At a glance the quick version
The FCI standard sets no weight; figures are from Wikipedia.
Coat and looks how to spot one
long, woolly, curly coat
A rustic, medium-sized water dog with a slightly rectangular outline, a strong head and a long sweeping tail. The whole body is wrapped in a thick, woolly, curly coat that can form cords, with a full beard and moustache.13
Personality what they are like
An even-tempered, good-natured dog that is sociable with people and very devoted to its owner. It is clever and willing to learn, and many Barbets are keen swimmers.12
Daily activity how busy a day looks
A working retriever that enjoys daily exercise, swimming and retrieving games.12
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
The coat keeps growing, so it needs regular brushing to stop mats and periodic trimming.2
Home where they are happiest
Fits a family home with daily outdoor time; access to water for swimming is a bonus.1
Company who they like around
Very people-oriented and sociable, so it does best living closely with its family.1
The story where it all began
The Barbet appears in French writing and art from the 16th century as a hunter's water dog that flushed and retrieved waterfowl. Numbers fell sharply after the Second World War, and French enthusiasts rebuilt the breed from the 1970s onward.132
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
The name comes from the French word barbe, meaning beard.2
- 2
A Barbet called Moustache is said to have accompanied French soldiers during the Napoleonic Wars.2
- 3
Médor, a Parisian Barbet, became a symbol of loyalty after the July Revolution of 1830.2
- 4
The FCI standard notes its thick coat can be specially clipped for work in water.1
Recognised by the official bits
- FCI
- Standard no. 105, Group 8 (Retrievers, Flushing Dogs, Water Dogs), Section 3 Water Dogs, with working trial; standard dated 29.03.2006.1
- The Royal Kennel Club
- Recognised in April 2018 as the 220th breed (Gundog group).2
- AKC
- Fully recognised in 2020 (Sporting Group).2
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Barbet. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery 2 days
- Bathevery month
- HaircutClip or scissor to keep curls from mattingevery 6 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- FCI Standard No. 105 Barbet (French Water Dog) fci.beused for recognition, height, coat, colours, temperament, use, history
- Barbet (dog) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for KC and AKC recognition, weight, lifespan, history, facts
- Barbet - American Kennel Club akc.orgused for general appearance and 16th-century artwork
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.