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Barbet History

The Barbet breed is an integral part of dog history, and many familiar breeds have Barbet in their ancestry. The Grand Barbet de Buffon (1750) is thought to be the original source of the various water dog breeds like the Poodle, Portuguese Water Dog and American Water Spaniel. Its actual origins are unknown, but probably stems from corded herding stock and definitely Griffon Hounds. The Barbet is a French water dog and the breed's name “Barbet” comes from the French word barbe, which means beard. It has been said that the French Royals had hunted with Barbets. The Barbet has also worked as sailor’s assistants, much like the Portuguese Water Dog. The Barbet is considered a rare breed world wide. This breed was accepted into the AKC's Foundation Stock Services program in 2007.

Barbet Temperament

The Barbet has the typical hunting dog temperament. They are happy, friendly and social. They generally make good family pets and companions and love to play with children. They are good with other dogs and housepets, but care must be taken with birds since the dog may view them as prey. They are considered an intelligent breed and are eager to please their masters by learning new tasks. Barbets are an active breed and are not suitable for the couch potato owner, they need frequent opportunities to burn off their exuberant energy like swimming.

Barbet Appearance

Barbets are a well built medium sized dog that usually weighs 35 to 60 pounds and stand 20 to 25 inches at the withers. They have a thick curly coat and a distinctive beard around the mouth. The coat comes in colours that range from black, brown, fawn, grey, pale fawn, and white, Another distinctive feature of this breed is that they have true webbed feet to aid in swimming.

Barbet Grooming

Barbets are considered a low shedding breed that may be good for individuals that suffer from dog allergies. These dogs need a trip to a professional dog groomer every few months to keep from getting too shaggy, and a weekly brushing to prevent mats in the fur. Since they have floppy, hairy ears, they must be checked and cleaned weekly to prevent infections.

Barbet Life Expectancy and Health Problems

Barbets are considered a healthy robust with few health problems. Some minor concerns are Hip Dysplasia and Progressive Retinal Atrophy. The average lifespan of this breed is 13 to 15 years.

Barbet Pros and Cons

This simplified list may help you decide if a Barbet might be a good fit for your lifestyle.

Do You Want

• a good family pet?
• a dog that is considered low shedding and might be good for people that suffer from dog allergies?
• an atheletic dog?

Do You NOT Want

• a dog that needs a good amount of exercise?
• a dog that needs trips to the groomers?
• a rare dog that will be hard to find and cost a lot to purchase?

Useful Barbet Links

The Barbet Club of Great Britian

The Barbet Club of America

The Barbet Club of Finland