Barbet — breed guide
An ancient French water dog and an ancestor of the Poodle — low-shedding, enormously cheerful, and a full-time grooming commitment.
At a glance
- Group
- sporting
- Size
- Large
- Weight
- 14–28 kg (31–62 lb)
- Life span
- 12–14 years
- Coat
- Thick, woolly, curly coat covering the whole dog
Living with a Barbet
- High energy — needs real exercise every day, not a stroll.
- Daily grooming — this coat is a commitment.
- Barely sheds.
- Quick to learn.
- Quiet.
- Good with children.
- Gets along with other dogs.
- Typically lives happily with a cat.
- Not well suited to a flat — space, exercise need or voice works against it.
- A reasonable choice for a first-time owner.
- Average heat tolerance.
- Handles cold well.
Temperament
Joyful · Calm · Clever · Sociable
Health to watch
- Hip dysplasia
- Ear infections
- Epilepsy
- Progressive retinal atrophy
Owner-logged information shared via Leash Life is not veterinary advice; ask your vet about screening for these.
Questions people ask
Is a Barbet good with kids?
Generally yes. Barbets are usually good with children when raised with them and given their own quiet space.
Is a Barbet good with cats?
Usually yes. Barbets typically settle well with a resident cat — introduce them slowly and give the cat a high perch and a way out of the room.
How much exercise does a Barbet need?
An hour or more of proper exercise every day.
Can a Barbet handle hot weather?
About average — use normal hot-day sense.
Leash Life keeps a Barbet's day — walks, meals, meds, weight — in one shared feed for the whole household, and warns on the walk weather this breed can't take. Free to start.