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Barbet - MAIN HUB

The Barbet is a joyful French water dog with a curly, low-shedding coat and a heart of gold. Perfect for active families seeking a loyal companion.

BREED GROUP

Sporting Dogs

Country of origin

France

BREED SIZE

Medium

BREED HEIGHT

19 -

25 IN

48 -

64 cm

BREED WEIGHT

35 -

65 LB

16 -

29 KG

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The Barbet is a medium-sized, rustic water dog originating from France, known for its dense, curly coat and joyful demeanor. Bred for hunting waterfowl, they are strong swimmers and athletic retrievers. With a lifespan of 12-14 years, they make exceptionally affectionate and loyal family companions. Their signature curly coat requires significant grooming to prevent matting but is considered low-shedding. Barbets are highly intelligent, eager to please, and generally sociable with everyone they meet, making them poor guard dogs but wonderful, active pets.
american kennel club (AKC) recognition

Yes

Breed was recognized in 2020.

International Canine Federation (FCI) recognition

Yes

Breed was recognized in 1954.

WHAT DO OWNERS WANT TO KNOW?

Are Barbets good family dogs?

Very Good

8 out of 10

The Barbet makes an exceptionally affectionate and loyal family companion due to its joyful demeanor and sociable nature. Their intelligence and eagerness to please make them wonderful, active pets for households that can manage their significant grooming needs.

Good

8 out of 10

They are generally excellent with children. Barbets are playful, patient, and sturdy enough to handle enthusiastic play. They tend to be very tolerant, but as always, interactions between dogs and young children should be supervised to ensure safety for both.

Great

8 out of 10

They are a very good choice for first-time owners who are committed to grooming. Barbets are highly intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train using positive reinforcement. Their sociable and adaptable nature makes them a forgiving breed for novices.

Below Average

4 out of 10

While adaptable, Barbets are not ideal apartment dogs. They are active, medium-sized sporting dogs that require ample daily exercise and mental stimulation. Without sufficient outdoor activity and space to move, they can become bored and potentially destructive indoors.

Highly Recommended

8 out of 10

A securely fenced yard is recommended for a Barbet. It provides a safe space for them to play fetch, burn off energy, and enjoy the outdoors. However, a yard does not replace the need for structured daily walks and exercise.

Fair

3 out of 10

Barbets are highly social and thrive on human companionship. They do not do well when left alone for long periods and are prone to separation anxiety. They are best suited for households where someone is usually home or can take the dog with them.

Very Good

7 out of 10

Barbets generally get along well with cats, especially if they are raised together from a young age. They are a sporting breed, not a terrier, so their prey drive is typically focused on birds rather than small mammals, making them good companions for felines.

Gentle

9 out of 10

Barbets are not aggressive. In fact, they are known for being exceptionally friendly and sociable, even with strangers. They will bark to announce visitors, making them adequate watchdogs, but they are far too sweet to be considered guard dogs.

Very High

9 out of 10

Yes, they are energetic and athletic dogs. Bred for hunting in difficult terrain and water, they possess significant stamina. They require regular, vigorous exercise to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.

~105 min a day

9 out of 10

A Barbet needs at least 1 to 2 hours of exercise every day. This should include long walks, running, swimming (which they love), or engaging games of fetch. Mental stimulation through training or dog sports is also highly beneficial.

Fair

4 out of 10

Barbets can tolerate moderate heat, but their dense, curly coat can cause them to overheat in extreme temperatures. During the summer, it's advisable to keep their coat clipped shorter, provide plenty of shade and water, and exercise them during cooler hours.

Fair

4 out of 10

Barbets can tolerate moderate heat, but their dense, curly coat can cause them to overheat in extreme temperatures. During the summer, it's advisable to keep their coat clipped shorter, provide plenty of shade and water, and exercise them during cooler hours.

Rarely Restricted

4 out of 10

Barbets are rarely subject to breed bans, as they are not widely known and have a very friendly reputation. However, their medium size (35-60 lbs) might exceed weight limits set by some strict apartment complexes.

WHAT DO OWNERS WANT TO KNOW?


Photo
Reviewed by
Dr. Vojtech Gabriel
DVM · PhD · MBA
Veterinarian Researcher Dog breed specialist
Verified
"The Barbet is a generally healthy breed with a lifespan of 12-14 years. As a veterinarian, I recommend monitoring for hip dysplasia and certain eye conditions like progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). Because they have floppy ears and love water, they are prone to ear infections; regular cleaning and drying of the ears are essential. Their dense, curly coat requires significant grooming, including regular brushing and professional clipping, to prevent severe matting and skin issues."

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