Last Updated: March 31, 2023
Looking for a furry bud that can bond with your entire family, including senior members and pets?
Think no more and get home the extremely cordial French Barbet dog (called Barbe in French) to never have a dull moment in your life.
This elegant French water retriever appears equally majestic like a Poodle and was bred to accompany the hunters in marshlands.
But thankfully, these cordial hunters aren’t aggressive unless prompted and make an excellent family pet.
Can’t keep your calm to know more about this exotic retriever? Scroll over as we uncover all the information you must know about Barbet dog before your first adoption.
How much does a Barbet dog cost?
This exotic breed is surprisingly rare, and hence you might have to pay a hefty price between $2,500 – $4,000 for a purebred.
If you are still okay with the numbers and want to move forward, don’t fall into the trap of a comparatively cheaper deal.
As they are rare, only a handful of reputed breeders exclusively preserve them and the Barbet puppy cost may vary depending on the breeder’s reputation, sourcing location, and other factors.
For the best experience and fair dealing, visit the websites of the Barbet Club of America, the Barbet Club of GB, AKC’s Barbet breeder page, and other reputed kennels near you.
How to select Barbet dog breeders?
Finding an authentic Barbet dog breeder can be a roller coaster ride as they are rare and high-maintenance. But, still, you can get a purebred from a reputed breeder who preserves this exclusive breed under the following conditions:
- Make sure the breeder is certified by the Barbet Club of America or a similar reputed kennel club in your country.
- Visit the breeder to assess the environment and the health of the pedigree.
- Talk with the breeder to gather crucial information about the breed like its feeding frequency, temperament of the puppy parents, behavior, etc.
- Responsibly ask for health and vaccination certificates to ensure you bring home a healthy and happy Barbet pup.
When does a Barbet dog get full size?
Watching your fur baby enter adulthood is all about memorable parenting moments and most importantly patience, as it takes around 18 months for this furry puppy to turn into a full-grown Barbet dog.
Raising this French water retriever requires patience and a consistent routine starting from its daily grooming needs, balanced diet, and exercise.
Besides, you must consult a vet or pet nutritionist to ensure your furry baby experiences everything best during its crucial growing period and turns into a healthy adult.
By following these essential tips you can expect a male Barbet to grow up to 22 – 26 inches tall and weigh between 37 – 62 pounds, while the females stand between 20 – 24 inches with a healthy and standard weight between 31 – 50 pounds.
However, if you notice any unusual growth pattern, we suggest you consult a vet to diagnose any underlying cause hampering your dog’s nutrition absorption and preventing its normal growth.
How to care for your Barbet puppy?
Caring for Barbet dog when they are puppies
Before you bring a Barbet puppy home, keep in mind that it’s a high-maintenance breed and needs enough of your time and perseverance to grow as one healthy pet dog.
Though they have a friendly temperament, lack of early socialization can turn your pup reserved and shy around guests and strangers.
So start teaching your puppy basic commands at home and if possible, let this born-hunter wander around on the lawn and open spaces to keep it happy.
Besides regularly grooming their dense curly fur and signature beard, feed your Barbet puppy a balanced meal of meat-based protein to support their healthy growth.
Although Barbet dogs are not prone to getting obese but still it is your responsibility to make sure you are feeding your dog the right amount as per their age to prevent your pup from turning obese.
Caring for Barbet dog when they grow up
As soon as your pup turns into an adult, it’s time you learn and apply some unique dog training tips and tricks to make your dog’s adulthood more interesting, adventurous, and fun-filled.
Being a water retriever, Barbets need a daily dose of balanced meals consisting of lean proteins from salmon, turkey, and other protein-rich sources.
Make sure not to overfeed and take your Barbet out on regular walks, involve it in exercises and activities in the mud and marshes to keep them happy and in good shape.
Their dense and curly coat needs special attention which can be easily attained with everyday brushing to remove the trapped dirt and to preserve its health and shine.
Grooming a Barbet at home requires expertise, and if you are not confident, don’t hesitate to get professional help.
How to groom a Barbet dog?
The high-maintenance Barbet dogs need a higher level of daily grooming, which means you, as a caring parent, need to get your hands on some basic pet grooming techniques at home.
