French Water Dog

This is a dog seen of various colours including fawn, black and white. Various mixes of fawn and red are also seen.

Long, curly and woolly; similar to that of a poodle.

Dark brown

A stocky and angular dog slightly longer than it is tall. The neck is strong and solid leading to a well-defined, straight top line. The tail is carried just a little higher than level when the dog is active. All four limbs are muscular and solid.

The Barbet is affectionate and loves nothing more than being in the company of its pack.

Barbets tend to be a little goofy and may show off if they think they have an audience. They have a thirst for play that is unquenchable. Due to their sometimes rowdy antics care should be taken of small toddlers whom the dog can easily knock over.

Even-tempered and placid, the Barbet is rarely aggressive.

A highly intelligent breed, the Barbet gets bored easily of games and other activities (such as learning); the owner must vary their approach to the Barbet to keep the dog entertained.

It is a very good hunting who does not hesitate to jump in the water (even very cold) to go for the game. It is a very good working assistant, versatile and reliable.

The Barbet is not wary of strangers. In fact, it is often over-friendly and excitable when meeting new people.

The Barbet is not an independent dog. It looks to its owner for direction and often demands praise.

This dog adores companionship. If left alone for long periods, the Barbet will become depressed.

Training must be consistent and varied in its delivery. The dog’s attention span can waver and a trainer must accommodate this natural tendency.

The Barbet will bark no more than any other dog; the barking quickly subsides.

This dog does not have a tendency to run away but training and reinforcement of ‘outdoor rules’ is advisable.

The Barbet is not as destructive as some other breeds.

The Barbet is not known to be greedy but it does have a very large appetite; if fed too much human food or substandard dog food they can quickly gain weight.

Although this dog’s alert barking will make you aware of someone approaching the house, the bark is no more than an alarm call.

The Barbet is an excellent choice of first dog. Socialisation and consistent training are essential components of ownership.

The Barbet will not be happy living in a flat if its owner is always out and does not give the dog enough exercise.

Walks with a Barbet should not be just walks. The Barbet will want to swim, run, jump and chase and will do so for hours if allowed to. The dog is athletic and energetic and must be given ample opportunity to flex the muscles of its body and mind.

The Barbet is easily over-excited by the prospect of an adventure. Crate training this dog is recommended to ensure that the dog’s movements are controlled when travelling.

A well-socialised Barbet is not likely to come to blows with a cat.

The Barbet enjoys the company of other dogs and does not tend to exhibit jealousies or a strong mating drive (especially if neutered).

The Barbet is an excellent playmate for older children. The dog is liable to knock very small children down if they have the misfortune of getting in the way. Do not berate the dog if this happens.

Due to its love of the home and company the Barbet is ideal for elderly owners.

The Barbet does not shed.

11 to 13 years 

This is a dog that enjoys spending time outdoors and in all sorts of weather.

The Barbet does really tolerate well hot weather; care should be taken to keep the dog cool in the summer months. Never leave a dog in a car (even in shade).

The dense coat of the Barbet keeps the dog warm even in the rain and snow. Be sure to dry the coat thoroughly after a wet walk.

If the Barbet is fed sub-standard food and is not exercised enough it will become obese.

• Elbow dysplasia
• Hip dysplasia
• Eye problems (entropion, cataracts)
• Epilepsy

The modern history of the Barbet is easier to follow. The first Barbet was introduced to the UK in 2001; six years later two unrelated Barbets were introduced and bred. The majority of Barbets in the UK are descendants of these later dogs.  In April 2018, the Barbet became the 220th breed recognized by The Kennel Club of the UK.