🐕 Medium · France
The Barbet is a medium-sized French water dog with a dense, curly coat, originally bred to hunt waterfowl and now kept mainly as a friendly family companion.
The Barbet is considered friendly, even-tempered, and sociable, both toward people and other dogs. It loves water and retrieving, reflecting its hunting origins.
The Barbet needs regular exercise with access to water, retrieving games, or dog sports to be satisfied physically and mentally. Without enough activity, it can become restless.
The curly, woolly coat mats easily without regular care and should be brushed several times a week and clipped or trimmed every six to eight weeks. The dense coat also dries slowly after bathing.
Given enough time for coat care and exercise, the Barbet also suits well-prepared first-time dog owners, as it is considered cooperative and eager to learn. Its activity needs should nonetheless not be underestimated.
Hip dysplasia and, occasionally, epilepsy have been described in the breed. Because the population is still relatively small, breed clubs recommend health screening of breeding stock.
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This information is for general guidance and does not replace veterinary or breeder advice. Temperament and health vary individually within every breed.
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