Is the Barbet or the Irish Doodle better for families with children?

Both the Barbet and the Irish Doodle are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Barbet or the Irish Doodle?

The Irish Doodle 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 Irish Doodle?

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

Is Barbet or Irish Doodle bigger?

Irish Doodle is the larger breed; Barbet is smaller and more compact.

Which barks more, Barbet or Irish Doodle?

Both bark a similar amount (low).

Which is better for apartment living, Barbet or Irish Doodle?

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

Barbet vs Irish Doodle: Which Sheds Less?

Barbet vs Irish Doodle: full comparison

Trait	Barbet	Irish Doodle
Size	Medium	Large
Energy level	High	Very 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	Low
Barking	Low	Low
Protectiveness	Low	Low
Adaptability	High	High
Typical lifespan	14 years	12 years
Hypoallergenic	Yes	Yes

Key differences at a glance

The Irish Doodle is a larger dog than the Barbet, which affects space, food and exercise needs.

Size and living space

The Barbet is a mid-sized breed that settles into most homes, although a yard makes life easier. By comparison, the Irish Doodle is a big, substantial dog that wants a roomier home and ideally a yard to move around in. If space, transport or budget are tight, the smaller of the two is the more practical choice.

Exercise and energy needs

The Barbet needs a good deal of daily exercise — long walks, running or vigorous play. The Irish Doodle is a true athlete that needs intense daily exercise and a job to do, or it will get restless. 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 Barbet is high-maintenance to groom, needing regular professional grooming and daily brushing and sheds almost nothing, so your sofa stays clear. The Irish Doodle is high-maintenance to groom, needing regular professional grooming and daily brushing and drops very little hair. Both are considered hypoallergenic, so either works well for allergy-conscious homes. 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 learns quickly and enjoys the training process, keeps fairly quiet, barking occasionally and is famously gentle and patient with children. The Irish Doodle learns quickly and enjoys the training process, keeps fairly quiet, barking occasionally and is famously gentle and patient with children. On guarding instinct, Barbet shows limited protectiveness and is friendly to callers, whereas Irish Doodle shows limited protectiveness and is friendly to callers.

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 Irish Doodle are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Barbet and Irish Doodle are an even match — either can work well.
For being left alone during the workday, Irish Doodle 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 a longer-lived breed, you want a calmer, lower-energy companion, or you want less shedding around the home.

Choose the Irish Doodle if you want a more energetic partner for sport and adventure or you want a bigger, more substantial dog.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Barbet or the Irish Doodle better for families with children?: Both the Barbet and the Irish Doodle are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Barbet or the Irish Doodle?: The Irish Doodle 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 Irish Doodle?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Barbet or Irish Doodle bigger?: Irish Doodle is the larger breed; Barbet is smaller and more compact.
Which barks more, Barbet or Irish Doodle?: Both bark a similar amount (low).
Which is better for apartment living, Barbet or Irish Doodle?: For apartment or apartment living, Barbet has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Barbet vs Irish Doodle