Barbet Information & Dog Breed Facts
Collection of all the general dog breed info about Barbet so you can get to know the breed more.
Group | Gun Dog |
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Popularity Rank | 404 |
Reviews | 1 |
User Ratings | |
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Origin | France |
Common Names & Aliases
What other names is a Barbet known by? Discover all traditional, regional and informal names used for this breed. | French Water Dog |
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Breed Classification
What type of dog breed is a Barbet? Learn about its genetic classification and breeding category. | Purebred |
Size Classification
What size category is a Barbet? Learn how big the Barbet breed typically grows. | LargeMedium |
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Weight Statistics
How much does a Barbet weigh? Discover typical weight ranges for adult males and females of the Barbet breed. | 37–62 pounds (17–28 kg ) |
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Barbet? | 37–62 pounds (17–28 kg ) |
Height
How tall is the Barbet? Barbet height: | Male: 23–26 inches (58–65 cm), Female: 21–24 inches (53–61 cm) |
Average Height
What is the average height of a Barbet? | Male: 23–26 inches (58–65 cm), Female: 21–24 inches (53–61 cm) |
Price Range
How much does a Barbet puppy cost? Find current market prices and factors affecting Barbet costs. | $600-$1000 If you choose to purchase the Barbet, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Barbet for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Barbet gets to a happy place. |
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Availability
How easy is it to get a Barbet? How many Barbet are there in the world? | Average: The Barbet is a commonly available dog breed. There is less risk of overbreeding compared to the very popular dogs. Of course, they may be more popular in some countries, and inbreeding may occur, so be careful. |
Intelligence Rating
How intelligent is a Barbet? Discover the Barbet's intelligence ranking and learning capabilities. | Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. They understand and remember new commands after an average of 25-40 repetitions.
The Barbet ranks average in the intelligence ranking of dogs. |
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Training Difficulty
How easy is it to train a Barbet? Learn about the Barbet's trainability and response to training methods. | Barbet dogs are quite easy to train. Sometimes they can be challenging, but if you're consistent in teaching new commands they will obey for sure. |
Watchdog Rating
How good is a Barbet as a watchdog? Learn about the Barbet's alertness and guarding instincts. | Barbet dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, they will alert you, but observation isn't considered their main job.
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Territorial Protection
Is a Barbet protective of its territory? Learn about the Barbet's guarding instincts and behavior. | Barbet dogs are average defenders. Some dogs are very protective of their territory, while others easily let a stranger to trespass. This breed is not sure to defend its territory in every situation. |
Personality Traits
What personality does a Barbet have? Learn about characteristic Barbet temperament and behavior traits. | IntelligentObedientJoyfulCompanionableCheerful |
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Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Barbet sensitivity: | Barbet dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. Sometimes it's okay to change the daily routine, have guests and listen to loud music.
Some dogs handle moderate punishment very well, while others crumble apart at a dirty look. This breed is not affected emotionally by moderate punishment. |
Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Barbet a good family dog? | High: Barbet dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. They enjoy quality time with their owners despite the activity and are considered great therapy dogs for those in need. This breed responds strongly to their handler's emotions because they bond closely. Their happiness is your happiness. |
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the French Water Dog need? Barbet social needs: | Barbet dogs are a social breed. They enjoy being around people or other animals. This breed doesn't tolerate being left alone. |
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Barbet to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Barbet roam? | Barbet dogs have average wanderlust potential. Sometimes they like to explore the world and they might escape once or twice, but usually, they prefer staying safely at home. Safer to teach them how to get back to you on command. |
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Barbet have high prey drive? | Barbet dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. Training can help to achieve good behavior. |
Barking Frequency
Does a Barbet bark a lot? Learn about typical Barbet vocalization patterns and triggers. | Low to Average: The Barbet rarely barks. This breed could be a good choice if you're looking for a quiet breed. They don't bark unless there is a good reason.
Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking. |
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Playful Nature
How playful is a Barbet? Understand the typical play drive and energy level of the Barbet breed. | The Barbet is a highly playful breed. Excited barking and sometimes nipping will alert you to play. |
Apartment Adaptability
Can a Barbet live in an apartment? Learn about the Barbet's suitability for apartment living. | It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Barbet indoors. |
Lifestyle Adaptability
How adaptable is a Barbet to lifestyle changes? Learn about the Barbet's flexibility to new situations. | Average: Barbet dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually. |
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Alone Time Tolerance
Can a Barbet be left alone? Learn about the Barbet's tolerance to solitude. | Barbet dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work. |
Bite Risk Assessment
What is a Barbet biting potential? Learn about the Barbet's bite risk factors. | Low 🔽 The Barbet has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.) |
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Mouthing Tendency
Is a Barbet mouthy? Learn about the Barbet's tendency to use mouth during play. | Barbet dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Barbet dogs need to be taught a good attitude. |
Bite Strength Rating
How strong is a Barbet bite? Learn about the Barbet's bite force measured in PSI. | Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Barbet bite force: Ordinary. Bite force Barbet measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of a Barbet is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This Barbet bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. Barbet bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train a Barbet puppy not to bite from an early age.
The Barbet, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained. However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for. In conclusion, while the Barbet bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, a Barbet can be a loyal and protective companion for your family. |
Average Lifespan
How long does a Barbet live? Learn about the typical lifespan of the Barbet breed. | 13-15 years The average lifespan of Barbet: 14 years |
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Climate Tolerance
How well does a Barbet handle different weather? Learn about the Barbet's climate adaptability. | Prefers average to cold weather conditions The Barbet can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog. |
Health Concerns
What health issues are common in a Barbet? Discover typical conditions affecting the Barbet breed. | Barbets tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds. Regular vet check-ups are needed.
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Vet Care Frequency
How often does a Barbet need vet visits? Learn about the Barbet's veterinary care requirements. | Frequent The Barbet should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian. |
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the Barbet breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the Barbet breed? Most common health risks of Barbet: | Cataracts Hip Dysplasia EpilepsyEntropionEar InfectionsElbow DysplasiaHerniaOverbiteUnderbite |
Energy Rating
How energetic is a Barbet? Understand daily activity needs of the Barbet breed. | Barbet dogs are high-energy dogs. An active lifestyle makes them happy. |
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Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Barbet need? How much exercise do Barbet dogs require per day?
Do Barbet dogs need a lot of exercises? | Barbet dogs have an average exercise need. This breed is satisfied with short walks every weekday and a long ones on weekends. |
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Barbet breed need? | Barbet dogs don't need too much sleep. They are energetic and desire to live active life. If you think naps are overrated, this breed can be the best choice for you. |
Obesity Tendency
Is a Barbet prone to weight gain? Learn about the Barbet's obesity risks. | Average: The Barbet has an average risk for obesity. Daily walks should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.
If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Barbet weight regularly. |
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Food Consumption
How much food does a Barbet need daily? Learn about the Barbet's feeding requirements. | 3 to 5 cups of a high-quality dog food daily, divided into two meals. |
Allergy Friendliness
Is a Barbet hypoallergenic? Learn about the Barbet's suitability for allergy sufferers. | Yes Barbet dogs do well with allergy sufferers by causing fewer allergic reaction. However there are no 100% hypoallergenic dogs in the world, there are a variety of breeds that are considered to reduce or minimize the possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair. |
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Coat Colors
What colors does a Barbet come in? Discover all possible Barbet color variations. | BlackGray White BrownFawn |
Grooming Requirements
How much grooming does a Barbet need? Learn about Barbet coat maintenance requirements. | Average: The Barbet requires average grooming effort. Cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't essential. Brushing the dog's coat is useful to reduce shedding. Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections. Don't skip the seasonal flea treatment too. Dog nail trimming and dog bath can be helpful sometimes. Check the local pet store for dog grooming supplies and find the best dog shampoo to keep its coat healthy and give your dog a pleasant experience of a dog bath. If you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of your Barbet, search for a dog groomer or clipping service in your area and book an appointment. Maybe you're lucky to have a dog boarding service that includes grooming or walk-in dog bath places nearby. |
Drooling Tendency
Does a Barbet drool a lot? Learn about the Barbet's drooling habits. | The Barbet is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. If you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, the Barbet could be a perfect choice for you. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool minimum compared to others, just like the Barbet.
