Grooming the Barbet

An expert grooming guide by Cindra Grooming Products

Coat

The Barbet has a dense, woolly, curly coat designed to protect the dog in cold water and harsh weather. Curls can range from loose waves to tight ringlets and the coat continues to grow, which means maintenance is not optional. The curl structure holds shed hair, moisture, and debris close to the skin if it is not brushed and properly dried.

A well-groomed Barbet coat should feel clean, elastic, and springy—not sticky, not coated in residue, and not overly soft. The goal is a healthy, functional coat with defined curls and good airflow to the skin.

Character

Barbets are affectionate, biddable, and people-focused. They were developed as working water dogs, so many Barbets live active lives that include training, hiking, and swimming. That lifestyle increases the need for consistent brushing, routine bathing, and thorough drying—especially around friction zones like the ears, armpits, collar line, groin, and tail base.

Recommended Cindra Products

• Moisturizing Dog Shampoo
  A moisture-supporting dog shampoo for curly coats that need hydration without heaviness.
• Moisture Plus Conditioner
  A conditioning step that improves slip for brushing and helps curls separate cleanly.
• Reconstructor – Dog Coat Repair Treatment
  Best when the coat is stressed from frequent bathing, swimming, sun, or environmental exposure.
• Maxi Care (leave-in dog conditioner)
  A leave-in option to support curl definition, brushing ease, and day-to-day coat manageability.

Problem vs. Solution

Problem	Solution
Mats forming at the skin (especially behind ears, armpits, collar line)	Brush routinely, keep the coat conditioned, and never let the coat air-dry matted after water exposure
Dry, brittle curls that break or frizz	Use a moisturizing dog shampoo and follow with conditioner; avoid harsh degreasers unless truly needed
Odor after swimming	Bathe on a routine schedule and dry fully to the skin; lingering damp curls are the most common cause
Sticky or dull coat from residue	Rinse longer than you think you need to; product trapped in curls is a frequent issue in dense coats

Bathing

Curly coats do best with complete saturation and thorough rinsing. Before shampooing, fully wet the coat all the way to the skin. Apply shampoo and work it into the coat with your hands, then rinse until the water runs completely clear. Because curls trap product, rinsing is the step that most often gets rushed.

For routine maintenance, start with Moisturizing Dog Shampoo and follow with Moisture Plus Conditioner to support slip and manageability. If the coat is stressed from heavy activity or frequent bathing, rotate in Reconstructor as your treatment step.

Drying + Show Prep

Drying is where Barbet grooming is won or lost. A Barbet that is left damp will mat at the skin, hold odor, and develop irritation. After bathing, towel blot (do not rub), then dry with controlled airflow and low-to-moderate heat, separating curls by hand as you go so air reaches the skin.

For a natural show-ready finish, keep the curl pattern intact. Avoid straightening the coat or over-brushing once dry. Lightly mist Maxi Care as a finishing step to support curl definition and brushability without flattening the coat.

Puppy vs. Adult

Puppy

Barbet puppies typically have a softer coat that tangles easily, and coat change can create sudden matting. Keep sessions short and frequent: gentle brushing, routine bathing as needed, and early exposure to drying, feet handling, and face tidying. Puppies benefit from a predictable routine more than long grooming marathons.

Adult

Adult Barbets carry a denser, more absorbent coat that demands consistent brushing and complete drying after any water exposure. Many adult coat problems are not product problems—they are drying problems. Maintain a steady schedule and keep friction areas separated and mat-free.

The Cindra Touch

At Cindra, we build grooming routines around coat function and real-life performance. For Barbets, that means maintaining moisture balance, preserving curl integrity, and keeping the skin comfortable through consistent bathing and thorough drying. If you want a deeper coat-type roadmap, read How to Choose Dog Shampoo by Coat Type . For seasonal coat management strategies that support overall coat health, see Managing Seasonal Shedding in Dogs .