▷ Barbet – France’s Curly-Coated Water Dog with Heart

Quick Facts about the Barbet

Origin: France
Weight: Males: 20–30 kg, Females: 17–25 kg
Life expectancy: 12–14 years
Coat Colour: Black, grey, brown, fawn, sand, or white (solid or with markings)
Breed Group: Sporting

Curly-coated and full of charm, the Barbet is France’s water dog treasure. Once a favourite among royal hunting parties, today it’s a rare, intelligent companion with an eager heart and a hypoallergenic coat.

Barbet History

The Barbet has existed in France since at least the 16th century, where it served as a versatile water retriever and hunting dog. Named after the French word barbe (meaning beard), this breed’s signature woolly face and coat were perfectly suited to cold, marshy environments.

Although the Barbet nearly vanished in the 20th century, enthusiasts preserved the line, and it has slowly regained attention—especially among allergy-sensitive homes.

Barbet Temperament

Gentle, responsive, and eager to learn, the Barbet is a people-oriented dog that thrives on attention and interaction. It bonds deeply with its family and tends to follow its humans from room to room.

This breed is known for emotional intelligence and high trainability, but its sensitivity means harsh corrections are counterproductive.

Note: Barbets are naturally calm indoors but require consistent mental and physical stimulation to prevent boredom.

Health and wellness

Barbets are generally healthy, but like many purebreds, they can be prone to specific hereditary issues. Their dense, curly coat requires routine grooming to avoid matting and skin problems.

They benefit from a varied, nutrient-rich diet, moderate exercise, and regular checkups—particularly as they age.