The Barbet is a French dog classified in the American Kennel Club’s sporting group. They’re known for being bright, friendly, and sweet-natured. Out of 201 breeds, these dogs rank 136th.
Introduction: The Barbet (not to be confused with a bird with the same name) is a rare water dog breed that has assisted hunters for centuries. With an affinity for both the water and the field, this breed holds a charm to many. Read on to learn more about the Barbet!
1. The Barbet Is an Ancient Dog Breed
The Barbet, while only recently recognized by the AKC in 2020, is a canine that descends from the times of old; in fact, ancestral forms of the modern Barbet have existed since the Middle Ages. The first mention of the Barbet was recorded in 1387, and there are even artworks that depict Barbet-like dogs from the 16th century. This dog was mostly utilized for retrieving game, such as ducks and geese, and King Henry IV of France was even believed to favor these canines.
The name of this descends from the French word for beard, which is “barbe”, as this breed is known for having a characteristic beard. This breed was known as the “barbone” in Italy, whereas the Barbet was called the “pudel” in Germany. It is interesting to note that Barbets and Poodles were considered the same breed for around a hundred years, and in fact, they’ve even been crossbred with each other. Because of this, today’s Barbets are taller than their ancestral forms.
Around World War II, these dogs almost became extinct, and while breeding efforts have substantially allowed this breed to recover, this dog is still rare today.
2. This Dog Was Originally Bred for Retrieving
The Barbet was originally bred to both flush and retrieve fowl for hunters along the muddy marshes and estuaries of France’s coasts. As they’re often treading through muddy water, there is a common French phrase that goes like this: “Tre crotté comme un Barbet.” In English, this term translates to “muddy as a Barbet.”
So, the Barbet has also been nicknamed the “mud dog”. While not the most glamorous label, the Barbet is geared for a watery or muddy lifestyle and strives to pursue game no matter how harsh the outdoor conditions are. While it was primarily used as a hunting dog, the Barbet was also known to accompany sailors!
This dog has a water-repellent coat that keeps them nice and dry after a hard day’s work. Its paws are also webbed to assist in swimming efficiently. The Barbet is also a very strong swimmer, having the physical stamina to swim through even the roughest of troubled waters. This breed has a large affinity for water and will usually relish every opportunity to swim.
3. The Barbet Is a Rare Dog Breed
As mentioned earlier, the Barbet is a very uncommon breed, experiencing a sharp decline in their overall population during World War II. This is rather shocking, as this dog was seemingly popular during the Renaissance period.
Between the years 1975 to 2001, only 307 Barbets have been registered, which is still a drastically low number. It is said that only around 500 Barbets are living in the United States, having first been imported in 1994, and it is believed that there are around 2,000 dogs in the entire North American continent. Just years later in 2001, this breed was then introduced to Great Britain.
While the Barbet is still classified as a rare breed, this breed is gaining popularity in many countries and regions outside of France including the United States, the United Kingdom, and even in Scandinavia. It also helps that the Barbet has a dedicated group of breeders who are working to improve and preserve this dog’s ongoing legacy.
4. The Barbet Helped Create Other Breeds
The Barbet played an integral role in the foundation of other breeds. These include:
- Poodles
- American Water Spaniels
- Newfoundlands
- Portuguese Water Dogs
Interestingly enough, the Barbet is also believed to be one of the breeds that dogs in the bichon group descend from. These include the Bichon Frise, Maltese, and Havanese. While the Barbet is rare, at least its bloodlines can be observed in a plethora of other dogs.
5. These Dogs Are Generally Healthy
The Barbet is a generally healthy breed; however, research is currently being done on health-related issues that this breed can suffer. As the Barbet is rare, not much has been observed about breed-specific conditions. Despite having a small population, breeders have been very meticulous in managing the breed itself, making the Barbet a rather robust dog.
That being said, the Barbet can be prone to issues that other breeds can also get, including hip dysplasia. This occurs when your dog’s hip joints grow out of place, causing discomfort. While a management plan can be created by your veterinarian, extreme cases may require surgical intervention. Ear infections are also a seemingly common problem in the Barbet, along with other long-eared dogs. Progressive retinal atrophy, which causes permanent blindness, can affect this canine, and epilepsy is another issue to be aware of as this requires immediate veterinary attention.
As with all other breeds, your dog should be examined by a veterinarian annually to ensure that issues are detected early on and treated before they worsen. If your dog shows any signs of illness, a veterinary appointment should be scheduled as soon as possible.
6. Grooming Is a Must for This Breed
The Barbet’s dense coat needs to be cared for every day. This dog’s fur can pick up debris very easily, and if left neglected, it can become a matted, tangly mess. The Barbet’s coat requires daily brushing, and mats can be untangled with a comb or even your fingers. Many Barbet owners use a variety of brushes and combs for dogs, with each tool used for different parts of the body.
Depending on your dog’s coat, a Barbet should be bathed every four to six weeks. Some owners prefer trimming their Barbets with shorter fur to keep them nicely maintained, which can be done by a groomer. The Barbet is a non-shedding breed, which is much easier for those who suffer from pet dander-related allergies. Just remember though: there is no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic breed, as they can still produce allergens!
7. This Dog Needs Exercise
The Barbet, being a sporting breed, needs to have around two hours of exercise every day. This can be provided via long walks or hikes. Some time running around in a large, secure yard is another way to let your dog stretch and move around. Simple games, such as fetch, are also welcomed by these dogs. While Barbets love to lounge around, exercising this breed is a must, as this will provide your canine with both physical and mental stimulation. A bored dog is a destructive one, and the Barbet is no exception. Exercise also lowers your dog’s chances of developing other health issues, like canine obesity.
As the Barbet is meant for swimming, aquatic-related activities are highly appreciated by this water dog. A fun day at the lake or the pool is perfect for letting your Barbet release some steam. This dog is also a phenomenal athlete and excels in various sporting activities, such as agility and field trials. The Barbet is as much of an active dog as it is a couch potato; provided this dog gets its daily workout, your companion wouldn’t mind lounging around indoors for the rest of the day.
8. This Breed Makes a Great Family Pet
Provided its needs are met, the Barbet makes a wonderful companion for almost any household. With its easy-going and gentle nature, this dog is known to be great with children.
While the Barbet is a part-time couch potato, this canine needs an outlet to release its excess energy daily. Keeping a Barbet in an apartment is definitely not recommended! Training and socialization should begin early in puppyhood, but fortunately, the Barbet isn’t known to be a very difficult canine to train. This dog is known to have separation anxiety, so leaving the Barbet alone for long periods isn’t recommended.
If you’re looking to welcome a Barbet into your home, always be sure to obtain your dog only from a reputable breeder or a rescue group. As the Barbet is a very rare breed, there may be a waitlist for those wanting to bring a puppy home. Contacting the Barbet Club of America is a great way to network with a breeder working with the Barbet, and many owners agree that putting effort into searching and bringing a Barbet home is all worth it in the long run.
