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Breed Characteristics
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Barbet
| Other Names | French Water Dog, Barbet Water Spaniel |
| Country of Origin | France |
| Weight | 35-60 lbs (17 to 28 kg) |
| Height (at withers) | Males: 23–26 in (58–65 cm ) Females:21–24 in (53–61 cm ) |
| Coat | The Barbet is a prototypic water dog, with a long, woolly, and curly coat. Their coats grow long and must be groomed regularly, otherwise the coat can become matted and the barbet may lose small tufts of hair like tumbleweeds. |
| Colour | The accepted colours of the breed are solid black, brown, fawn, grey, pale fawn, white, or more or less pied. All shades of red-fawn and pale fawn are permitted. The shade should, preferably, be the same as the colour of the body. Grey and white are extremely rare; mixed colours (except with white) are considered as a fault. The most common colours are black or brown with white markings. The birth figures worldwide for 2007 are 176. All born were black or brown some with white markings on the chest, chin, and legs. |
| Litter Size | 3-7 Puppies |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 Years |
| Origin & History | The history of the Barbet is lengthy and impressive; an ancient European Water Dog, the breed was developed in France, and referenced for centuries in European historical documentation. Although the exact genesis of the Barbet is unknown due to a most ancient beginning, the breed is believed to be descended from herding dogs entering Europe with the migration of the Moors, perhaps as early as the 7th or 8th centuries. The Barbet is thought to count among its ancestry, breeds such as the Briard, Poodle, and ancient Asian and North African herding breeds. The breed was recorded as being used as a companion, hunting partner, guard dog (to a lesser extent), sailor’s companion, and all around “farm hand” in these early centuries. The first reference to the Barbet as an individual and specific breed was in 1387, when the breed is mentioned in a book written by a Gascon Count. The Barbet was a favorite breed among the European royals. An early attempt to categorize the known dog breeds occurred in 1570, with De Canibus Britannicus, written by Dr. Johannes Caius (Queen Elizabeth I’s personal physician). Caius mentions a group of hunting dogs and lists them as setters, water spaniels, and water dogs, making an early reference to the Barbet breed, and describes them as “efficient and playful”. Further royal reference to the breed exists comes from 1587, when Corisande, the mistress to Henry IV was scolded for attending church with “a fool, a monkey, and a Barbet.” It was not however until Fouilloux, a sixteenth century cynologist began calling the breed “Barbet” (from the French word barbe, meaning beard) that the breed would be thus named. Further references to the Barbet are well documented throughout European written history. In the early 1700’s, French philosopher, Voltaire said “the Barbet is man’s best friend…” In 1750 the Barbet is mentioned in the book Histoire Naturelle, written by Count George Louis Buffon. Histoire de la Chasse en France, 1868, and Charles Diguet’s book, La Chasse au Marais, 1889, mention the Barbet as well. These are just a few times the breed is mentioned, as other historical references to the Barbet and Water Dogs in general are plentiful; when the dog is mentioned, however it is always with admiration and respect. The name Barbet came to include many of the Water Dog breeds, and during the 18th and 19th centuries, the Barbet and Poodle were considered to be the same dog. At this time, the Barbet was called such in France, but was also called “Barbone” in Italy and “Pudel” in Germany. The introduction of the dog show and its subsequent influence on selective breeding, created a split between the Poodle and the Barbet. Aesthetically, the two breeds became separate and distinct types. The first breed standard and original bloodlines of the Barbet can be traced back to 1891. Although a highly valued, greatly esteemed, and popular breed throughout European history; the Barbet nearly died out as a distinct type in the early 20th century. The popularity of the Poodle on the dog show circuit, and the two world wars had a significant impact on the Barbet’s future. Many European people struggled for survival during the wars. Harsh conditions and scarcity of food made it nearly impossible to sustain human life, thus dog breeds suffered sad fates as many were unable to be kept or bred at this time, placing many old and noble breeds in jeopardy of going extinct. After World War II (WW II) there were just two known French breeders of the Barbet. A Dr. Vincenti was one of these two, and it would be his daughter Madame Petre who would resume the breeding of the Barbet some 20 years after her father had. Through the 20th century and into today, the efforts of a devoted few Barbet breed enthusiasts this old, stately breed is being reestablished and further developed. The breed has been recognized by the Societe Centrale Canine, the French Kennel Club and has breed clubs in Europe, as well as on the American continent. The Barbet made its way to America in the early 2000; and in 2004,the third known American Barbet litter was born to a dog named “Luna”. In 