Barbet: temperament, size, care and health

About the Barbet

The Barbet is a medium-sized, sturdy water dog with a thick coat of long, tight curls that covers the whole body, including the face, where it forms the beard that gives the breed its name (barbe is French for beard). The coat comes in black, gray, brown, fawn, sand or white, and some dogs are pied. The head is round and broad, with the hair falling over the eyes, and the tail is carried low and feathered.

The breed was used in France to retrieve waterfowl from marshes and rivers. The woolly coat protects the dog in cold water, and its webbed feet and strong swimming make it a competent retriever. Barbets are rare in North America but have grown in popularity among people looking for a sociable, low-shedding family dog with working ability.

Temperament and family life

The Barbet is typically cheerful, affectionate and sociable. It tends to enjoy people, children and other dogs, and it is rarely aggressive or guarded. It wants to be with its household and does not like long periods alone, which can lead to clinginess or mischief.

Intelligent and playful, a Barbet often stays puppyish for years and may be boisterous. It loves water and will find any puddle, creek or bathtub. A Barbet that is not given a purpose may dig or invent games. It is a good family dog in a home that welcomes mud and wet fur, and that can give it daily company.

Exercise and training

The breed needs a good hour of activity daily, ideally with swimming or retrieving. It has staying power and enjoys hiking and long walks. It is not as intense as a pointer, and an adult that has had a good outing is usually relaxed at home.

Barbets are intelligent and eager to please, so training is generally pleasant. They respond to praise and rewards and do well in obedience, rally, dock diving and hunt tests. Their sensitivity means harsh corrections are counterproductive. Start socialization early. The tendency to roam toward water should be managed with a fenced yard and a recall.

Grooming and shedding

The Barbet's coat sheds very little, which appeals to many allergy-conscious households, although no dog is allergen free. It does need regular work. Brush and comb the whole coat at least weekly, working down to the skin to prevent mats, which form quickly in the curls, particularly after swimming. Many pet owners clip the body to an easy length every few months.

The beard should be washed after meals, and the ears need checking and cleaning because hair grows in the canal and moisture can lead to infection. Trim between the pads of the feet and keep nails short. A damp Barbet has a wet-dog smell, so expect to dry it after a swim.

Health

The Barbet is generally healthy, with a longer lifespan than many dogs of its size. Hip dysplasia has been reported, along with ear infections, eye conditions such as progressive retinal atrophy, hypothyroidism and skin problems. The population is small, so breeders pay attention to genetic diversity and should screen hips, eyes and other relevant items. What is written here is general; for a specific dog, ask a veterinarian.

History

The Barbet is a French water dog that has existed in various forms for centuries. It is a close relative of the Poodle, and for a long time the two were considered the same breed. The breed almost disappeared after the Second World War, and French breeders worked in the 1970s to revive it. The American Kennel Club recognized it in 2020.

Is the Barbet right for you?

A Barbet suits an active family that wants a friendly, medium-large dog with a low-shedding coat and does not mind grooming, water and mud. It is a good partner for swimmers and hikers.

It is not suited to anyone who dislikes brushing or a wet-dog smell, or to households that leave a dog alone for long periods. The Lagotto Romagnolo is smaller and more focused on scent work, and the Irish Water Spaniel is taller and more clownish. The Portuguese Water Dog has a similar coat but works as a fisherman's helper.