Barbet

Originally from France, these dogs are relatively new to the United States but quickly become favorites. Medium-sized and easily identified by their curly fur and distinctive beards, Barbets are a unique breed.

Initially bred for hunting waterfowl, Barbets have transitioned into wonderful family pets.
Although uncommon in North America, their joyful personalities and family-friendly nature will surely make them more popular as more people get to know them.

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Appearance

With their big, goofy smiles and ultra-soft curls, Barbets—pronounced "bar-bay"—are adorable dogs that make an excellent addition to almost any family.
According to the Barbet Club of America, Barbets typically stand between 19 and 24.5 inches tall and weigh between 35 and 65 pounds. They have curly hair that can be long or medium in length and come in various colors, including black, brown, fawn, gray, and white. Some Barbets also have markings in these colors. They shed and drool very little, and while no dog breed is completely hypoallergenic, Barbets can be a good choice for people with allergies. They have long, sweeping tails that wag quickly and often.

One of the Barbet's most distinctive features is its beard, from which the breed gets its name! Bearded Barbets come from France, where a beard is called a "babe."

In addition to their beards, Barbets have large heads with bright, expressive eyes that are usually dark brown or hazel. Their ears hang down the sides of their faces and are covered in wavy hair. Some people think Barbets look like they belong with The Muppets!

Personality

Barbets are loyal, cheerful dogs that love to play and shower their owners with affection. With their goofy and happy personalities, they are sure to make you smile.

These dogs are also brilliant and can quickly learn new tricks and behaviors. They enjoy lounging on the couch for a relaxing afternoon if they've had a chance to burn off some energy first.
Barbets have warm and affectionate personalities and are sensitive to the moods of people around them, making them excellent therapy dogs. While they can handle being alone, they are happiest with people and other pets.

"Barbets are best suited for active people," says Sarah Wooten, DVM, veterinary expert  for Pumpkin Pet Insurance. "They also do well in families with children if they get enough exercise and proper training. They are social animals and don't like to be left alone for long periods."

Living Needs

Barbets are friendly and adaptable dogs that can thrive in almost any setting. They can comfortably live in apartments or small spaces as long as they get daily walks, trips tothe dog park, or some playtime. Like most dogs, Barbets are happiest with regular exercise and mental activities.

These dogs also do great in larger homes with big, secure yards. In addition to daily exercise and outdoor sniffing, interactive toys and food puzzles can help keep them entertained and prevent boredom.

"Barbets need plenty of chances to exercise their body and mind," says Darris Cooper, national dog training manager at Petco. "No matter where they live, owners should be ready to spend a lot of time with their Barbet, providing affection and various ways to keep them physically and mentally active."
While Barbets are generally robust dogs, they're not the best for long-distance running, especially in hot weather. Their thick, curly coats can cause them to overheat. However, they love playing in the snow and handle cold weather well, so you won't need to buy them sweaters and coats. Barbets were originally bred to hunt waterfowl, so they love swimming and playing in water—they even have webbed paws to help them paddle. They also enjoy activities like dock diving, agility, and disc dog events, according to the Barbet Club of America (BCA).

Barbets tend to get along well with other dogs, especially if they've been socialized as puppies. If you have a cat, it's a good idea to introduce them to your Barbet puppy early on to ensure they get along. However, since Barbets have a hunting background and might chase small, fast-moving animals, they might not be the best fit for homes with small pets like rabbits.
This breed loves children and will quickly become any child's best friend and playmate. Still, parents need to supervise interactions between kids and dogs and teach children how to treat pets with respect from a young age.

Care

Because of their signature curly coats, Barbets need more grooming than other breeds. Many Barbet owners prefer to take their dogs to an experienced groomer for regular baths and haircuts. However, you can also learn to groom your Barbet at home with some practice.
"Barbets require consistent grooming to maintain their charming 'Muppet-like' hairdo," says Cooper.

Grooming your Barbet starts with a thorough bath using dog shampoo, followed by a blow-dry session. Once your Barbet's coat is dry and fluffy, it's time for a haircut to keep the hair between 3 and 5 inches long. Some owners like to leave the hair around the ears and tail a bit longer for a stylish look. After trimming, wet the coat and let it air-dry to return the curls. Many Barbet owners also regularly trim the hair around their dog's eyes to help them see better.

Barbets' nails proliferate, so regular nail trims are essential. You can use a clipper, a grinder, or both. Since Barbets are active dogs who love to play outside, cleaning their ears regularly is important to prevent dirt and debris buildup. Like all dogs, Barbets need their teeth brushed frequently at home and should have periodic deep cleanings at the vet.

Training your Barbet can be a fun way to bond with them. This intelligent breed is usually easy to train, especially with treats, affection, and positive reinforcement. Keep training sessions short, fun, and engaging to keep things interesting and prevent boredom. Repeating the process later helps reinforce what they've learned!

Health

Most Barbets enjoy long, healthy lives, typically between 12 and 14 years old. However, like all dog breeds, they can be prone to certain genetic health issues.

Reputable Barbet breeders ensure their dogs are tested for hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and eye conditions, as the Barbet Club of America (BCA) recommends. Barbets can also occasionally experience immune system problems and epilepsy.

To keep your Barbet in top shape, feed them high-quality dog food, provide plenty of exercise, and schedule regular check-ups with a good veterinarian. Although Barbets are not particularly prone to obesity, monitoring their treatment intake and discussing proper nutrition with your vet is wise.

Exercise Requirements

Barbets are lively dogs with a rich history of spending hours running and swimming in pursuit of a game. Being sporting dogs, they need plenty of exercise—at least two hours a day, and ideally even more. These dogs are also very intelligent and need regular mental stimulation.

Barbets excel in agility sports, ball games, and activities that engage them physically and mentally. Thanks to their background in retrieving waterfowl in muddy marshes, barbets love water, making swimming
After World War II, the Barbet breed almost disappeared, but dedicated enthusiasts managed to preserve it. In the mid-1990s, breeders started bringing Barbets to the U.S. in January 2020, and the American Kennel Club officially recognized a fantastic way to keep them active. Generally, Barbets are happy and easygoing as long as they get enough exercise. They might resort to excessive barking, chewing, and digging without it.

Training

Barbets are smart, eager to please, and easy to train. They're athletic dogs that excel in agility sports and obedience training. They have a long history of working closely with humans and are great at following precise commands.

However, Barbets are also very sensitive and don't respond well to harsh training methods. They need a confident and firm leader because of their high energy levels and need for direction. We recommend using reward-based training methods for Barbets. This approach uses treats and praise to reinforce good behavior rather than punishment.

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History 

The Barbet dog breed may be new to the U.S., but it has a rich history in Europe. These lively dogs date back to 16th century France, where they helped hunters find, flush out, and retrieve waterfowl and game birds.
 them as a breed.

Fun Facts

Barbet dogs are often mistaken for Goldendoodles due to their similar appearances, and there's a good reason for that. Historically, dog experts suggest that poodles, bichon frises, Newfoundlands, briards, and other breeds likely share ancestry with ancient Barbets, as noted by the BCA. They can also be confused with Portuguese water dogs, given their resemblances in looks and personalities.

Barbets have been called "mud dogs" because they love discovering and happily rolling in mud puddles and swampy areas. In French, there's even an expression—tre cross comme un Barbet—meaning "as dirty as a Barbet," according to the AKC.

Technically, Barbets are covered in hair rather than fur. Their distinct curls are dense and wooly, which helps them stay warm in cold weather and enables them to swim comfortably in chilly water.