Breed comparison
Barbet vs Boykin Spaniel
How the two breeds compare on the American Kennel Club's 1 to 5 trait ratings, and which one suits which home.
Barbet
4Affection with family3
5Good with young children5
5Good with other dogs5
3Openness to strangers3
3Playfulness4
3Energy level4
4Trainability4
3Mental stimulation needs3
3Adaptability4
3Watchdog / protective3
3Barking3
1Shedding3
3Coat grooming3
1Drooling1
The biggest differences
- Shedding: the Boykin Spaniel scores 3 out of 5, the Barbet 1.
They score the same on good with young children, good with other dogs, openness to strangers, trainability, mental stimulation needs, watchdog / protective.
Which one should you choose?
Pick the Barbet if you prefer a calmer dog, you want less dog hair. Pick the Boykin Spaniel if you want an energetic exercise partner, you live in a smaller home or move often.
Ratings are general breed tendencies from the AKC. Every dog is an individual, so meet the dog, and its parents if you can, before you decide. Not sure? Try the breed selector.
Source: American Kennel Club breed ratings (compiled February 2022). How we check.