Barbet | Breeds A to Z | The Kennel Club

The Barbet (pronounced Bar-bay) is a French retriever and water dog whose origins can be traced back to at least the 1700s. Traditionally, the Barbet was used to flush and retrieve waterfowl in the marshes and lakes of France, and it is thought that the breed was used in the development of other breeds like the Poodle (originally a duck retriever also) and the Curly Coated Retriever.

His French title Le Chien Barbet (the Bearded Dog) describes his thick and protective coat, and his well-furnished muzzle. Standing around 53-65 cm, the Barbet is sturdily built, of square outline and his dense coat should remain untrimmed – he is essentially a rustic, at home in mud and water. City dwellers take note! He is also intelligent and loyal to his owners.

During the World Wars the Barbet population, never prolific, dwindled even further but from the late 20th Century there has been some resurgence of his popularity as a good worker in the field. He has also shown ability as a search and rescue dog, and in the show rings of Europe and America, the breed has gained some momentum.

Read the breed standard

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The Gundog breed group

Dogs that were originally trained to find live game and/or to retrieve game that had been shot and wounded. This group is divided into four categories - Retrievers, Spaniels, Hunt/Point/Retrieve, Pointers and Setters - although many of the breeds are capable of doing the same work as the other sub-groups. They make good companions, their temperament making them ideal all-round family dogs.

Breed standard colours

Breed standard colour means that the colour is accepted within the breed standard and is a traditional and well-known colour in this breed.

Breed standard colours in this breed include:

Black
Black with White
Brown
Brown with White
Fawn
Fawn with White
Grey
Pied
White
White with Black
White with Brown
White with Fawn
Yellow
Sable
Brindle
Tri colour

Other colour/s

'Other' means you consider your puppy to be a colour not currently known within the breed and one that does not appear on either the breed standard or non-breed standard list. In this instance you would be directed through our registrations process to contact a breed club and/or council to support you on identifying and correctly listing the new colour.

Non-breed-standard colours

Non-breed-standard colour means that the colour is not accepted within the breed standard and whilst some dogs within the breed may be this colour it is advised to only select a dog that fits within the breed standards for all points.

Colour is only one consideration when picking a breed or individual dog, health and temperament should always be a priority over colour.

Whether you’re thinking of buying a puppy, or breeding from your dog, it’s essential that you know what health issues may be found in your breed. To tackle these issues we advise that breeders use DNA tests, screening schemes and inbreeding coefficient calculators to help breed the healthiest dogs possible.

More about health

Important health schemes and tests

We strongly recommend that all breeders, both assured breeders (ABs) and non ABs, use the following (or equivalent) schemes, tests and advice.

Check inbreeding calculators

Currently there are no additional health screening schemes or DNA tests for this breed. You may want to speak to your breeder, vet or local breed club about any health issues in the breed.

Other health schemes and tests available

DNA tests - prcd-PRA - part of The Kennel Club DNA Testing Services* (see below). Find lists of tested dogs

*The Kennel Club DNA Testing Services - simple to use and easy to organise all-in-one DNA tests

The DNA tests listed above marked with an asterisk (*) are included in our DNA Testing Services. This includes:

Progressive retinal atrophy (prcd-PRA)

Kennel Club Assured breeders and Kennel Club Accredited Instructors receive a 10% discount.

Find out more about The Kennel Club DNA Testing Services.

Find out about a particular dog's results

Please visit our Health Test Results Finder to discover the DNA or screening scheme test results for any dog on The Kennel Club's Breed Register.

You can also view the inbreeding coefficient calculation for a puppy's parents, or for a dog you're thinking of breeding from.

Have any questions about health in your breed?

If you have any concerns about a particular health condition in your breed then you may wish to speak to your vet or you could contact your breed health co-ordinator.

Breed health co-ordinators are individuals working on behalf of breed clubs and councils who are advocates for the health and welfare of their chosen breed. They acts as a spokesperson on matters of health and will collaborate with The Kennel Club on any health concerns the breed may have.

To contact your breed health co-ordinator please email:

Health (The Kennel Club)

Breed watch

Category 1

Currently no points of concern specific to this breed have been identified for special attention by judges, other than those covered routinely by The Kennel Club's breed standard.