As soon as your Barbet is back home after an active daily schedule rolling in the mud, grab a brush to groom its dense and curly coat that tends to trap dirt, and if needed, use your fingers to detangle the knots gently.
Besides this, keep checking their ears hidden beneath the curls to clean dirt and prevent your dog from getting painful ear infections.
Daily brushing not only keeps their coat clean but lustrous by evenly distributing the natural oils.
While you can easily do this basic dog grooming at home, some of their specific body parts like facial hair, beard, and webbed feet require an expert hand to ensure precise and safe grooming without hurting your precious.
How much exercise does a Barbet need?
Like other hunting dogs, the Barbet also needs an adequate level of regular exercise, mental stimulation activities, and outdoor exposure to stay fit and happy.
These active retrievers thrive on adequate physical activities and daily exercises for 30 – 60 minutes based on their current health status.
If you want your Barbet to live a complaint-free happy life, then apart from daily exercise involve your dog in brainstorming activities without a miss.
You must also introduce some agility courses like jumping through the tunnel and running down the stairs to support the strong development of their chest and leg muscles.
Barbet, the classic French waterdog is best in action when you unleash them in the swamps and puddles.
So if not every day, then at least once a month, take your ‘Mud dog’ to the nearby marshes and let it spend a good quality time retrieving in the muddy waters which are great for its holistic wellbeing.
Does Barbet dog shed a lot?
These French water retrievers have a single-layered coat of densely tight curls that surprisingly sheds minimally throughout the year except during the spring or fall when you will find small amounts of hair latched to your carpet or sofa.
Female Barbets shed after delivering litter.
So, if you are worried about the furry mess because of their signature dense curls, you can relax because they don’t shed as Golden Retrievers do.
By giving extra care to your Barbe’s daily grooming needs like brushing their hair regularly you can easily eliminate dead hair strands from the coat.
Daily brushing is the simplest way to prevent matting and keep their curly coat healthy.
However, if your dog is showing an unusual shedding pattern, don’t delay consulting a vet to know if any underlying health concern is the cause.
Are Barbets hypoallergenic?
Because of their dense curly coat, many allergy-sensitive dog lovers wonder if barbet dog is hypoallergenic?
Relax and brush aside your fear as these minimally shedding retrievers are hypoallergenic and safe for owners with pet allergies.
However, the universal truth is no dog breed is truly hypoallergenic, and it is not always their loose hair strands but dirt and dander trapped in their coat that are the reasons you get allergy attacks.
So, once your Barbe is back home from outdoors, brush its coat to get rid of all dirt and dead cells that can trigger your allergy flares.
Understanding Barbet Dog Temperament
If you are looking for an affectionate family dog that can accompany you to fishing, then gift yourself the adorable Barbet, a joyful furry mate with exceptional water retrieving skills.
A Barbet dog temperament is generally friendly, happy, and affectionate, making them an excellent family pet and therapy dog for senior and specially-abled people.
Before obtaining a Barbet, keep in mind that they are outgoing by nature, and proceed with your decision only if you can provide outdoor exposure regularly.
Though they are friendly, a lack of early socialization and a stressful growing environment can turn your jovial Barbe into a depressing and shy pet.
So start introducing your Barbet to the outdoors early, after a week of adoption, and free it on the lawn to help your pup become confident by assessing the surroundings on its own.
Being a retriever, Barbets have a high-preying drive to chase after birds, squirrels, and other smaller games that tickle their curiosity.
Make sure to put a long leash on your curious Barbe so that it can explore without any boundaries and to ensure you come back home safely with your dog after a quality time outdoors.
By nature, Barbets are quiet companions and won’t bark unnecessarily unless they feel something strange and will bark to alert you.
How intelligent are Barbet dogs?
As you already know how versatile this breed is as a family dog, hunting companion, and therapy dog, confirming their exceptional intelligence in adapting and exhibiting all these qualities.
For all these exceptional traits, it seems the Barbets are the ideal family dog that anyone would want to have.
These elegant French water retrievers are one of the smartest breeds in the dogdom.
