Barbet Dog Breed Introduction
Barbet is a medium-sized versatile gun dog from France originally bred as a water dog. The breed gets its name from the French word, barbe, meaning beard. The Barbets have a distinctive beard. They are also the progenitors of Briard, Poodle, Griffon, Bichon, Newfoundland, Otterhound, and several other breeds. The Barbet Dogs are intelligent, obedient, joyful, friendly, loving, and sensitive dogs that are great with children, the elderly, and families. Although, all children interactions with dogs should have adult supervision.
Barbet History
The Barbets originated in France as bird dogs and waterfowl hunting dogs. They have webbed feet that enabled them to pursue birds in the water and mud. From this role, they earned the name mud dog. Although some believe this breed originated as early as the eight century, the first written description of Barbets dates back to the late 14th century. It is also narrated that King Henry IV was a fancier of the breed.
Moreso, his mistress was reprimanded for bringing a Barbet to Church. Following World War I and II, this breed was nearly extinct. However, through the efforts of devoted few, the breed is slowly making a comeback as the dog for the future. The Barbets are AKC recognized and have been classified under the Sporting Group since 2020. Although in small numbers and rare, Barbets rank as one of the top agility dogs in French dog competitions.
Barbet Lifespan
The Barbets have a life span of 12 to 14 years but some may live up to the age of 15 years.
Barbet Grooming | Groomed Barbet Dog | Grooming Guide
The Barbet Dogs have a long and curly coat that requires regular grooming. To properly groom the coat, start with a full brush-out using a pin brush and comb through to the skin. Before brushing the coat, spritz it with a water conditioner solution to prevent hair breakage. Irregular grooming leads to formation of mats and tangles. While the puppy coat is transitioning to an adult coat from the age of 6 months, it is more prone to matting.
Regular brushing is key to ensure the coat has no tangle. Although some parents may opt to shave the coat during this period. The Barbets need an occasional bath unless they roll into something stinky. Use a hypoallergenic shampoo and conditioner to bath and moisturize the coat. Thoroughly clean off the shampoo residue from the coat using lukewarm water to prevent skin irritation. After a bath, blow dry the coat to straighten the hair especially if you need a scissor trim.
Trim the nails fortnightly using nail clippers and grinders to prevent overgrowth, cracking, and splitting. Clean the ears on a weekly basis using cotton balls dampened in an ear cleanser solution to remove dirt and debris. Brush the teeth of a Barbet at least twice a week if not daily to remove the tartar buildup using a dog formulated toothpaste and toothbrush.
Barbet Grooming Styles
Show Cut – This is a grooming style suitable for pets that participate in conformation shows. A scissor is used to trim the coat to a length of 3 to 5 inches to show the shape of the body. The hair on the head is left to grow longer to reach the muzzle.
A Puppy cut – This is a cut for dogs that are primarily kept as pets. The hair on the coat is trimmed to a length of one inch or so while leaving the hair longer on the face and tail.
Teddy Bear Cut – To achieve this haircut, the facial hair is left longer and trimmed in a circular manner to get a Teddy Bear shape. The body hair is trimmed to a length of 2 inches.
Barbet Shedding
The Barbets have a thick, profuse coat with natural curls that range from large and loose curls to tight and smaller curls. The coat has been described as non-shedding by AKC.
Barbet Hypoallergenic
The Barbets have a non-shedding coat hence hypoallergenic and considered friendly for people who suffer from dog allergies. Although, there is no 100% hypoallergenic pure dog breed or crossbreed. Therefore, parents should spent lots of time with a Barbet before adopting to ensure it triggers no allergies.
Barbet Training
The Barbets are intelligent dogs and quick learners which makes them highly trainable. Although, some may be stubborn and get bored easily. Barbet Dogs don’t respond well to repetitive training sessions. Parents should keep the training sessions short, challenging, and upbeat to prevent distraction and boredom. Use positive training methods such as giving interactive toys, treats, playtime, verbal praise, and petting to encourage positive behaviors.
