Is the Barbet or the English Cocker Spaniel better for families with children?

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

Which sheds more, the Barbet or the English Cocker Spaniel?

The English Cocker 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 English Cocker Spaniel?

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

Is Barbet or English Cocker Spaniel bigger?

Barbet and English Cocker Spaniel are a similar size (Medium).

Which barks more, Barbet or English Cocker Spaniel?

English Cocker Spaniel tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Barbet is the quieter choice.

Which is better for apartment living, Barbet or English Cocker Spaniel?

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

Barbet vs English Cocker Spaniel: Which Sheds Less?

Barbet vs English Cocker Spaniel: full comparison

Trait	Barbet	English Cocker 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	Very High
Shedding	Very Low	Medium
Barking	Low	Medium
Protectiveness	Low	Low
Adaptability	High	High
Typical lifespan	14 years	13 years
Hypoallergenic	Yes	No

Key differences at a glance

The English Cocker Spaniel has noticeably higher shedding than the Barbet.

Size and living space

The Barbet is a medium-sized dog that adapts to an average home, with a little outdoor space preferred. By comparison, the English Cocker Spaniel is a medium-sized dog that adapts to an average home, with a little outdoor space preferred. 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 English Cocker Spaniel 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 high-maintenance to groom, needing regular professional grooming and daily brushing and leaves virtually no hair around the house. The English Cocker Spaniel is high-maintenance to groom, needing regular professional grooming and daily brushing and loses a fair amount of coat, especially seasonally. 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, keeps fairly quiet, barking occasionally and is renowned for its patience and gentleness with children. The English Cocker Spaniel takes to training fast and works willingly, gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it and is renowned for its patience and gentleness with children. On guarding instinct, Barbet is not a natural guard and greets visitors warmly, whereas English Cocker Spaniel is not a natural guard and greets visitors warmly.

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 English Cocker Spaniel are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Barbet and English Cocker Spaniel are an even match — either can work well.
For being left alone during the workday, Barbet 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 need a hypoallergenic, low-dander coat, you want less shedding around the home, or you prefer a quieter dog.

Choose the English Cocker Spaniel 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 English Cocker Spaniel better for families with children?: Both the Barbet and the English Cocker Spaniel are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Barbet or the English Cocker Spaniel?: The English Cocker 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 English Cocker Spaniel?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Barbet or English Cocker Spaniel bigger?: Barbet and English Cocker Spaniel are a similar size (Medium).
Which barks more, Barbet or English Cocker Spaniel?: English Cocker Spaniel tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Barbet is the quieter choice.
Which is better for apartment living, Barbet or English Cocker Spaniel?: For apartment or apartment living, Barbet has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Barbet vs English Cocker Spaniel