If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible. |
Stinkiness Rating
Does a Barbet smell bad? Learn about the Barbet's natural odor levels. | Medium ⏺ The Barbet has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks. |
Coat Characteristics
What type of coat does a Barbet have? Learn about the Barbet's fur characteristics. | Waterproof |
Bathing Needs
How often does a Barbet need baths? Learn about the Barbet's bathing requirements. | 3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. While a good bath every now and then is a great way to keep your buddy from becoming overly smelly, be mindful about overbathing.
Bathing will wash away your dog’s natural oils, while a simple brushing every few days should keep them clean. |
Shedding Level
How much do Barbet dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the French Water Dog? Do Barbet dogs shed a lot? | Barbet dogs shed none to minimal. Having a puppy from this breed you don't have to be afraid of your couch or car being covered by dog hair. Barbet dogs could be the best choice if you don't tolerate dog hair. |
Child Compatibility
Is a Barbet good with children? Learn about the Barbet's behavior around kids of different ages. | Barbet dogs are kid-friendly dogs. This breed is a good choice if you have children. |
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Pet Compatibility
How well does a Barbet get along with other pets? Discover the Barbet's compatibility with other animals. | Barbet dogs are generally with other pets. |
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Barbet temperament with other people: | Barbet dogs are average friendly towards strangers. |
Cat Friendly
How well do Barbet dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Barbet breed live with a cat? | Barbet dogs are average friendly towards cats. |
Dog Friendly
Is Barbet good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Barbet dogs get along with other dogs? | Barbet dogs are average friendly towards other dogs. |
Good For First Time Owners
Is Barbet breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Barbet breed suitable for first-time owners? | Yes Barbet dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality. |
Office Friendly
Are Barbet dogs good office canines? Do Barbet dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs? | Yes Barbet is one of the best dog breeds for office environment |
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Barbet dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the French Water Dog temperament with senior people? Are Barbet dogs good for elderly owners? | Barbets are usually recommended for elderly people. |
Service Dog Capability
Can a Barbet be a service dog? Learn about the Barbet's service work potential. | Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).
Barbet is not the best breed for service purposes. |
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Therapy Work Suitability
Is a Barbet good as a therapy dog? Learn about the Barbet's therapy work aptitude. | Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.
Barbet is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes. |
Scent Detection Ability
Is a Barbet good at detection work? Learn about the Barbet's scenting abilities. | Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.
Barbet is not the best breed for detection purposes. |
Search & Rescue Potential
Can a Barbet do search and rescue? Learn about the Barbet's SAR capabilities. | Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.
The Barbet is not the best breed for SAR purposes. |
Maritime Work Ability
Is a Barbet good on boats? Learn about the Barbet's maritime capabilities. | Yes Barbet breed usually likes being on a boat. Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo. Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, as a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats. |
Draft Work Capability
Can a Barbet pull carts? Learn about the Barbet's drafting abilities. | Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.
Barbet is not the best breed for drafting purposes. |
Military Service Background
Was a Barbet used in military service? Learn about the Barbet's military history. | Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog. |
Puppy Litter Size
How many puppies does a Barbet usually have? Learn about typical litter sizes. | 4-6 puppies |
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Pregnancy Duration
How long is a Barbet pregnant? Learn about the Barbet's gestation period. | 60-64 days Reproductive cycle of the female Barbet: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.
During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge. The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days. The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color. The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating. The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months. |
Breeding Frequency
How often can a Barbet have puppies? Learn about safe breeding intervals. | Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year. |
AKC Classification
What AKC group is a Barbet in? Learn about the Barbet's AKC classification. | Recognized by the American Kennel Club as a Miscellaneous breed. |
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FCI Classification
What FCI group is a Barbet in? Learn about the Barbet's international classification. | Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Water Dogs section. |
Kennel Club Recognition
Which kennel clubs recognize a Barbet? Learn about the Barbet's official recognition. | American Kennel ClubCanadian Kennel ClubDog Registry of America Inc.Kennel Club of Great BritainNorth American Purebred Registry, Inc.American Canine Association, Inc.Continental Kennel ClubUnited Kennel Club |
Barbet Pros and Cons
- Allergy Friendliness: Barbet dogs do well with allergy sufferers by causing fewer allergic reaction.