2009, there was just one documented American Barbet litter of 6 puppies, and two litters in 2011, one producing 5 puppies and the other producing 11. Club Barbet Canada (CBC) the Canadian breed club was established in 2007; they began the process necessary for recognition with the Canadian Kennel Club in 2009. The Barbet Club of America (BCA) was also formed to promote and protect the breed. Although not yet recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) the Barbet was added to its Foundation Stock Service Program, and was approved to compete in AKC Companion Events and Retriever Hunting Tests Events in January and September of 2012. The breed is currently allowed full registration with the United Kennel Club (UKC). Though the breed has gained some increase in popularity in the last several decades, the Barbet is still considered to be a rare breed. There may be less than 600 Barbet living worldwide, and an estimate from 2012 claims only about 70-80 presently living in America. The AKC requires there to be 150 members of the breed living in America, among other stipulations, in order for the breed to gain full recognition. The BCA is currently working toward that goal. |
| Personality | The Barbet’s personality is described as companionable, joyful, obedient, and intelligent. They are quick to learn and need lifelong obedience training. They are a great with children, families, and the elderly. Barbets will bond with their family and prefer to be in the same room with the family at all times. They need exercise daily to keep the dog in a healthy state of mind and body. They are capable retrievers for waterfowl hunting. In France the Barbet can take the Test d'Aptitudes Naturelles (T.A.N.) a basic water retrieving test and has recently been permitted to participate in the BCE. (Brevet de Chasse a l'Eau) which is a general hunting test involving field and water trials. In Germany the Barbet takes part in field trials. |
Care Requirements
| Health | Due to the extremely low number of Barbets in the world, little is known about long term health issues. Some issues that have exhibited themselves are ear infections, hip dysplasia, hernias, undescended testicles, undershot/overshot bites, and epilepsy. However, a study has just begun in France about health issues in the Barbet as several breeds have recently "contributed" to the Barbet. Most breeders today hipscore the parents before any matings and A, B, and C hipscores can be used. The most common of these issues are ear infections, a problem in most water dog varieties. Ear problems can be minimized by proper ear care. A veterinarian should be consulted if the dog shows signs of an ear infection. The ear should always be clear of any hair, and inspected very regularly. Like poodles, Barbets are vulnerable to hip dysplasia. However, the risk of a Barbet developing hip dysplasia can be greatly reduced by thoroughly checking the pedigrees and health clearances in both the sire and dam of your dog |
| Grooming | The Barbet is a typical Water Dog, and as such it possesses a long, thick, waterproof coat. Although grooming the Barbet is easy, it is can be time consuming. The breed requires daily brushing of its long, corded coat in order to keep the hair free of matts and debris. Regular bathing may also be necessary to keep the Barbet clean, depending on the type of activities that the dog participates in. Dogs that will be spending excessive time performing outdoor activities may require a coat that is clipped so it does not collect twigs, dirt, and debris. Although the coat does require maintenance, the breed is a light shedder. The daily brushing that should be performed will assist in discarding any loose, dead hairs from the coat. Because the Barbet does not shed excessively, the breed may be a good choice for those who suffer from pet allergies. As the Barbet is profusely covered in long, thick hair it may be desirable to have the dog professionally groomed and clipped often to help its coat stay clean and free of matting. Excess hair should be removed from between the toes. As with all dog breeds, special care and attention should be paid to the sensitive parts of a dog’s body. Therefore; the eyes, nose, teeth, and nails should be cleaned, groomed, and checked regularly to catch and prevent any injury or infection from developing. As the Barbet sports floppy ears that are abundantly covered in long hair, it is important to clean and check the ears regularly in order to prevent ear infection, a common problem with this type of breed. |
| Exercise | The Barbet breed is well suited to a large home with a fenced yard in which it can run freely. Ideally, a home with access to water, a pond or lake for example would be most pleasing to the Barbet. The breed is highly adaptable however, and will adjust well to all living conditions (rural or urban) as long as the Barbet is given the opportunity for rigorous daily activity, plenty of exercise, and proper mental stimulation. |
| Other Considerations | It can also live successfully in all climates, but is well suited to cold weather. The Barbet does require continual contact with human companions, and if denied this very basic need, the breed may become bored and destructive. They become very attached to their families and will require constant attention and affection. |
