The Barbet Dog Breed is an ancient canine variety from France, with depictions and references dating back to the sixteenth century. However, the breed is likely much older than that. Originally bred in France as a water dog for hunting waterfowl, the lineage of the Barbet remains unclear.
Not a Poodle
The Barbet shares many similarities with Poodles, especially when the Poodle is not groomed. In fact, the Poodle was developed from the Barbet, and for nearly a century, both breeds were considered the same. However, the Barbet is also similar to several other breeds, including Briards, Griffons, Otterhounds, and Bichons.
Mud Dogs
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Sometimes referred to as Mud Dogs, the Barbet gets this nickname due to its webbed paws, which are well-suited for hunting waterfowl. This breed was often used for hunting in wetlands and swamps, where they easily got muddy. Even today, they are playful dogs that love to frolic in water or mud.
Companions
While some Barbets still work as hunting or search-and-rescue dogs, the majority are companion animals. They make excellent family pets, being highly social and deeply bonded with their owners and families. The Barbet is an intelligent, energetic, playful, and obedient dog that gets along well with children. However, it’s important to never leave any dog breed alone with a small child.
Coat
Good news for those with sensitivities. The Barbet’s coat is low-shedding and less likely to trigger allergies. Generally, the Barbet has a long, thick, woolly, wavy, and water-resistant coat, available in black, gray, brown, various shades of cream, and white.
Energy
Barbets are full of energy, which is why they need long daily walks or hikes along with some playtime to stay happy and balanced. Given their history as water dogs, it makes sense that most of them love swimming and retrieving. They also excel in various dog sports, such as agility and flyball.
Nearly extinct
The Barbet was nearly extinct after the World Wars in the 20th century. Fortunately, a few dedicated Barbet enthusiasts worked to save the breed, and they succeeded. Today, the Barbet is gaining popularity as a wonderful companion dog, although it is still considered a rare breed. The global birth figures for 2007 were 176.
Name
The name Barbet comes from the French word “barbe,” which translates to “beard” in English. Over time, the term “barbet” has become a traditional name for a dog with a long, wavy, woolly coat. They are also known as French Water Dogs.
Size
This is a medium-sized athletic breed, typically standing between 53-65 cm (21-26 inches) tall and weighing between 31-62 pounds (14-28 kg). Females are usually slightly smaller than males.
Health
The average lifespan of a Barbet is around 13-15 years. While there isn’t extensive scientific research on the breed’s health, they don’t seem to suffer from many serious hereditary issues. The main health concerns include hip dysplasia, entropion, cataracts, and epilepsy.
