Labrador Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Barbet Comparison - Dog breed selector: Lab or Cao De Agua or French Water Dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Labrador Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Barbet" Compare Labrador Retriever and Portuguese Water Dog. Which is better: Labrador Retriever or Portuguese Water Dog or Barbet?

Size and Weight Price and Availability Trainability and Intelligence Personality and Temperament Activity and Playfulness Adaptability and Independence Bite Characteristics Health and Lifespan Energy and Activity Diet and Weight Management Allergies and Grooming Good With As a Working Dog Reproducibility Recognition Show differences only

Name	Labrador Retriever	Portuguese Water Dog	Barbet
Origins	England Canada	Portugal	France
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Gun Dog	Working Dogs	Gun Dog
Popularity Rank	1	54	404
Reviews	11	5	1
User Ratings

Other Names What other names do they have?	Lab Labrador	Cao De Agua Portie Water Dog	French Water Dog
Breed Type Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Labrador Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Barbet breed type comparison:	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

Labrador Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Barbet Size and Weight Comparison

Size Which is bigger, Labrador Retriever or Portuguese Water Dog or Barbet? Which is the smallest dog, Labrador Retriever or Portuguese Water Dog or Barbet?	Large	Medium	Large Medium
Weight Which is heavier, Labrador Retriever or Portuguese Water Dog or Portuguese Water Dog? Labrador Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Barbet weight comparison:	Male: 60-75 pounds (27-34kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg)	Male: 42-55 pounds (19-25 kg), Female: 35-49 pounds (16-22 kg)	37–62 pounds (17–28 kg )
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	Male: 67.5 pounds (30.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg)	Male: 48.5 pounds (22 kg), Female: 42 pounds (19 kg)	37–62 pounds (17–28 kg )
Height Which is taller, Labrador Retriever or Portuguese Water Dog or Barbet? Labrador Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Barbet height comparison:	Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 21-23 inches (53-58 cm)	Male: 20-22 inches (50-57 cm), Female: 17-20 inches (43-52 cm)	Male: 23–26 inches (58–65 cm), Female: 21–24 inches (53–61 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 22 inches (55.5 cm)	Male: 21 inches (53.5 cm), Female: 18.5 inches (47.5 cm)	Male: 23–26 inches (58–65 cm), Female: 21–24 inches (53–61 cm)

Labrador Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Barbet Price and Availability Comparison

Price Which is cheaper, Labrador Retriever or Portuguese Water Dog or Barbet? Which is more expensive?	$1000-$2000	$2500-$2800	$600-$1000
Availability Which is easier to get, Labrador Retriever or Portuguese Water Dog or Barbet?	Very frequent: The Labrador Retriever is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Portuguese Water Dog is quite easy to get.	Average: The Barbet is a commonly available dog breed.

