7 Things to Know Before Owning a Barbet Dog

Thinking about bringing home a Barbet? You're in for a treat — but also a bit of a muddy, curly-haired adventure! These French water dogs are charming, affectionate, and full of personality. We’ve spent time around breeds like the Barbet, and there’s a lot to love — as long as you know what you're signing up for.

Here’s what you really need to know before adding a Barbet to your family:

They’re Water-Loving Mud Monsters (In the Best Way)

Barbets live for water. Puddles, ponds, lakes, even your backyard hose — if it splashes, they’re in. Originally bred to retrieve ducks from marshes, their webbed feet and waterproof coats make them natural swimmers. But be ready: they’ll also happily roll in mud and bring the swamp indoors if you’re not careful.

Tip: If you’ve got a pool or access to safe water spots, you’re going to have one very happy dog. If not, regular baths and a towel by the door won’t hurt.

Cuteness Comes with a Plan

Barbet puppies are dangerously cute. Like, give-you-sad-eyes-until-you-hand-over-your-sandwich cute. But don’t let that fool you — they’re smart and know how to work the room. They’ll test boundaries, so early training and structure are a must.

We’ve seen how quickly these pups catch on when training is fun, positive, and consistent. Think treats, praise, and short, upbeat sessions. They don’t respond well to harsh tones — it just shuts them down.

They’re Velcro Dogs

Barbets are loyal to the core. They want to be where you are, all the time. If you’re often away for long hours, this probably isn’t the breed for you. They thrive in active households where someone’s almost always around, and they’re happiest as part of the daily action.

After a good walk or swim, they’ll curl up right next to you — or on your feet — and snooze the day away.

Grooming: Not Optional

That beautiful curly coat? It’s not low-maintenance. Barbets don’t shed much (great news for allergy-sensitive folks), but their coat grows continuously and tangles easily. You’ll need to brush them a few times a week, trim regularly, and keep an eye on their ears, which are prone to infections.

We recommend:

• Weekly brushing (more if they’ve been muddy)
• Monthly trims or professional grooming
• Regular ear checks and cleaning
• Nail trims and daily tooth brushing

It’s a commitment, but it’s manageable once you get into a routine.

Athletic and Smart — They Need to Stay Busy

Barbets aren’t couch potatoes. They need daily physical and mental exercise to stay happy and out of trouble. Without enough stimulation, you can expect digging, chewing, or barking.

Walks, playtime, swimming, puzzle toys — mix it up! They also shine in dog sports like agility, rally, and dock diving if you’re into that kind of thing.

Diet and Health

They don’t have any special dietary quirks, but like any medium-sized, active dog, they do best on high-quality food. Whether you go with kibble or home-cooked meals, chat with your vet to make sure they’re getting what they need. Treats are great for training, but go easy to avoid extra pounds.

Health-wise, Barbets are generally sturdy, but you’ll want to ask breeders about things like hip dysplasia, eye problems, and allergies. They’re still relatively rare, so choose your breeder carefully.

Great with Kids and Other Dogs (Usually)

Barbets are known to be gentle with children — just be sure to teach kids how to interact respectfully. With proper socialization, they also get along well with other dogs and even cats. That said, they do have a prey drive, so smaller pets like birds or rabbits might trigger their chase instincts.

A Rare Gem

Barbets are still pretty uncommon, especially outside of Europe. At one point, they were nearly extinct. Thanks to dedicated breeders, their numbers are growing again — but you might have to wait or travel a bit to find one.

Final Thoughts

If you're looking for a friendly, water-loving, low-shedding dog who's up for adventure and down for cuddles, the Barbet might be your perfect match. Just be ready for muddy paws, a strong need for companionship, and a regular grooming routine. In return, you’ll get a loyal, goofy, and downright lovable best friend.

Honestly, once you’ve been loved by a Barbet, there’s no going back.