Barbet Dog Breed Guide
If you haven’t heard of them yet, the Barbet is sure to start gaining some notoriety. It was the newest breed to be inducted into the American Kennel Club’s list of recognized breeds.
Read below to learn more about this rare breed: The Barbet.
Breed History
As the Barbet’s name suggests, it hails from France. It was bred to be a water dog and was used primarily in hunting. This ancestry goes back to written accounts from the 16th century.
The breed would be used to flush waterfowl in the wetlands of France. Its wooly, waterproof coat would provide it protection from the elements, and its webbed toes help it navigate the waters. This breed is also known for its “soft mouth.” This made it valuable not only for flushing but for retrieving as well.
The Barbet was France’s happy hunting dog until its populations were decimated in the World Wars. After World War Two, the breed nearly went extinct. If it was not for the work of a few enthusiasts, the Barbet would not be around today.
The breed is still in relatively small numbers today, but with the AKC officially recognizing the breed it’s certain to begin growing much more quickly.
Physical Traits
The Barbet’s name actually comes from the French word barbe which means “beard.” It’s easy to see why this dog would have that name.
The Barbet does have a wooly and shaggy coat. Under its chin, you could say it has a beard. The Barbet can come in a range of colors as well. They can be Black, brown, fawn, red fawn and white. They can also come in any combination of those colors as well.
The breed standard has it standing just shy of two feet at the withers. They also range between 40 and 60 pounds. The breed standard stresses that the dog should be proportional.
The Barbet is also a great athlete. They excel in tests of agility. They are solidly built. This means they have endurance too. They were bred to swim, and they will love to swim all day long. Just make sure you stick around because they don’t like being far from their companion.
Health Traits
Because the Barbet was almost made extinct, it’s a surprisingly healthy breed. Considering how small the gene pool once was for this breed, they only suffer from a few conditions. These include:
- Ear Infections – This is a common problem with most water dogs. They are susceptible to ear infections because they enjoy spending so much time in the water.
- Hip Dysplasia – This common dog condition can cause pain, lameness or at worst paralysis.
- Hernia – This occurs when an organ or intestine bulges through the abdomen. It’s usually not considered life-threatening unless it is not treated.
- Epilepsy – This genetic disorder can cause seizures. It is very serious and requires the consultation of your vet to treat.
This list of health conditions is not exhaustive. In truth, the long-term health outcomes of the Barbet is not entirely known simply because there are not as many of them around. There are ongoing studies to document the overall health of the breed.
Grooming a Barbet
The Barbet may need a little extra grooming than the average dog, but grooming can be a great bonding experience. Spending time with your dog to take care of them is a simple and meaningful time together.
Grooming a Barbet isn’t too involved. They need their coat brushed at least weekly. Because the Barbet does not shed much, it will need a good cutting as well. Their fur should be trimmed to approximately three to five inches in length on the body. Their face can be a bit longer than that.
As ear infection is also of concern with the Barbet, be sure to check their ears as often as you brush them. Clean their ears to remove wax or debris. Be sure to also keep their nails trimmed and teeth brushed.
Temperament
This breed is actually praised for their temperament. They are very intelligent dogs that love their family. Their calm nature makes them a great breed for a family.
They love to be worked, so be sure to give them plenty of exercise. They’d love a dip in the pool if you are willing to supervise. Otherwise, a brisk run will suffice this one. Just be sure to keep the Barbet on a leash as they were bred for hunting. This breed will love chasing after small game.
Final Thoughts
The Barbet is a recent addition to the American Kennel Club’s list of recognized breeds, but it’s a happy addition. This curly pup can make a wonderful addition to any family.