Barbet

Also known as: Water Dog

Size Category:Medium
Height:19-24.5 inches
Weight:35-65 pounds
Life Span:12-14 years

Affectionate With Family

How affectionate a breed is likely to be with family members, or other people he knows well. Some breeds can be aloof with everyone but their owner, while other breeds treat everyone they know like their best friend.

Good With Young Children

A breed's level of tolerance and patience with childrens' behavior, and overall family-friendly nature. Dogs should always be supervised around young children, or children of any age who have little exposure to dogs.

Good With Other Dogs

How generally friendly a breed is towards other dogs. Dogs should always be supervised for interactions and introductions with other dogs, but some breeds are innately more likely to get along with other dogs, both at home and in public.

Openness To Strangers

How welcoming a breed is likely to be towards strangers. Some breeds will be reserved or cautious around all strangers, regardless of the location, while other breeds will be happy to meet a new human whenever one is around!

Note: Scores reflect typical breed tendencies. Individual dogs may vary based on training, environment, and genetics.

Note: Some traits may be unavailable for certain breeds due to limited or inconsistent data from recognized sources.

Care Guide

  • Barbet grooming involves a full brush-out, comb-through, and bath followed by blow-drying and trimming to 3–5 inches (longer on head, ears, tail)
  • Post-trim, wet the coat and air-dry to restore natural curls
  • Nails must be clipped or ground regularly to prevent overgrowth, splitting, or cracking
  • Ears require frequent checks for wax/debris buildup to avoid infection
  • Teeth need regular brushing
  • Grooming can strengthen the bond between you and your Barbet.

Colors & Markings

Colors

BlackBrownFawnGrayWhite

Markings

White MarkingsGray MarkingsBlack MarkingsBrown MarkingsFawn Markings

Health Information

The Barbet boasts a sturdy, well-proportioned build suited for active sporting tasks. Despite its limited genetic diversity, the breed maintains strong health due to careful breeding practices. Reputable breeders prioritize screening for common issues like hip and elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), seizures, and allergies to ensure healthy puppies.

Recommended Health Tests

Hip EvaluationElbow EvaluationOphthalmologist Evaluation

📜 History

The Barbet is a charming, intelligent, and affectionate breed with deep historical roots. Originating in France as a skilled water dog, it was documented in 16th-century texts for hunting aquatic game. Throughout history, the Barbet earned admiration for its versatility and reliability in various roles. After World War II, the breed nearly vanished but has since been revived by dedicated enthusiasts. Today, these rare yet captivating dogs remain beloved worldwide for their sharp minds, love of water, and adaptable nature. With a legacy spanning centuries, the Barbet stands as a classic and enduring companion.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Barbet can be good with children if properly socialized. They are generally friendly but may have their limits when it comes to rough handling.
No, the Barbet is considered a low-shedding breed. While all dogs shed slightly, this breed is much easier on your furniture and clothes tailored for those who dislike cleanup.
Yes, the Barbet is generally intelligent and eager to please, which makes them easier to train than many other breeds. Positive reinforcement works best.
The Barbet requires a significant amount of grooming. Daily administration or frequent professional grooming is often necessary to prevent matting and keep their coat healthy.
The Barbet can be a suitable choice for a first-time owner who is willing to do their research and dedicate time to training and care.

🔗Related Breeds

Breeds similar to Barbet

Overview

About This Breed

The Barbet is a friendly, bright, and sweet-natured breed known for its affectionate and devoted nature. Highly social and playful, it thrives on companionship and mental stimulation, making it an engaging and loyal companion for active owners.

🎭Temperament

ObedientCompanionableIntelligentJoyful

Purpose

Hunting water game (e.g., retrieving waterfowl in marshes/swamps)

Breed for

Hunting water game

Best Suited For

Active families or individuals who enjoy outdoor activities, especially water-based ones; adaptable to apartments if exercised sufficiently

Ideal Owner Profile

This breed is ideal for an active, engaged owner or family who enjoys outdoor adventures, particularly swimming, and can dedicate time to grooming and socialization.

Training Difficulty

Easy

Care Difficulty

High

Common Challenges

Owners may face challenges with high grooming maintenance and potential separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods.

Trust & Transparency

About Our Data

At BreedsFinder, every breed profile and comparison is created using reliable, publicly available data from recognized canine organizations and trusted breed resources.

Accuracy Assured

Our breed data is standardized using a consistent scoring system across temperament, trainability, and care needs to ensure fair comparisons based on the same criteria.

Experience & Care

BreedsFinder focuses on practical, real-world guidance. While well-researched, our content is educational and should not replace advice from certified professionals.

Transparency

We regularly update information as new data becomes available. Our goal is to provide an honest, helpful resource for researching dog breeds and adoption decisions.