Barbet
A cheerful French water-retrieving gundog with a dense, curly low-shedding coat. Friendly, intelligent and eager to please, making a sociable family companion that loves water and needs regular grooming.
Overview
A cheerful French water-retrieving gundog with a dense, curly low-shedding coat. Friendly, intelligent and eager to please, making a sociable family companion that loves water and needs regular grooming.
Good to know — a Barbet is best with a garden and good for first-time owners. Every dog is an individual, so meet a few and chat to a good breeder or rescue before deciding.
Temperament & family fit
In general, a Barbet is good with children and sociable with other dogs. They tend to be a quiet, and as a guide they are good for first-time owners. Early socialisation, reward-based training and supervision around young children make all the difference.
- Families with children of all ages
- Committed first-time owners
- Homes with a secure garden
Exercise needs
A healthy adult Barbet typically needs 90 minutes to 2 hours a day (roughly 90–120 minutes), split across walks, play and a little training. Higher-energy dogs also need their brains tired — sniffy walks, training games and puzzle feeding go a long way. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need adjusted amounts — check with your vet.
Grooming & coat
Coat upkeep is high upkeep and shedding is minimal. Plan on frequent brushing — often several times a week — plus regular trips to a professional groomer to keep the coat free of mats.
- Brush several times a week
- Bathe every few weeks or as needed
- Check ears, nails and teeth weekly
Feeding considerations
Like any dog, a Barbet should get most of its nutrition from a complete, balanced dog food suited to its size and life stage. Portions scale with body weight and activity, so a medium breed will eat a moderate amount compared with other breeds — follow the food’s feeding guide and your vet’s advice, and weigh portions to avoid creeping weight gain. Treats should make up no more than about 10% of daily calories.
Pros & cons
The good bits
- Friendly, biddable and great with families
- Low-shedding coat suits allergy-prone homes
Things to consider
- Curly coat needs regular clipping and care
- Needs plenty of exercise and mental work
Similar breeds
Border Collie
The ultimate working brain — astonishingly clever and trainable, but needs hours of exercise and a job to do.
View breed guide →
Cocker Spaniel
A merry, affectionate gundog that loves people and activity — happiest with a job and regular grooming.
View breed guide →
English Springer Spaniel
A tireless, enthusiastic working gundog that needs serious daily exercise and mental stimulation.
View breed guide →
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Affectionately known as the "nanny dog" — devoted, people-loving and famously gentle with children.
View breed guide →Frequently asked questions
Are Barbets good with children?
Good with children. As a general guide, Barbets tend to be patient and tolerant. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.
How much exercise does a Barbet need?
As a healthy adult, a typical Barbet needs 90 minutes to 2 hours of exercise a day (90–120 minutes), split across walks plus play. Higher-energy dogs also need mental stimulation — sniffing, training games and puzzle feeders — to stay settled. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.
Do Barbets shed a lot?
Minimal shedding. Coat upkeep is high upkeep — plan on frequent brushing and regular trips to a groomer.
Are Barbets easy to train and good for first-time owners?
Good for first-time owners. Barbets are generally a forgiving choice for first-time owners who put in early training and socialisation. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.
Do Barbets bark a lot?
Quiet. They are usually fairly easy-going about barking, though any dog will bark if bored or under-exercised.
Are Barbets good with other dogs?
Sociable with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.
Do Barbets suit flats or smaller homes?
Best with a garden. A Barbet is happiest with access to a secure garden and regular outdoor exercise.
Happier, healthier pets — in your inbox.
Breed care tips, seasonal advice and first access to new arrivals. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Every dog is an individual — temperament and needs vary. Please research thoroughly, meet dogs in person, and consider adopting from a rescue. This is general guidance, not a substitute for advice from your vet or a qualified trainer.