Barbet

Get to Know Barbets

• Ancient Roots but Rare Status: The Barbet is one of the oldest water dog breeds in Europe, yet it remains relatively rare outside of France, making it a hidden gem among dog lovers.
• The Original "Doodle": With its woolly, hypoallergenic-like coat and friendly, intelligent nature, the Barbet has been nicknamed the "original doodle" centuries before designer breeds became popular.
• War Survivor: The Barbet nearly went extinct after both World Wars. Its survival is thanks to a handful of passionate breeders who carefully preserved its bloodlines through decades of rebuilding.
• Multi-Talented Worker: Beyond hunting, Barbets have excelled in a range of canine activities, including agility, obedience, therapy work, and search-and-rescue — showcasing their versatility and eagerness to please.
• Webbed Feet for Water Mastery: The Barbet has naturally webbed feet, making it an exceptional swimmer. This unique trait, combined with its waterproof coat, makes it ideal for retrieving game from cold or marshy waters.

Breed History

The Barbet is a French water dog breed with a rich history dating back to at least the 16th century. Originally bred as a versatile hunting companion, the Barbet was prized for its ability to retrieve waterfowl from wetlands and marshes. Its name comes from the French word barbe, meaning beard, a nod to the breed’s distinctive facial hair. Over time, the Barbet played a foundational role in the development of other water dog breeds, including the Poodle. Though its numbers declined in the 20th century, dedicated breeders revived the Barbet, preserving its intelligence, friendly temperament, and characteristic curly coat.

Personality and Behaviour

• People-oriented Personalities: They form strong bonds with their families and thrive on companionship, often following their humans from room to room just to stay close. This breed is naturally friendly and tends to be welcoming to guests, children, and even other pets when properly socialized. Their gentle nature and love of attention make them well-suited for families, especially those who include their dog in daily activities.
• Highly Intelligent & Eager to Please: The Barbet is easy to train and enjoys learning new commands or participating in structured games. They respond best to positive reinforcement and enjoy the mental stimulation that comes with problem-solving tasks or obedience work. However, their intelligence also means they can become bored or mischievous if left alone for too long or under-stimulated — regular physical and mental exercise is essential to keep them happy and well-behaved.
• Sporting Dog Instincts: They love outdoor adventures, swimming, and retrieving, and they often display a joyful, almost clownish energy when playing. This balance of calm indoor behavior and enthusiastic outdoor play makes the Barbet an adaptable companion, equally content lounging at your feet or bounding through the water on a hike. With proper training and attention, they grow into well-mannered, affectionate dogs that are a joy to live with.

Care

• Exercise: Barbets are an active breed with medium to high exercise needs. They enjoy daily walks, off-leash play, and especially swimming — a natural talent due to their water dog heritage and webbed feet. They do best with at least an hour of physical activity each day. Without enough exercise, they may become bored and restless, which can lead to unwanted behaviors. Activities like fetch, hiking, scent games, or agility are excellent ways to keep them mentally and physically engaged.
• Grooming: The Barbet's thick, curly coat is beautiful but demanding. It is low-shedding and often considered hypoallergenic, but it requires high maintenance to stay healthy and tangle-free. Regular brushing, ideally 3 to 4 times a week, is essential to prevent mats and debris from building up in their dense fur. Many owners choose to trim the coat every few months to keep it manageable. Regular ear cleaning is also important, as their floppy ears can trap moisture and lead to infections. Occasional bathing and professional grooming every 6–8 weeks are recommended.
• Training & Personality: Intelligent and eager to please, Barbets are generally easy to train, especially with positive reinforcement methods. They are sensitive dogs that respond best to gentle, consistent guidance rather than harsh corrections. Early socialization is crucial to ensure they grow up to be confident and well-mannered, especially around strangers and new environments. While they are naturally friendly and sociable, they benefit from ongoing obedience training and mental stimulation to prevent boredom. With the right approach, they become well-rounded companions who are both responsive and affectionate.