Labrador Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Barbet Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? Labrador Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Barbet intelligence:	Outstanding: Labrador Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds. See more.	Smart: The Portuguese Water Dog dogs have great intelligence. See more.	Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Trainability Labrador Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Barbet trainability comparison.	Labrador Retriever dogs are very easy to train. See more.	Portuguese Water Dog dogs are easy to train. See more.	Barbet dogs are quite easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Ability Which is the better watchdog: Labrador Retriever or Portuguese Water Dog or Barbet?	Labrador Retriever dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Portuguese Water Dog dogs are good watchdogs. See more.	Barbet dogs are average watchdogs. See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial Which is a better guard dog Labrador Retriever or Portuguese Water Dog or Barbet? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?	Labrador Retriever dogs are average defenders. See more.	Portuguese Water Dog dogs are average defenders. See more.	Barbet dogs are average defenders. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Labrador Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Barbet Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Labrador Retriever or Portuguese Water Dog or Barbet? Labrador Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Barbet behavior/temperament comparison:	Playful Loving Energetic Alert Intelligent Friendly Responsive Affectionate Loyal Gentle Going Social Cheerful	Intelligent Docile Obedient Brave Impetuous Quarrelsome	Intelligent Obedient Joyful Companionable Cheerful
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?	Sensitive: Labrador Retriever dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.	Barbet dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Labrador Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Barbet?	Slightly Below Average: Labrador Retriever dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence. See more.	High: Portuguese Water Dog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Barbet dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Labrador Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Barbet social needs comparison:	Labrador Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Portuguese Water Dog dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Barbet dogs are a social breed. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	Labrador Retriever dogs have average wanderlust potential. See more.	Portuguese Water Dog dogs have average wanderlust potential. See more.	Barbet dogs have average wanderlust potential. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?	Labrador Retriever dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals. See more.	Portuguese Water Dog dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. See more.	Barbet dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Labrador Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Barbet Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness Labrador Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Barbet playfulness comparison:	The Labrador Retriever is a highly playful breed. See more.	The Portuguese Water Dog is a playful breed. See more.	The Barbet is a highly playful breed. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Barking Which dog barks more/less: Labrador Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Barbet?	Average: The Labrador Retriever barks occasionally. See more.	Low to Average: The Portuguese Water Dog rarely barks. See more.	Low to Average: The Barbet rarely barks. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Apartment Friendly Which dog is more apartment friendly Labrador Retriever or Portuguese Water Dog or Barbet?	It is not recommended to keep the Labrador Retriever breed in the home.	Apartment-friendly dog the Portuguese Water Dog breed.	It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Barbet indoors.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Labrador Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Barbet Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?	Labrador Retriever dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Portuguese Water Dog dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Average: Barbet dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Tolerates Being Left Alone Which dog can be left alone: Labrador Retriever or Portuguese Water Dog or Barbet?	Labrador Retriever dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.	Portuguese Water Dog dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.	Barbet dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Labrador Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Barbet Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI Which bite is stronger: Labrador Retriever or Portuguese Water Dog or Barbet?	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Labrador Retriever bite force: Ordinary.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Portuguese Water Dog bite force: Ordinary.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Barbet bite force: Ordinary.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force
Biting Potential Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison:	Moderate ⏺ The Labrador Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Portuguese Water Dog has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Barbet has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness Which is the better dog? Labrador Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Barbet mouthiness comparison:	Labrador Retriever dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. See more.	Portuguese Water Dog dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. See more.	Barbet dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.

Labrador Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Barbet Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues Labrador Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Barbet health comparison. Which is the healthier: Labrador Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Barbet?	The Labrador Retriever is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	The Portuguese Water Dog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	Barbets tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Labrador Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Barbet? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Labrador Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Barbet health problems comparison:	Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Bloat Epilepsy Ear Infections Elbow Dysplasia Osteochondrosis Dissecans Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia Acute Moist Dermatitis Cold Tail Myopathy	Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Entropion Ectropion Distichiasis Persistent Pupillary Membranes Addison's Disease Megaesophagus Irritable Bowel Disease (ibd) Abnormally Small Eyes GM-1 Storage Disease Juvenile Dilated Cardiomyopathy Gastrointestinal Diseases Colitis Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis Lymphangiectasia	Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Epilepsy Entropion Ear Infections Elbow Dysplasia Hernia Overbite Underbite
Veterinarian Visits Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?	Average The Labrador Retriever should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Average The Portuguese Water Dog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Frequent The Barbet should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Life Expectancy Labrador Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Barbet lifespan comparison. How long do Labrador Retriever, Portuguese Water Dog and Barbet breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?	10-12 years The average lifespan of Labrador Retriever: 11 years	10-14 years The average lifespan of Portuguese Water Dog: 12 years	13-15 years The average lifespan of Barbet: 14 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Weather and Climate Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Labrador Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Barbet?	Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. See more.	Prefers average to cold weather conditions The Portuguese Water Dog can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog. See more.	Prefers average to cold weather conditions The Barbet can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog. See more.

Labrador Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Barbet Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level Who has more energy a Labrador Retriever or Portuguese Water Dog or Barbet? Labrador Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Barbet energy level comparison:	Labrador Retriever dogs are high-energy dogs.	Portuguese Water Dog dogs are high-energy dogs.	Barbet dogs are high-energy dogs.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Labrador Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Barbet exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Labrador Retriever or Portuguese Water Dog or Barbet? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Labrador Retriever dogs need a lot of exercises.	Portuguese Water Dog dogs need quite a lot of exercise.	Barbet dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Labrador Retriever or Portuguese Water Dog or Barbet?	Labrador Retriever dogs don't need too much sleep.	Portuguese Water Dog dogs don't need too much sleep.	Barbet dogs don't need too much sleep.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Labrador Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Barbet Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption Which dog eats more: Labrador Retriever or Portuguese Water Dog or Barbet?	Recommended daily amount: 2.5 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	2 to 2.5 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	3 to 5 cups of a high-quality dog food daily, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Labrador Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Barbet weight gain potential comparison:	High: The Labrador Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight. See more.	Average: The Portuguese Water Dog has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Average: The Barbet has an average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity

