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The Canine Chronicles Directory
Barbet
The Barbet (aka French Water Dog) is a solidly and ruggedly built dog with a mass
of hair. The head is round and broad with a pronounced stop. The round eyes are
dark brown and are hidden by hair on the skull and nose bridge. The ears are set
low, are long, flat and have long hair forming tufts. The neck is short and strong
and the body is powerful with a well-developed chest. It has a slightly domed back.
The strong legs come with large webbed toes that are also covered with hair. The
low-set tail is not as high as the topline and has a slight hook at the tip. The
coat of this breed is long, wavy, curly and forms tufts. The coat is good protection
from the cold and damp weather. The hair on the head should hang down to the nose
bridge, hiding the eyes with a long beard and a bushy mustache. The full and woolly
coat comes in black, grey, brown, fawn, sable or white with no markings.
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Temperament
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The Barbet is happy, intelligent and playful. They are also powerful, tough and
vigorous. This breed loves the water and with its webbed feet, is an excellent swimmer.
This breed has a good nose and is used by waterfowl hunters. This water retriever
has also been employed as a sheepdog to guide herds. They are even-tempered, gentle
and are not usually aggressive. They make a very affectionate pet.
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Height, Weight
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Height: 18-22" ; Weight: 33-55 lbs.
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Health Problems
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This breed is prone to hip dysplasia and PRA.
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Living Conditions
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The Barbet can live in the city but should not be confined for long periods of time.
Their coat makes them resistant to cold; however, they do not tolerate heat very
well.
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Exercise
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The Barbet is easily motivated to play.
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Life Expectancy
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About 10-12 years
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Grooming
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The long coat on this breed requires regular de-matting or the hair can become a
tangled mess.
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Origin
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During the Middle Ages, the Barbet was simply known as the Water Dog. It was used
for hunting duck and swan. Fondly referred to as the "Mud Dog" in its home country
of France, it possessed a good nose but lacked the elegance and sleekness of the
Pointer. The Barbet was nearly extinct in the late 19th century, when it was used
for hunting only by poachers in the country. They are considered the ancestor of
all breeds with long, woolly or curly hair, including the Bichons, Poodles and Briards.
The Barbet is recognized by the UKC, FCI and has been accepted for recording in
the AKC Foundation Stock Service®. They are very rare and their survival is
threatened.
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Group
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AKC/FSS Sporting, UKC Gun Dog
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