Barbet

Hypoallergenic

Weight

35–65 lbs

Lifespan

12–14

years

Allergies

Friendly

coat

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The defining characteristic of this rustic, medium-sized bird dog is the dense curly coat that covers him from the top of his large, broad head to the tip of his curving tail. The coat comes in shades of black, gray, brown, or fawn, sometimes with white markings. The breed’s delightfully shaggy coat and amiable nature creates the impression of a Muppet come to life, but the Barbet is a strong, solidly-built dog bred for centuries to be a keen hunter and tireless swimmer. Barbets are very intelligent and learn new things quickly. They have a calm nature and are easy to live with as long as their exercise needs are being met. An archetypic water dog of France, the Barbet is a rustic breed of medium size and balanced proportions who appears in artwork as early as the 16th century. In profile, the Barbet is slightly rectangular with a substantial head and long, sweeping tail. He has a long, dense covering of curly hair and a distinctive beard. An agile athlete, the Barbet has been used primarily to locate, flush, and retrieve birds. He has a cheerful disposition and is very social and loyal.

Temperament: Friendly, Bright, Sweet-Natured

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Best For

Families with childrenMulti-dog householdsAllergy-sensitive ownersFirst-time owners open to training

Home & Lifestyle Fit

The Barbet is a moderate-energy dog — happy with daily walks and regular play, but not demanding of intense exercise. They adapt reasonably well to different living situations, though a house with at least some outdoor access makes daily routines easier.

Day-to-Day Reality

Grooming is moderate — regular brushing and occasional professional trimming keep the coat healthy. Shedding is low, which means less hair on furniture and clothing. This breed craves human company. Long days alone can lead to anxiety or destructive behavior, so a work-from-home setup or doggy daycare is worth planning for.

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