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Barbet

The Barbet is a French water dog whose name comes from barbe, meaning beard.

It is an old type — depicted in French art from the sixteenth century — used for driving waterfowl and retrieving from marshes, and it stands behind several modern breeds including the Poodle.

It stands 52 to 65 centimetres, weighs 14 to 28 kilograms and lives twelve to fourteen years. The coat is dense, woolly and curly, covering the whole dog including the face, and is genuinely waterproof. Temperament is calm, sociable and biddable — Barbets are less driven than most gundogs and are often described as an easy sporting breed to live with, though they still need real exercise.

Origin
France; an old water and marsh retrieving breed
Size
52–65 cm; 14–28 kg
Lifespan
12–14 years
Coat
Dense woolly curls over the whole dog; waterproof
Temperament
Calm, sociable and biddable for a gundog
Health
Hip dysplasia, epilepsy, ear infections

Related: Poodle

2 barbet photos, newest first

Barbet feed
  • Domino III, a barbet

    Domino III

    Domino III was promoted to lifeguard supervising a paddling pool for rubber ducks; unfortunately, a paper fan unfolds across the floor.

    FrostyOtter · 1 week ago

  • Domino III, a barbet

    Domino III

    Absolutely no notes from Domino III on the photograph.

    SunnyHeron · 2 weeks ago

Living with a barbet

The coat is the commitment. Woolly curls mat readily, especially after swimming, and need thorough brushing to the skin several times a week plus professional grooming every couple of months. A Barbet groomed only on the surface will be matted underneath.

Dry the ears after every swim. The heavy coat over pendulous ears traps moisture and infections follow.

They love water and should have access to it — this is a dog that is happiest wet.

Ask for hip scores and about epilepsy in the lines, which occurs in the breed.

They are sociable and dislike being alone, and they need a good hour of exercise daily.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. Individual dogs vary, and anything about a specific animal is a question for a vet who has seen it.

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