Labrador Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Barbet Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types What type of coat/fur do they have? Labrador Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Barbet coat comparison:	Dense Waterproof Hard Short	Curly	Waterproof
Colors What are the original Labrador Retriever, Portuguese Water Dog and Barbet color?	Black Yellow Chocolate	Black White Brown	Black Gray White Brown Fawn
Grooming Which dog is easy to maintain, Labrador Retriever or Portuguese Water Dog or Barbet? Labrador Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Barbet grooming comparison:	Effortless: The Labrador Retriever requires minimal grooming. See more.	Average: The Portuguese Water Dog requires average grooming effort. See more.	Average: The Barbet requires average grooming effort. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Shedding Level Who sheds more Labrador Retriever or Portuguese Water Dog or Barbet? Labrador Retriever or Portuguese Water Dog or {name3 shedding:	Labrador Retriever dogs shed moderately. See more.	Portuguese Water Dog dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Barbet dogs shed none to minimal. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency Which dog should be bathed more: Labrador Retriever or Portuguese Water Dog or Barbet?	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. See more.	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. See more.	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. See more.
Hypoallergenic Labrador Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Barbet hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?	No See more.	Yes See more.	Yes See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Stinkiness Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Labrador Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Barbet?	High 🔼 The Labrador Retriever has a high chance of bad smell.	Low 🔽 The Portuguese Water Dog has a low chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Barbet has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?	The Labrador Retriever is an average drooler. See more.	The Portuguese Water Dog is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Barbet is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.

Labrador Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Barbet Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Labrador Retriever dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.	Portuguese Water Dog dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.	Barbet dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Labrador Retriever or Portuguese Water Dog or Barbet? Which dog is more friendly?	Labrador Retriever dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.	Portuguese Water Dog dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Barbet dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Child Friendly Which dog is more child/kid friendly Labrador Retriever or Portuguese Water Dog or Barbet?	Labrador Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	Portuguese Water Dog dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Barbet dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Labrador Retriever or Portuguese Water Dog or Barbet?	Labrador Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs.	Portuguese Water Dog dogs are cat-friendly dogs.	Barbet dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Labrador Retriever or Portuguese Water Dog or Barbet?	Labrador Retriever dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Portuguese Water Dog dogs are dog-friendly dogs.	Barbet dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Labrador Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Barbet?	Yes Labrador Retriever dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Portuguese Water Dog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Barbet dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly Which one fits better in the office?	No Labrador Retriever is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Portuguese Water Dog is not the best dog breed for office environment.	Yes Barbet is one of the best dog breeds for office environment
Senior Citizens Friendly Which dog is good for elderly people?	Labrador Retrievers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.	Portuguese Water Dogs are usually recommended for elderly people.	Barbets are usually recommended for elderly people.

Labrador Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Barbet As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Which one could be a service dog?	Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. See more.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Dog Which one could be a therapy dog: Labrador Retriever or Portuguese Water Dog or Barbet? Which is better for autism?	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?	Yes After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search and Rescue Dog (SAR) Which one could be a search and rescue dog?	Yes This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog Which one could be a boat dog: Labrador Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Barbet?	Yes Labrador Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat. See more.	Yes Portuguese Water Dog breed usually likes being on a boat. See more.	Yes Barbet breed usually likes being on a boat. See more.
Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog Which one could be a cart pulling or drafting dog?	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.
Fighting Dog / Military Dog	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Labrador Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Barbet Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Litter Frequency	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.
Litter Size How many puppies can Labrador Retriever and Portuguese Water Dog and Barbet have?	5-10 puppies	4-8 puppies	4-6 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy

Labrador Retriever vs Portuguese Water Dog vs Barbet Recognition Comparison

AKC Group Which dog is recognized by the AKC?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1917 as a Sporting breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1983 as a Hound breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club as a Miscellaneous breed.
FCI Group Which dog is recognized by the FCI?	Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Retrievers section.	Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Water Dogs section.	Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Water Dogs section.
Breed Recognition What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?	American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Canadian Kennel Club Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale Kennel Club of Great Britain North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Australian National Kennel Council Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club New Zealand Kennel Club United Kennel Club Canadian Canine Registry	American Kennel Club Canadian Kennel Club Federation Cynologique Internationale Australian National Kennel Council New Zealand Kennel Club United Kennel Club The Kennel Club	American Kennel Club Canadian Kennel Club Dog Registry of America Inc. Kennel Club of Great Britain North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Continental Kennel Club United Kennel Club

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