Barbet Breed Profile: Essential Facts
Barbets will go into water no matter the temperature, making them an ultimate outdoor sporting dog.
- AKC Group: Sporting
- Weight: 35–60 lbs.
- Height: 19–24.5 in.
- Life Span: 12–14 years
Sign up for expert-backed reviews and safety alerts all in one place.
Key Characteristics of Barbets
The Barbet (pronounced bar-bay) is an ancient and rare water dog who has been used for hunting water game since the 14th century.
The breed has webbed paws to aid in swimming. The eyes are round and dark brown, and the tail is raised with a slight hook at the end. Long hair covers the flat, wide ears. The ears will extend beyond the jaw when brought in front of the face.
The long, curly coat can form strands, and coat colors include solid black, brown, gray, fawn, cream and white, and may have white markings.
Where Barbets Came From
Considered an ancestor of the Poodle, Griffon, Otterhound and several other dog breeds, Barbets were used to hunt and retrieve waterfowl.
They originated in France, and evidence dates the dogs' appearance in history to the 14th century. The breed nearly went extinct after the World Wars I and II, but thanks to a few fanciers, the dogs survived.
Careful and dedicated breeding has strengthened Barbets' numbers -- whereas there used to be only around 25 in the United States, now there's an estimated 300 Barbets in the country.
This breed is a companion pet, water game hunter and retriever. They may also participate in conformation, agility, obedience, rally and retrieval.
In 2020, the American Kennel Club (AKC) announced that it had officially granted the Barbet full recognition, joining 194 other AKC-recognized breeds. The Barbet was placed in the Sporting Group.
How Friendly Are Barbets?
Barbets are calm, friendly and affectionate dogs.
They are attached to their families and can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time. They are not noisy dogs but will alert you to the presence of a stranger.
Barbets enjoy outdoor activities and are gentle with children.
Living with other dogs isn't a problem, but it depends on individual dogs' personalities. Coexisting with cats is possible if the dog is socialized with the felines early in life. Supervision is strongly recommended with smaller animals.
Intelligent and eager to please, Barbets can also be stubborn and bore easily. They don't respond well to harsh discipline or repetitive training. Varied, fun and consistent training that's not too repetitive works best for them.
Is This the Right Dog for You?
Exercise Needs
HIGH: Barbets are active sporting dogs and need regular, daily exercise. Keep yours on a leash or in an enclosed area when outdoors to prevent them from chasing smaller animals.
These water dogs will bound into water no matter how cold it may be. Their thick skin and coat protects them from the temperature.
Apartment life works for these dogs if their daily exercise needs are met. They do best with active families.
Grooming Needs
HIGH: Although Barbets shed seldom and are great dogs for people with allergies, regular brushing and trimming prevents the coat from matting. Barbets are frequent swimmers, which increases the possibility of matting.
Beyond plucking, Barbets' ears require regular cleaning. Check the ears and paws for dirt and debris after swimming or outdoor activities.
Trim the hair between the paw pads -- which you can easily do as you are trimming the nails. Meanwhile, be sure to clean the teeth regularly to prevent buildup and periodontal issues.
Health Problems
LOW: Barbets are generally healthy dogs, with just a few common health problems: Elbow dysplasia Hip dysplasia Eye problems (entropion, cataracts) Epilepsy This joyful Barbet shows his stuff:
Where to Adopt a Barbet?
Though Barbets are rare, purebred dogs do end up in shelters and rescues, so it's worth checking with them first. Get started now with Petful's adoptable dog search.
If you decide to contact breeders, spend time getting to know them and touring their facilities. Be aware of the warning signs of puppy mills, meet the puppy's parents and ask for proof of health clearances or tests performed for the eyes and hips.
Related Dog Breed Profiles You May Like
- Beauceron Breed Profile: Essential Facts
- Bergamasco Breed Profile: Essential Facts
- Black Russian Terrier Breed Profile: Essential Facts
- Boerboel Breed Profile: Essential Facts
- Borzoi Breed Profile: Essential Facts
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, Barbets make excellent family dogs. They are friendly, intelligent, and affectionate, getting along well with children and other pets.
A Barbet puppy typically costs between $2,500 and $4,000, depending on the breeder, pedigree, and location.
Barbets require frequent grooming, regular exercise, and mental stimulation. They can also be prone to separation anxiety if left alone for long periods.
No, Barbets are not excessive barkers, but they will alert their owners when necessary. Proper training helps keep barking under control.
Barbets are rare due to low breeding numbers, limited global recognition, and their near-extinction in the past. Efforts to revive the breed have increased, but they remain uncommon.
Additional Resources
- The AKC's Barbet Page
- The Barbet Club of America
- Club Barbet (Canada)
- The Barbet Club of Great Britain
Kristine Lacoste has been researching dog and cat breeds for nearly a decade and has observed the animals up close at dog shows in both the United States and the United Kingdom. She is the author of the book One Unforgettable Journey, which was named as a finalist for a Maxwell Award from the Dog Writers Association of America, and was host of a weekly pet news segment on the National K-9 Academy Radio Show. In addition, she was the New Orleans coordinator for Dogs on Deployment, a nonprofit that helps military members and their pets, for 3 years. Kristine has researched and written about pet behaviors and care for many years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology, another bachelor’s degree in English and a Master of Business Administration degree.
Sign up for expert-backed reviews and safety alerts all in one place.
