GENERAL APPEARANCE: A medium size dog of average height, characterized by a thick, woolly fleece which assures it an effective protection against the cold and humidity. The hair forms a beard on the chin. It is this feature which has given this breed its name.

CHARACTER: Balanced; not aggressive nor fearful. Docile, very devoted to its masters, very sociable and fond of water.

APTITUDES: Essentially a water dog, for wild fowl hunting; however, it has some abilities to hunt like a pointer, even not being a true pointer. This breed has no fear of the cold, going into the water in all types of weather.

HAIR: Long, woolly, wavy, sometimes curly, forming wisps of hair. If not regularly untangled, the hair can form into characteristic patches. The hair is abundant/thick, covering the entire body. This is an essential of the breed. Faults: short. rough. non-woolly hair.