Barbet
Updated November 30, 2025
The Barbet is an ancient French water dog breed, cherished for its intelligence, loyalty, and cheerful nature. They are adept at various dog sports and make excellent family companions for active owners.
Joyful, Intelligent, Obedient, Friendly, Loyal
35-65 pounds
19-24.5 inches
12-14 years
Black, Brown, Fawn, Grey, White, Cream
At a Glance
Good with Kids
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About Barbet
The Barbet is an ancient French water dog breed, cherished for its intelligence, loyalty, and cheerful nature. They are adept at various dog sports and make excellent family companions for active owners.
What Makes Barbets Special
The Barbet is a rustic and charming French water dog with a distinctive curly coat and a joyful, intelligent nature. They are loyal and affectionate companions that form strong bonds with their families.
Known for their love of water and retrieving, Barbets are energetic and playful, making them well-suited for active households. Their friendly and social disposition means they generally get along well with everyone.
Barbet History & Origin
The Barbet is an old French breed, with a history that dates back centuries. They were originally bred as versatile water dogs, used for flushing and retrieving waterfowl. The breed's name is derived from the French word 'barbe,' meaning beard.
References to a dog similar to the Barbet appear in literature as early as the 16th century.
The breed was once more common but saw its numbers decline significantly, almost facing extinction after the World Wars.
Dedicated breeders have worked to revive the breed, and it is slowly gaining popularity worldwide.
The Barbet was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2020.
Barbet Characteristics
Dogs are individuals and not all dogs, even those of the same breed, will exhibit all the same qualities.
Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Training Needs
Health Issues
Shedding Level
Barbet Appearance
The Barbet has a medium-sized, well-proportioned body with a distinctive shaggy, curly coat that covers them from head to tail. They have a noticeable beard ('barbe' in French), which gives the breed its name.
Their expression is bright and intelligent, and they carry themselves with a joyful demeanor. The overall appearance is that of a robust and rustic water dog.
Physical Features
Ears
The ears are set at or below eye level, are long and flat, and are covered with long, curly hair.
Eyes
Their eyes are round, dark brown, and have an intelligent and joyful expression. They are often hidden by the hair on the face.
Nose
The nose is large with well-opened nostrils and is typically black or brown, depending on the coat color.
Coat & Build
Coat Length
The Barbet has a long, dense, woolly, and curly coat that is a hallmark of the breed.
Coat Color
Common colors include solid black, brown, fawn, grey, and cream. White markings are permissible.
Tail
The tail is long, set low, and has a slight hook at the end. It is covered in hair.
Barbet Temperament
Barbets are known for their cheerful and goofy personality, often described as clownish. They are intelligent and eager to please, which makes them highly trainable.
This breed is very sociable and forms strong bonds with their families. They are known to be good with children and other pets, especially when socialized from a young age.
Barbets thrive on human companionship and do not do well when left alone for extended periods. Their friendly and outgoing nature makes them poor guard dogs.
As water dogs, they have a natural love for swimming and retrieving. Their playful and active nature means they enjoy being involved in family activities, especially outdoors.
Temperament Traits
Good With
Health
Barbets are a generally healthy breed with a lifespan of 12-14 years. Responsible breeders screen for health conditions to which the breed can be predisposed.
Common Health Issues
Preventive Care
Regular veterinary check-ups, maintaining a healthy weight, proper grooming, and screening for genetic conditions are key to a long and healthy life.
How to Care for a Barbet
The Barbet is an active and intelligent breed that requires regular exercise and significant grooming. They are social dogs that need to be a part of the family.
Grooming
The Barbet's curly coat is high-maintenance and requires daily brushing to prevent mats and tangles. The coat can grow very long and needs regular trimming every 6-8 weeks.
They are a non-shedding breed, which can be a plus for allergy sufferers, but the coat can easily pick up debris.
Their ears need to be checked and cleaned regularly to prevent infections, a common issue in water dogs. The hair in the ear canal may need to be plucked.
Nail trimming should be done regularly, as long nails can cause discomfort and structural problems.
Training
Barbets are intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train. They respond well to positive reinforcement techniques.
Early socialization is crucial to ensure they grow into well-adjusted adults that are comfortable with new people, places, and other animals.
They excel in various dog sports such as agility, obedience, and of course, water-based activities.
Diet
A high-quality dog food appropriate for their age, size, and activity level is recommended. The amount of food will depend on the individual dog, but typically ranges from 2 to 2.5 cups per day, divided into two meals.
As they can be prone to weight gain, it's important to monitor their food intake and body condition. Treats should be given in moderation.
Exercise
Barbets are an active breed that needs at least an hour of exercise per day. They enjoy long walks, runs, and have a natural love for swimming.
Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise for this intelligent breed. Puzzle toys, training sessions, and interactive games can help keep their minds sharp.
A securely fenced yard is ideal to allow them space to play, but they should not be left alone for long periods as they crave human interaction.
Environment
Barbets can adapt to various living situations, including apartments, as long as their exercise and mental stimulation needs are met.
They thrive in a home where they are an integral part of the family and can participate in daily activities.
Their love for water and the outdoors makes them great companions for active individuals or families who enjoy hiking, swimming, and other outdoor pursuits.
Living Conditions
Space Requirements
Adaptable, but a home with a fenced yard is preferred. They need room to play and exercise.
Climate Adaptability
They tolerate cold weather well due to their coat, but can be sensitive to high heat.
Apartment Living
Can adapt to apartment life with committed owners who provide enough exercise.
Best Suited For
Best for active individuals or families who can include their dog in their activities.
Training Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Barbets hypoallergenic?
While no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, Barbets are considered a good option for allergy sufferers due to their non-shedding coat.
How much grooming do Barbets require?
Barbets are a high-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming. Their curly coat needs to be brushed daily to prevent matting and requires regular trimming.
Are Barbets good family dogs?
Yes, Barbets are excellent family dogs. They are known for being gentle and patient with children and enjoy being part of family activities.
Do Barbets bark a lot?
Barbets are not known to be excessive barkers, but they will alert their owners to new sounds or visitors.
Do Barbets need a lot of exercise?
Yes, they are an active breed that requires at least an hour of exercise per day. They particularly enjoy swimming.
Specialized Care Guides
Puppy Care
Early and consistent socialization and training are essential. Provide a nutritious diet for growth and start grooming routines early.
Senior Care
Adjust exercise to their ability, monitor for health issues, and provide a comfortable living space. Joint supplements may be beneficial.
First-Time Owner Tips
A good choice for first-time owners who are active and willing to commit to their grooming and exercise needs.
Looking for a Barbet?
Connect with responsible breeders, rescue organizations, and pet adoption services in your area.