- Shedding Level: Barbet dogs shed none to minimal.
- Drooling Tendency: The Barbet is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
- Mouthing Tendency: Barbet dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
- Child Compatibility: Barbet dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
- Office Friendly: Barbet is one of the best dog breeds for office environment
- Senior Citizens Friendly: Barbets are usually recommended for elderly people.
- Good For First Time Owners: Barbet dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
- Maritime Work Ability: Barbet breed usually likes being on a boat.
Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.
Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages.
- Health Concerns: Barbets tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
- Alone Time Tolerance: Barbet dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
Barbet History
The Barbet can trace its ancestry back to France, as early as the 7th century. It is widely accepted by experts that the early Barbet was a descendant of the African Shepherd dogs that were naturally mixed with European dogs. The earliest written description of the breed dates back to 1387, even though this particular depiction only presented a water dog during a hunt with its owner.
Records, scripts, paintings, and other artworks originating from the 16th century, from the reign of Henry IV. King of France also mentions a gun dog breed, which is especially good in retrieving waterfowl. Thanks to their thick and waterproof coats, the dogs were able to swim and work in the chilliest waters, retrieving waterfowl. Henry IV. was known for his love of the Barbet, thus, it was believed that he regularly hunted with them. Moreover, there was a local rumor that the king’s mistress was so fond of the breed herself, that she even brought her dog to church, after which she was reproached by the priests. It is also thought that an Italian scientist named Lazzaro Spallanzani conducted remarkable and successful research on the breed. He was the first-ever, in 1779, to manage artificial insemination on an animal, interestingly, on a Barbet. The breed is also believed to have been contributed both to the Napoleonic and to the French Revolutionary Wars. A black-coated specimen of the breed, named Moustache, is presumably the most popular Barbet in history. It is stated that his loud barking woke a group of sleeping soldiers in the middle of the night, warning them about the incoming attack in France. Naturally, he was greatly praised and hailed as a true war hero for his life-saving deeds, and even was named the regiment’s mascot. The Barbet contributed significantly to the French language too. The famous idiom “être crotté comme un Barbet” means to be very, very muddy like a Barbet, indicating that the dogs were mostly working in swampy waters. Moreover, the breed’s nickname was Mud Dog for a while. It is also said that the Barbet derives its name after the French word “barbé”, which points to the breed’s unique and distinctive beard.
During the First and Second World Wars, the Barbet’s population numbers dwindled, and the breed got to the brink of extinction. Fortunately, because the breed had many devoted enthusiasts, through a careful breeding process, the Barbet was re-established and kind of reborn in respect of the dogs’ modern roles too. It is also known that the Barbet has made a staggering contribution to the modern canine community, moreover, the breed was even described as “The Father of All Poodles”, for the reason that the Barbet was used in developing several other breeds including the Poodle, the Otterhound, the Bichon Frise, the Briard, the Griffons, the Newfoundland, and many others.
Recognition came relatively late for the breed, the AKC (American Kennel Club) registered them into their Sporting Group in January 2020. Nowadays, the Barbet is a loving, intelligent, loyal, and devoted breed. Throughout history, the breed had many roles, which are still transforming today. The breed is considered to be successful agility and obedience champions and hunting companions too. Thanks to their joyous and even temperament, and friendliness, the Barbet is a great family companion too.
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Barbet Comments, Reviews and Questions
- Mika
Apr 11, 2021, 7:32:44 PM:
Our Barbet is playful, friendly and social. She has high grooming needs with a thick double coat. She needs a couple of good exercise sessions and then is happy to rest at home. She is like two dogs in one-calm inside and active outside.