The Barbet is a rare medium-sized French breed used by huntsmen to flush and retrieve game from water (it is a water dog). It is believed to be the ancestor of poodles and many more breeds.
After so many centuries of serving man in so many ways, little is known about this breed, and it nearly went extinct after both World Wars. Thanks to the efforts of very devoted few, this breed is slowly being reborn.
It has been used by French royals in hunting and also by Portuguese sailors. Its name is translated in French as “beard” (the coat forms a beard on the chin) and is rated as the number 4 “agility dog” in France.
The Barbet males grow to be about 21-25 inches (52 - 65 cm) tall and weigh between 40 and 60 pounds (18 - 27 kg), whereas the females grow to be 20 - 23 inches (50 - 53 cm) and weigh between 30 and 50 pounds (13,5 - 23 kg).
The coat is woolly and curly, and grows to be long, so it requires regular grooming (once a week). The coat grows continuously and can be scissor clipped a few times a year to be kept at a manageable length. These dogs are either entirely black, black and white or brown, and they normally have white chest or chin spots and white paws and/or legs.
The eyes are round and dark brown, the ears are set low, in line with the eyes, or a little lower, and the muzzle is square.
They are calm, obedient dogs, who bond with their families and prefer to be in the same room with them at all times. They are also goofy, agile, very intelligent and great with children.
They learn very quickly, excel in conformation and wont have problems in training.
The Barbet dogs can handle living in an apartment as long as they get plenty of vigorous outdoor exercise. They need regular walks and exercise to maintain a healthy state of mind and body. They love water and are undeterred by cold water and icy conditions.
In France, dogs from this breed can take the Test d Aptitude Naturelle (T.A.N.) a basic water retrieving test, and can also participate in the BCE. (Brevet de Chasse a l'Eau), which is a hunting test involving water and field trials.
The most common issue of water dogs, including the Barbet, is ear infection and thats why regular ear canal cleaning is a must for this breed. They can also suffer from hip dysplasia, epilepsy, hernias and undescended testicles. Their lifespan is 13 to 15 years, but one dog of this breed was recorded passing away at 19 years.
This playful and carefree pal can fetch and retrieve for hours on end and, when water is involved, it is all for the better. In the United States of America, this dog breed is quite rare, as there are only about a hundred specimens left, so you might have problems adopting one.
The Barbet may not look particularly agile, but it excels in many dog sports and activities; it is an innate swimmer and a trustworthy companion and has been so for numerous centuries.
