Breed characteristics carousel
Learn More
Need to Know
- Dog suitable for owners with some experience
- Basic training required
- Generally healthy breed
- Enjoys vigorous walks
- Medium to large dog
- Some drool
- Requires grooming daily
- Chatty and vocal dog
- Barks and alerts to visitors/anything unusual
- Generally friendly with other dogs
- Gets along with other pets with training
- May need additional supervision to live with children
- Needs a small yard and can do well in suburban and rural areas
- Can be left alone occasionally with training
Personality
Thanks to their love for the water, Barbets can be mud-magnets. They enjoy walking, swimming, and retrieving. They are eager to please, so they respond well to training.
Originally a French water dog, the Barbet splashed onto the scene in the 16th century, becoming a superstar hunter of waterfowl. They are rare, lovable, and intelligent and are cousins with the Poodle. Whether it’s diving into water or taking on new challenges, this is an athletic breed.
An outdoor adventurer who enjoys distance running, walking, or hunting is the perfect partner for a Barbet.
The adult Barbet thrives on adventure, eagerly embracing brisk walks.. But that’s just the warm-up! As a sharp-witted gundog, this pooch loves a good challenge. Fetch? Absolutely. Swimming? You bet. Mix in some brain-teasing training and playful games, and you’ve got one happy, tail-wagging Barbet. New owners need to monitor this breed's exercise. It should never be excessive as a growing puppy.
A home with plenty of space for long walks will make a Barbet happy. Have a pool, stream, or pond? Even better!
After being outside, do a thorough check of paws, ears, and eyes for any unwelcome debris. The curly coat requires frequent professional grooming and will mat if not taken care of properly.
Barbets are excellent students and enjoy being trained, and they respond well to positive reinforcement. Teach them tricks as well as how to harness their inner retriever.
The Barbet dog breed is perfect for active families, especially those who have busy preteens and teenagers itching to get out of the house.
The cost of a Barbet from a breeder is significantly more than the cost of adopting one from a local shelter or rescue. The adoption fee usually covers additional items such as spaying or neutering, vaccines, and microchipping.
Learn more about feeding and caring for your Barbet on Purina.
Did you know?
- Barbet dogs have curly fur and webbed feet to help them swim better.
- The French phrase “Être crotté comme un barbet” means “dirty like a Barbet.”