They are quick learners and will follow any new command without much repetition, so if you are a first-time dog parent you won’t have any difficulty training this breed.
Bred to retrieve in the swamps, the Barbets are highly capable of tracing and hunting down their prey in the muddy waters, which is proof of their exceptional intelligence.
If you are looking for a breed that learns quickly, obeys everyone in the family, and bonds with kids, then get home the incredibly intelligent Barbet, always eager to please.
Though they are born intelligent, don’t take this trait for granted by isolating your Barbe for too long or confining them at home.
As a responsible parent, you must provide your dog with a happy growing environment and spend some quality time daily with some brainstorming games to support your Barbe’s intelligence.
How easy is it to train a Barbet dog?
Barbets are medium-sized French water retrievers known for their exceptional intelligence and ease of trainability.
Though a Barbet is generally easy-going but can be stubborn at times being a hunting dog if you delay training.
So once you bring your Barbe pup home, start initial training by teaching basic obeying commands, potty training tricks, and early socializing with the neighborhood to ensure your pup grows into an adorable and well-behaved pet.
Once your dog enters the 6th month, it’s time to introduce some agility games in its daily routine, like running through the tunnel, down the stairs, etc. but make sure your dog doesn’t tumble over the stairs and end up hurting its legs.
But there is one problem with this intelligent breed that can make you think are Barbets easy to train? And the simple reason is boredom.
If the daily training routine becomes monotonous and if you keep on repeating the same tricks daily, your Barbe might lose interest in spending time with you.
So learn some unique dog training tips and tricks or keep changing the training spot to keep your Barbe hooked and happy.
Also, remember that they are very social and are emotionally attached to their human family.
They don’t like being alone and can develop separation anxiety which they will showcase by causing destruction around the house, soiling the house, excess salivation, being quiet, and refusing to interact.
What type of hunting is best for a Barbet dog?
Barbets are best in action when freed in the swamps and marshes to retrieve waterfowl and ducks.
If you are smitten with the breed’s versatility and considering adoption, then get ready for an active life with this outgoing dog.
As hunting dogs, they have a high preying drive, and you will often see your energetic Barbe retrieving squirrels, birds, or cats while roaming in the garden and playing in the park.
But the best type of hunting for Barbet is retrieving waterfowl and birds in the muddy waters and swamps.
If you want to witness what makes your Barbe tirelessly happy, just take them to the nearby marshlands and free them to live their moment to the fullest.
No other activities make this French water retriever happier than retrieving in the swamps and puddles, which is an excellent way for you to develop a strong bond with your four-legged pal.
Barbet Dog Lifespan
These ancient French Water Dogs have an impressive lifespan of 12 – 15 years.
Besides their excellent retrieving skills, these highly intelligent and affectionate breeds also make an ideal family companion and are often deployed as therapy dogs.
To ensure a complaint-free life for your active Barbet, they not only need a high-quality vet recommended diet but plenty of daily activities for a healthy state of mind.
These versatile dogs cannot be left alone as they stay cheerful among their human gang.
So, before finalizing your decision of getting a Barbet, make sure to provide it with a cordial growing ambiance.
Common Health Issues Associated With Barbet Dogs
When it comes to health problems, Barbets have the least compared to other dogs.
As a rare breed and low market demand, they are safe from unethical overbreeding and mostly live a disease-free life.
However, Barbets still can develop some common health issues like hip and elbow dysplasia, undescended testicles, hernias, ear infections, and epilepsy.
This is why we suggest sealing the deal with an ethical breeder who can provide detailed health information of the puppy you are eyeing for, including its ancestry.
As a responsible parent, you must also ensure regular pet grooming at home to prevent any infections.
Final Thoughts
Adopting a Barbet dog means retrieving happiness in your life.
Because of their friendly and get-along temperament, Barbets make an excellent therapy dog for the senior person and the disabled.
Very few breeds on this planet hold so much versatility as the Barbet to be a loving pet for your family and your ultimate hunting and fishing companion.
Despite having such excellent traits, this exotic breed is rare, making dog lovers curious to know more about them.
We hope that this informative piece brought you one step closer to adopting your first Barbet dog.