These are sensitive dogs that are aware of the mood of the owners and will shut down during training if the owner yells. Socialization is also key in raising well-mannered and well-adjusted dogs. This training exposes the Barbets to a wide variety of people, animals, places, situations, surfaces, smell, sight, and sounds like door bells, sirens, vacuum cleaners, whistles, lawn mowers, and washing machines.
Teach basic command words like stay, come, lie down, sit, heel, drop it, etc. one at a time immediately a Barbet joins you home. The Barbets are effectively housebroken by creating a feeding schedule, potty training, and creating a feeding schedule.
Barbet Personality | Temperament | Characteristics
- Loving.
- Intelligent.
- Fast learners.
- Friendly.
- Sensitive.
- Joyful.
- Good-natured.
- Even-tempered.
- Versatile.
- Responsive.
- Loyal.
- Social.
Barbet Exercise | Exercise Needs
The Barbets are athletic, agile, and loyal dogs that enjoy swimming or any other activity that involves water. Although, going for walks several times a day and playing in a fenced-in yard will keep them physically and mentally stimulated. This breed also enjoys plenty of playtime with people and dogs. Indoor exercises such as learning new tricks, playing hide and seek, and chasing a ball rolled along the floor will keep this breed stimulated.
Barbet Barking
Naturally, Barbets are not overly vocal dogs. However, they will bark at someone who is approaching the door but they will take a cue from you to cease barking and settle down.
Barbet Height
Mature Barbets have a height of 19 to 24.5 inches ( approx. 48 to 62 cm ).
Barbet Weight
Barbets have a weight of 35 to 65 pounds ( approx. 16 to 29 kg ).
Barbet Size | Size And Weight
The Barbets are medium-sized dogs that weigh 35 to 65 pounds ( approx. 16 to 29 kg ) and have a height of 19 to 24.5 inches ( approx. 48 to 62 cm ).
Barbet Health Issues
Due to the small genetic pool from which this breed draws, Barbets are healthy and robust. Although, they may suffer from certain health issues such as allergies, seizure disorders, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, eye problems like entropion and progressive retinal atrophy, and undescended testicles.
Other dog breeds include:
Barbet Food
The amount of food that Barbets feed on depend on their size, age, body build, activity level, and metabolism. This breed responds well to home-made, raw diet, or commercial dry or wet food. Although, home-food should be prepared with your vet’s supervision and approval. Barbets should feed on food designated for medium-sized dogs appropriate for their age i.e. puppy, adults, and seniors.
Although treats aid in training, they should be given in moderation to prevent obesity. Barbets are not voracious eaters and will benefit from oil supplementation during the drier months. Ensure your pooch can access clean water at all times. Be well-versed with safe human foods for the dogs.
Black Barbet Dog | Brown Barbet Dog | Barbet Colors
The Barbet dogs may have a coat with all shades of brown, black, gray, and fawn with or without white markings.
Barbet Dog Price
In the USA, about 500 Barbets are registered annually. Therefore, this breed is rare. To get a Barbet Puppy, the parent could wait up to a year in some cases getting a Barbet pup for $2500 to $4000.
What Is A Barbet Dog
This is a medium-sized versatile gun dog from France that was initially bred as a water dog and bird dog. Currently, Barbets make excellent pets since they are loving, cheerful, even-tempered, sensitive, responsive, good-natured, and intelligent dogs.
Do Barbet Dogs Shed
No. Barbets have hair as opposed to fur and they barely shed. However, they require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.
How Much Does A Barbet Puppy Cost
Barbet puppies cost $2500 to $4000 in the USA.
Are Barbets Hypoallergenic
Yes. Barbet have a non-shedding coat hence regarded hypoallergenic dogs suitable for people suffering from dog allergies.
Barbets Quick Facts
- The Barbets have a curly coat that is a high-maintenance and the hallmark of the breed.
- Barbets and Poodles were considered the same breed i German and Italy for close to a century.
- The most common colors of this breed are solid black, solid brown, or both colors with white markings.