Energy Level
Very High
Weight
20–30 kg
Height Range
51–66 cm
Life Span
13 years
A very high-energy breed that needs 90+ minutes of intense daily activity.
About the Barbet
The Barbet is an ancient breed of French water dog. They are active, friendly, and highly intelligent, and make great family pets. Barbets have a unique, woolly coat that is curly or wavy and can be any color. They have webbed feet, and are very good swimmers. Barbets bond closely with their family, and do best in homes where they get plenty of attention and exercise.
Breed Characteristics
Temperament
Facts about the Barbet
Sporting breeds need 60–90 min of vigorous activity daily. A long walk plus fetch satisfies both mind and body.
AKC
Bred to work alongside humans — positive reinforcement training clicks far better than corrections.
VCA
Many sporting breeds are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia — ask your vet about screening after age 2.
AKC
Most retrievers have a natural love of water — a lake or pond walk adds stimulation no park can match.
The Kennel Club UK
Many sporting breeds have partially-webbed feet — an evolutionary trait for water retrieval.
AKC
Exercise by Age
Puppy (under 1 year)
Limit exercise to 5 minutes per month of age, twice daily. Avoid high-impact activities to protect growing joints.
Adult (1-10 years)
Full daily goal applies. Mix walks with play, training and mental stimulation.
Senior (10+ years)
Reduce intensity by 20-30%. Shorter, more frequent walks. Watch for signs of fatigue or joint stiffness.
Similar Breeds
Frequently asked questions
How much exercise does a Barbet need?
A Barbet needs about 12,500 steps a day. A very high-energy breed that needs 90+ minutes of intense daily activity.
How big does a Barbet get?
Adult Barbets typically weigh 20–30 kg and stand 51–66 cm at the shoulder.
How long do Barbets live?
A Barbet usually lives 13 years.
What is a Barbet's temperament?
Barbets are typically Obedient, Companionable, Intelligent, Joyful.
Calculate your Barbet's exact daily goal
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