Barbet
Description
The Barbet is a medium-sized French water dog with a dense, curly to wavy coat that often sports black, brown, fawn, gray, or white hues, sometimes accented with matching markings. This breed’s distinctive beard-like fur around the muzzle gives it a unique, expressive face. Originally bred as a waterfowl retriever in the 16th century, the Barbet’s versatility extended to roles like herding and companionship at the French court. Barbets weigh between 35 and 65 pounds, fitting comfortably into active households. They thrive on interaction and enjoy swimming thanks to their webbed feet. While their coat demands attention, their calm barking and sociable nature make them excellent family members. They bond closely with owners and can struggle with separation if left alone too long, so consistent companionship is key.
Grooming
Barbets have a medium to long curly or wavy coat that sheds very little but mats easily, especially in moist conditions. Regular maintenance is essential to keep their coat healthy and comfortable. Brush or comb your Barbet 3 to 5 times weekly, focusing on detangling behind the ears and under the armpits where mats tend to form. Between full grooms, light trimming around the sanitary areas and feet helps maintain cleanliness. Bathing every 3 to 6 weeks is recommended, followed by thorough drying to prevent dampness that encourages matting. Pro tip: Schedule a full professional groom every 4 to 6 weeks to manage coat length and prevent tangles from becoming painful. - Brush 3–5 times weekly - Detangle ears and armpits carefully - Trim sanitary and feet areas lightly - Bathe every 3–6 weeks - Dry coat completely after baths - Full groom every 4–6 weeks Pay attention to color-specific care; lighter coats with white markings may show dirt more quickly and benefit from gentle spot cleaning.
Learn the Curly routine:
→ Complete Curly Grooming Guide
Walking
Barbets need about 100 minutes of walking daily, split into two sessions to keep them engaged and prevent boredom. Their natural love of water means they enjoy routes that include ponds or lakes where they can splash and explore safely. Walks should combine steady pacing with moments of sniffing and play to satisfy their curious nature. Example routine: Morning: 45 minutes brisk walk with fetch play Evening: 55 minutes relaxed stroll with scent games Keep sessions varied to stimulate both mind and body. Shorter, intense bursts of activity followed by calm exploration work well for this breed.
Boarding
When boarding a Barbet, provide a crate sized between 42 and 48 inches to accommodate their medium build comfortably. They appreciate space to stretch and rest after active play. Barbets enjoy interactive play sessions and benefit from two active play blocks daily, incorporating fetch or water games if possible. Enrichment through scent and brain games keeps them mentally sharp and reduces stress. Staff should note that Barbets thrive on social interaction and may show signs of separation anxiety if left isolated. Regular human contact and gentle handling help them settle quickly. Their low barking tendency makes them suitable for quieter boarding environments. Ensure grooming needs are met during their stay to prevent matting, especially if the weather is humid.