsche Patrijshond has noticeably higher shedding than the Barbet.

Size and living space

The Barbet is a mid-sized breed that is comfortable in most homes, though a bit of space and a yard are welcome. By comparison, the Drentsche Patrijshond is a mid-sized breed 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 demands substantial daily activity, from long walks to hard play. The Drentsche Patrijshond demands substantial daily activity, from long walks to hard play. 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 barely sheds, keeping your home and clothes clean. The Drentsche Patrijshond wants brushing on a regular schedule to stay tidy 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, keeps fairly quiet, barking occasionally and is famously gentle and patient with children. The Drentsche Patrijshond is quick to learn and a pleasure to train, keeps fairly quiet, barking occasionally and is famously gentle and patient with children. On guarding instinct, Barbet is not especially protective and is welcoming to visitors, whereas Drentsche Patrijshond is not especially protective and is welcoming to visitors.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Barbet and Drentsche Patrijshond are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, Barbet and Drentsche Patrijshond are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Barbet and Drentsche Patrijshond are an even match — either can work well.
For being left alone during the workday, Barbet and Drentsche Patrijshond 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, you want less shedding around the home, or you want a longer-lived breed.

Choose the Drentsche Patrijshond if you prefer lower grooming upkeep.

Not sure which breed is right for you?

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Frequently asked questions

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

Barbet vs Drentsche Patrijshond