The Barbet breed dogs were introduced to Southwestern France, by the Arabs, where this breed was first established. During the Middle Ages peasants who uses the Barbet breed dogs to guard their herds discovered its versatile ability as a hunting dog. With improved qualities over the years it became a favored hunting dog skilled in working the marshlands. After WWI these breed dogs nearly disappeared, but are today making a successful comeback.

The Barbet breed dogs are happy and playful, with an obedient nature, and need little training. They have a thick wooly coat of fur with minimal shedding that can be uniformly colored black, gray, brown and white, or it can be a mixture of colors. The hair on the top of this breed dogs head tends to fall over its face, often completely covering up its eyes. It loves the sun and warmth, and requires long daily runs.

The Barbet breed dogs weigh up to 55 pounds and have a height of 20 inches.