Barbet breed: the father of water dogs

With its large coat and charming nature, the Barbet captivates everyone. This rare breed of dog is beginning to make a comeback in public awareness, although it is still not widespread.

The Barbet is a cheerful, loyal, and intelligent breed that integrates well into family life, provided it is not left alone for long periods. Affectionate and excellent companions, they are also particularly good working dogs. It is common for them to be used as therapy dogs due to their patient, gentle, and calm nature, as well as their ability to tune in very well to their owner’s mood.

History

Interestingly, despite its long history, the Barbet is not among the breeds for which numerous anecdotes can be found on the internet. Some sources suggest that the breed was mentioned as early as the 14th century, and King Henry IV himself was a great fan. Some place the spread of the breed in the 16th century, and since then, they have appeared in numerous paintings and writings. There are many legends surrounding a dog of Barbet type named Mous, who allegedly aided the French troops on multiple fronts during the Napoleonic Wars. Originally, the Barbet was used as a hunting dog to search for and drive birds in marshy, watery areas (hence the importance of its large, resistant coat and agile yet powerful build). Additionally, it was tasked with retrieving the shot bird and bringing it back to its owner.

Some believe that initially, the term “barbet” did not refer to a specific breed but rather to a type of dog. The word “barbe” means beard, which may support this assumption. Allegedly, it is the ancestor of many water dog breeds, as well as the Briard and the Newfoundland. Due to the drainage of marshy areas and the importation of new breeds of hunting dogs, their numbers dwindled at one point, and they were on the brink of extinction due to the World Wars. Fortunately, many Barbet enthusiasts have made it their mission to preserve this formerly widespread breed, ensuring the survival of this diverse breed to this day.

Breed standard

Kind, shaggy-looking, medium-sized dog, approximately 55-60 cm tall and weighing 15-18 kg. Its coat is long, curly, and can be black, yellowish-brown, or gray, with possible white patches. A robust-looking, powerful dog with a long, straight back, deep chest, and column-like limbs. Due to its hunting dog heritage, it has webbed feet. Its hindquarters are sloping, and its tail is long and hanging. Its head is square, with ears that lie close to the head and droop. Its eyes are dark brown, often barely visible due to the long, shaggy fur.

Character

The Barbet is intelligent, affectionate, loyal, and an excellent companion for an individual or even a family. Primarily a hunting dog, it may alert you if it detects something unusual but is unlikely to chase away intruders, so it’s not the best choice as a guard dog. However, it is very energetic and an excellent partner for all kinds of outdoor activities. It enjoys long walks, excels in dog sports (agility is often highlighted), loves to play, and is good at retrieving.

Balanced and calm in nature, yet sensitive in temperament. Similar to other dogs, the Barbet learns best through positive methods. Teaching shouldn’t be too difficult for the owner, but finding common ground is important. However, it learns quickly and likes to please.

Ideal environment

In the past, it was used as a hunting dog (for waterfowl hunting), but nowadays it is more commonly regarded as a family dog. It enjoys company, so it is recommended for families where ideally it won’t have to be alone at home for whole days. Of course, many things can be addressed with training, but there are breeds that adapt better to being alone. It is recommended for active owners because exercise is essential for them (although they don’t mind a little afternoon rest if they have enough opportunities to move around).

They make excellent hiking companions, being enduring and strong, but it’s important to note that they don’t tolerate heat well. However, they are excellent partners for summer swimming, beach outings… anything where they can showcase their true potential. They’re not particularly prone to escaping or destructive behavior, but having a “dog-proof” home and fence never hurts

They can be accustomed to children and other animals, but it’s important to teach both the dog and the child how to interact with each other. The Barbet is patient and very kind, friendly with its family, but it can also have bad days.

Care

Taking care of a Barbet is not a simple task. A dog with such a large coat, especially if it loves water and mud, can pose some challenges, but despite being time-consuming, the technique can be mastered. There’s no need to worry because in return, they don’t shed all year round and are considered a “hypoallergenic” breed. Their coat should be handled similar to other corded-haired dogs. It is easiest to maintain by brushing it through 1-2 times a week and bathing it relatively often.

During grooming sessions, it’s advisable to include trimming as well. First, comb through the coat, then bathe and dry it. If it’s not air-dried, the coat will be smoother, making it easier to cut to a uniform length (usually kept around 7-12 cm). After trimming, dampen the coat again and let it air dry naturally. This brings out the characteristic curls. Like with all dogs, regular checking of ears, nails, and teeth is important.

Common health problems

The Barbet is surprisingly healthy breed, with few potential problems. Responsible breeders screen for what they can, making them relatively healthy despite their small numbers. Some issues that may occur more frequently include:

• Hip and elbow dysplasia.
• Immune system diseases.
• Epilepsy.
• Eye diseases (such as progressive retinal atrophy, which is an inherited eye disease leading to retinal damage).

Literature:János Szinák – István Veress: Dogs of the World I.