Barbet
Also known as French Water Dog
- Height at the withers
- 53 to 65 cm
- Weight
- 17 to 28 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 14 years
- Daily activity
- 90 minutes
- Origin
- France
- FCI group
- 8 · Retrievers, flushing dogs and water dogs
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with young children
- a first dog
- living with a cat
- people bothered by dog hair (no breed is guaranteed allergy-free)
Less suited to
- an apartment: it needs space
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
Overview
A medium-sized French water dog with a characteristic long, dense, curly coat and webbed feet, bred to retrieve waterfowl. Known for its rustic, athletic build and its cheerful, intelligent temperament.
History and origins
An old French water dog dating back to the 16th century, used for centuries to locate, flush and retrieve waterfowl in marshes and rivers. The breed’s name comes from “barbe” (French for beard). Almost extinct after World War II, it was saved by devoted breeders.
Health
Life expectancy is 12 to 14 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Hip dysplasia
- Ear infections (hairy ears)
- Epilepsy
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Umbilical hernia
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Long, curly coat. Almost no shedding, very high coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- High, 4 out of 5
- Apartment
- Difficult, 2 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With cats
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With strangers
- Open, 4 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Easy, 4 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Good fit, 4 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Low, 2 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Very high, 5 out of 5
- Shedding
- Almost none, 1 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Quiet, 2 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Good, 4 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Good, 4 out of 5
In our lists
Barbet FAQ
How big does the Barbet get?
The Barbet stands 53 to 65 cm at the withers and weighs 17 to 28 kg. It is a medium-sized dog.
Does the Barbet shed a lot?
It sheds almost nothing and its coat needs a great deal of care. It is one of the breeds that shed very little and are often better tolerated by people with allergies, with no guarantee: spend time with the breed before you decide. Its coat needs regular grooming, sometimes by a professional.
Can the Barbet live in an apartment?
It is difficult: it needs space and activity, and a home with a yard suits it better.
How much exercise does the Barbet need each day?
Allow about 90 minutes of activity a day: its energy is high. Add games and training exercises to keep its mind busy too.
Is the Barbet good with children?
Yes: patient and gentle, it is an excellent family dog, even with young children. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Barbet live?
Life expectancy is 12 to 14 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are hip dysplasia and ear infections.
