Barbet
Origin: The breed originates in France as a waterfowl hunting dog. Its webbed paws help it pursue birds into mud and water, earning it the French Water Dog nickname. Though they are a new breed in the United States, they have a long history in Europe. They date back to the 16th century in France, where people used them alongside hunters to locate, flush out and retrieve waterfowls and game birds.
Size: Male Barbet have a shoulder height of 22.5-25 inches, whereas females have 20-24 inches high shoulders. Their weight ranges from 37-62 pounds. It has a unique look with a long tail and profuse hair that covers its entire body.
Coat: The Barbet has a woolly to curly coat that is waterproof and comes in various color combinations like a black, grey, fawn, brown, pale fawn, red
fawn, and white. It has thick natural curls that can be large and loose or small and tight. It may have white markings on the chest or feet.
Temperament: Barbets are energetic, loyal, and easy-going dogs. These dogs are so goofy and cheerful that they can easily put a smile on your face. It makes an exceptional family and also gets along very well with children and other dogs. It is a brilliant dog breed and learns new tips and tricks quickly. They are excellent therapy dogs. Though they don’t mind spending some time alone, they are the happiest when with their family and people. Vets advise not to leave them alone for a longer time as they are social animals and may suffer from separation anxiety. Begin their socialization and training from a young age to turn your pup into a well-rounded dog. They are generally not wary of strangers, but they may become shy and suspicious about them at times.
Care: The Barbet has moderate energy requirements and does not need a lot of exercise during the day. A short walk twice and a few play sessions are enough to keep them physically fit and mentally stimulated. It is a good choice for people with allergies as they shed very little or no hair. It requires
weekly brushing to keep the coat clean and healthy. Trim nails after every 2-3 weeks and brush their teeth twice a week to remove tartar build-up. Keep
a check on the overall hygiene and maintain an active lifestyle. Check for eyes and ears to prevent infections.
Health: The average lifespan of a Barbet is 13-15 years. They are prone to a few health conditions such as Hip Dysplasia, Elbow Dysplasia, eye infections, and epilepsy. Make sure to feed them high-quality food and take them for regular health check-ups to detect early signs of diseases, if any. Do ask for the health clearance when you plan to get this furball home.
