Is the Barbet or the Murray River Curly Coated Retriever better for families with children?

The Barbet tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.

Which sheds more, the Barbet or the Murray River Curly Coated Retriever?

The Murray River Curly Coated Retriever 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 Murray River Curly Coated Retriever?

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

Is Barbet or Murray River Curly Coated Retriever bigger?

Barbet and Murray River Curly Coated Retriever are a similar size (Medium).

Which barks more, Barbet or Murray River Curly Coated Retriever?

Both bark a similar amount (low).

Which is better for apartment living, Barbet or Murray River Curly Coated Retriever?

For apartment or apartment living, Barbet and Murray River Curly Coated Retriever are an even match — either can work well.

Barbet vs Murray River Curly Coated Retriever: Sheds Less?

Barbet vs Murray River Curly Coated Retriever: full comparison

Trait	Barbet	Murray River Curly Coated Retriever
Size	Medium	Medium
Energy level	High	High
Trainability	High	High
Friendliness	Very High	High
Good with children	Very High	High
Grooming needs	Very High	Very High
Shedding	Very Low	Low
Barking	Low	Low
Protectiveness	Low	Low
Adaptability	High	Medium
Typical lifespan	14 years	12 years
Hypoallergenic	Yes	No

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 Murray River Curly Coated Retriever 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 a good deal of daily exercise — long walks, running or vigorous play. The Murray River Curly Coated Retriever needs a good deal of daily exercise — long walks, running or vigorous play. 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 sheds almost nothing, so your sofa stays clear. The Murray River Curly Coated Retriever demands daily coat care plus professional grooming to stay in shape and drops very little hair. 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, is generally quiet, barking only occasionally and is renowned for its patience and gentleness with children. The Murray River Curly Coated Retriever is quick to learn and a pleasure to train, is generally quiet, barking only occasionally and is reliably good with children and a solid family choice. On guarding instinct, Barbet is not a natural guard and greets visitors warmly, whereas Murray River Curly Coated Retriever is not a natural guard and greets visitors warmly.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Barbet and Murray River Curly Coated Retriever are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, Barbet has the edge, being the more naturally child-friendly and sociable of the two.
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, Murray River Curly Coated Retriever 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 a longer-lived breed, or you want the more child-friendly companion.

Choose the Murray River Curly Coated Retriever 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 Murray River Curly Coated Retriever better for families with children?: The Barbet tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.
Which sheds more, the Barbet or the Murray River Curly Coated Retriever?: The Murray River Curly Coated Retriever 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 Murray River Curly Coated Retriever?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Barbet or Murray River Curly Coated Retriever bigger?: Barbet and Murray River Curly Coated Retriever are a similar size (Medium).
Which barks more, Barbet or Murray River Curly Coated Retriever?: Both bark a similar amount (low).
Which is better for apartment living, Barbet or Murray River Curly Coated Retriever?: For apartment or apartment living, Barbet and Murray River Curly Coated Retriever are an even match — either can work well.

Barbet vs Murray River Curly Coated Retriever