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Barbet
Sporting breed from France
Breed overview
Reviewed · Database recordAbout the Barbet
The Barbet is a medium-sized French water dog with a distinctive long, dense, curly coat and webbed feet, historically bred for waterfowl retrieval. It is known for its rustic, athletic build and joyful, intelligent disposition. The breed is categorized in the Sporting group and is described as friendly, intelligent, loyal, playful, athletic, and devoted. However, individual temperaments can vary. The Barbet has a high energy level (4 out of 5) and is highly trainable (4 out of 5). Its grooming needs are also high (4 out of 5), while shedding is very low (1 out of 5). The breed is generally well-suited to children (4 out of 5) and other dogs (4 out of 5), but only moderately suited to apartment living (3 out of 5). Estimated adult weight ranges from 17 to 28 kg for both sexes, and estimated adult height ranges from 53 to 65 cm for both sexes. The estimated lifespan is 12 to 14 years. Recognition status varies by registry; for example, the AKC officially recognized the breed in 2020, but other registries may have different timelines.
Quick facts
Barbet at a glance
Sizemedium
Breed groupSporting
OriginFrance
Lifespan12–14 years
Male weight17–28 kilogram
Female weight17–28 kilogram
Male height53–65 centimetre
Female height53–65 centimetre
Origin and history
Where the breed comes from
The Barbet is an ancient French water dog, with historical references dating to the 16th century. It was used for centuries to locate, flush, and retrieve waterfowl in marshes and rivers. The breed's name derives from 'barbe,' meaning beard, referring to its characteristic facial hair. The Barbet is considered an ancestor to several modern breeds, including the Poodle and Briard. However, the exact timeline and details of its development are not fully documented. After World War I, the breed nearly became extinct but was revived through dedicated breeding programs. Its recognition by major kennel clubs has occurred at different times; for instance, the American Kennel Club officially recognized the Barbet in 2020. The breed's history as a water retriever is well-established, but specific historical events or dates beyond the 16th century are not provided in the available facts.
Physical characteristics
Structured dataSize, build and coat
Female
17–28 kilogramAdult weight53–65 centimetreAdult heightCoat typesCurlyCoat colorsPendingRecognitionvaries by registryData methodai assisted draft
Temperament
Typical breed tendencies
Friendlyintelligentloyalplayfulathleticdevoted
Breed tendencies are general guidance. Individual behavior depends on genetics, socialization, training, health and environment.
Exercise, training and maintenance
1–5 methodologyDaily care profile
Higher daily exercise demand
Typically responsive to training
Higher coat-maintenance demand
Lower shedding tendency
Family suitability
Home and household fit
Supervise every dog–child interaction.
Introductions and socialization still matter.
Exercise, enrichment and noise tolerance affect fit.
Climate suitability
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Modelled tendency · low confidence
A general morphology-based tendency. Individual dogs still require shade, shelter, water, acclimation and weather-appropriate activity. Method: climate-morphology-v1.
Health overview
Veterinary sources requiredHealth considerations
No Barbet-specific screening programme or peer-reviewed disorder-prevalence study is currently attached to this profile. This is not evidence that the breed has no health risks. Owners should use routine preventive veterinary care and discuss screening appropriate to the individual dog's history, examination and family line.
Veterinary disclaimer: This profile is educational and does not replace examination, diagnosis or treatment by a veterinarian.
Feeding overview
Nutrition and feeding
Research in progress
Reviewed feeding guidance will appear after an approved source is imported and editorially reviewed.
Decision support
Potential advantages and challenges
Potential advantages
- Typically responsive to consistent training.Supported by trainabilityScore: 4
- Can be a strong family match when socialized and supervised.Supported by childSuitability: 4
- Commonly described as loyal.Supported by temperaments.loyal: true
Potential challenges
- Higher daily exercise and enrichment needs may not suit every household.Supported by energyScore: 4
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Growth chart
Barbet puppy growth
Modeled estimates
Open interactive chart From puppy weight to adult size
Compare male and female growth, check weight by age and estimate mature size.
Adult male weight17–28 kilogramAdult female weight17–28 kilogramGrowth modeladult-range-size-model-v1
Preview only. Open the complete chart to adjust age, current weight and measurement units.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions
What is the size and lifespan of a Barbet?
The Barbet is a medium-sized breed. Estimated adult height ranges from 53 to 65 cm for both males and females, and estimated adult weight ranges from 17 to 28 kg for both sexes. The estimated lifespan is 12 to 14 years. These are modelled estimates and may vary.
What is the Barbet's temperament like?
The Barbet is described as friendly, intelligent, loyal, playful, athletic, and devoted. However, individual dogs may vary. They have a high energy level (4 out of 5) and are highly trainable (4 out of 5).
How much exercise does a Barbet need?
The Barbet has a high energy level (4 out of 5), so it likely requires regular, vigorous exercise. As a breed historically used for waterfowl retrieval, it may enjoy swimming and retrieving activities. Specific exercise requirements are not provided, but owners should be prepared for an active dog.
What are the grooming needs of a Barbet?
The Barbet has a long, dense, curly coat that requires high grooming effort (4 out of 5). Shedding is very low (1 out of 5). Regular brushing and professional grooming are likely necessary to prevent matting.
Is the Barbet good for families with children and other pets?
The Barbet scores 4 out of 5 for child suitability and 4 out of 5 for dog compatibility, suggesting it generally does well with children and other dogs. However, individual temperaments vary, so proper socialization is important.
Can a Barbet live in an apartment?
The Barbet has a moderate suitability for apartment living (3 out of 5). Given its high energy level, it may be better suited to a home with a yard, but it can adapt to apartment life if provided with sufficient exercise.
Where does the Barbet originate from?
The Barbet originates from France. It is an ancient French water dog with a history dating to the 16th century, used for waterfowl retrieval in marshes and rivers.
Data transparency
✓ Published · VerifiedSources and review status
APIThe Dog API ↗The Dog API Terms of Service (effective 2023-07-01)
VETERINARY SOURCEWSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines and Toolkit ↗Copyright; factual citation and original summary only
Image source: The Dog API. Last reviewed 7/20/2026.