Barbet Breed Guide

Nov 24, 2024

Looking for a cuddly, water-loving companion that’s as fun as they are fluffy? Meet the Barbet—an affectionate and intelligent dog with a distinctive curly coat that’s perfect for water adventures and big cuddles. This ancient French breed is a rare find, but once you meet a Barbet, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without one. Whether you’re a family looking for a loving pet or an outdoorsy type searching for a dog that can keep up with your adventures, the Barbet might just be your paw-fect match!

THE BASICS:

Category: Gundog
Size: Medium (18-27 kg)
Exercise Needs: 1-2 hours per day
Grooming: Regular grooming, including trimming
Coat: Thick, curly, waterproof coat
Shedding: Low
Health Issues: Hip dysplasia, ear infections, eye conditions
Lifespan: 12-14 years
Home Needs: Medium to large home with a garden
Sociability: Friendly with other dogs, great with children

HISTORY: A WATER DOG WITH ANCIENT ROOTS

The Barbet has been around for centuries, one of the oldest water dog breeds, with records dating back to the Middle Ages in France. Originally bred as a waterfowl retriever, the Barbet’s main job was to help hunters by retrieving ducks from ponds, marshes, and rivers. Their thick, waterproof coat helped them brave cold waters, whilst their friendly, cooperative nature made them great working companions.

In fact, the word “Barbet” comes from the French word barbe, meaning beard, which perfectly describes this dog’s distinctive facial hair. Over time, they’ve transitioned from working dogs to beloved family companions, though their love for water hasn’t changed one bit!

BARBET PERSONALITY: FRIENDLY, INTELLIGENT, AND FUN

The Barbet is known for being affectionate, loyal, and intelligent. They love being around people and are fantastic with children, making them an ideal family dog. Their friendly nature also extends to other dogs and pets, so if you’ve already got a furry family at home, the Barbet will fit right in.

They are smart and quick to learn, which makes training a breeze. However, Barbets also have a bit of a playful side, so don’t be surprised if they try to turn training sessions into playtime! Their cheerful, easy-going nature makes them a joy to have around, whether you’re lounging at home or heading out for a day of fun.

Barbets do well in active households where they can get plenty of attention and stimulation. If you’re out and about a lot, this fluffy friend will be more than happy to tag along—especially if there’s water involved!

HOW MUCH EXERCISE DOES A BARBET NEED?

Barbets are a working breed at heart, so they need 1-2 hours of exercise per day to stay happy and healthy. Walks, runs, or playtime in the garden are all great ways to keep them active, but what they really love is swimming. If you’ve got access to a pond, lake, or even just a garden hose, your Barbet will be in heaven! They’re natural swimmers and can spend hours splashing around, just as they were bred to do.

Barbets excel in scent work and search-and-rescue tasks due to their intelligence and trainability. They also excel in dog sports like agility, obedience, and retrieving. Barbets are eager to please and highly trainable, making them a great choice for anyone looking to get into dog sports or even just casual games of fetch.

And to keep your Barbet fuelled for all that activity, Scrumbles is an excellent option, providing the nutrients they need for their high-energy lifestyle.

HOW TO GROOM A BARBET: THE CURLY COAT CONUNDRUM

That iconic curly coat might be one of the Barbet’s most charming features, but it does require a bit of maintenance. Their thick, waterproof coat can become matted if not properly cared for, so regular brushing is a must. Aim to brush them at least twice a week to prevent tangles and expect to schedule regular trips to the groomer for trimming.

Some Barbet owners choose to keep their dog’s coat short for easier maintenance, whilst others embrace the full, fluffy look. Either way, you’ll need to stay on top of grooming to keep your Barbet looking (and feeling) their best.

Their beard—yes, that’s right, their actual beard—also needs regular cleaning, especially after meals or outdoor play. Don’t forget about their ears, either. Like many water-loving breeds, Barbets are prone to ear infections, so make sure you’re cleaning their ears regularly, especially after they’ve been swimming.

For a shiny, healthy coat and overall wellness, try Scrumbles Salmon Dog Food, which is rich in Omega 3 and 6 to support your Barbet’s skin and coat health.

HEALTH: STRONG BUT SENSITIVE

Barbets are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they have some health concerns to keep in mind.

Hip dysplasia is a common issue in medium and large dogs, so regular vet check-ups and maintaining a healthy weight are important. Their ears can be prone to infections, especially if they’re often in the water, so regular ear cleaning is essential.
Eye conditions like cataracts or progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) can also affect Barbets, so keep an eye (pun intended) on their vision as they age.
Other Hereditary issues due to the limited gene pool

A balanced, nutritious diet is key to keeping your Barbet healthy. Scrumbles Dog Food is perfect for supporting their digestive health and maintaining their energy levels.

FUN FACTS ABOUT THE BARBET

Water Dogs Forever: The Barbet’s love for water runs deep. Historically, they were used to retrieve ducks for hunters, and today they still can’t resist a good splash.
Rare and Unique: Despite their long history, Barbets are a relatively rare breed. So if you’re lucky enough to have one, you’ve got a true gem of a dog!
Hypoallergenic-ish: Barbets are often considered a hypoallergenic breed due to their low shedding. Whilst no dog is truly hypoallergenic, they may be a good option for people with mild allergies.

LIVING WITH A BARBET: FLUFF AND FUN

Living with a Barbet is like having a furry shadow who’s always up for fun. They love being with their people, whether that’s running in the garden, swimming in the lake, or just chilling at home. Barbets do best in homes where they can get plenty of attention, affection, and activity. If you’ve got kids or other dogs, even better! This breed thrives in a lively household where they can join in on the action.

Barbets are pretty adaptable and can live happily in both city and country environments, as long as they have enough space to stretch their legs and burn off some energy. However, a garden is ideal to give them room to play and explore.

For keeping them engaged and entertained, Scrumbles Softies: Training Treats are a great reward during training sessions or for simply being their adorable, fluffy selves.

IS THE BARBET THE RIGHT DOG FOR YOU?

If you’re looking for a friendly, playful, and loyal dog with a coat as unique as their personality, the Barbet might be the perfect addition to your family. They’re affectionate with their people, great with kids and other pets, and love an active lifestyle. However, they do need regular grooming and plenty of exercise, so be prepared for some work to keep your Barbet looking and feeling their best.

For a healthy and happy Barbet, make sure they’re getting a balanced diet like Scrumbles Dog Food, which supports their active lifestyle and keeps their digestive system running smoothly.

RECOMMENDED SCRUMBLES PRODUCTS FOR THE BARBET

Scrumbles Chicken Dry Food: Perfect for providing the energy your active Barbet needs to stay fit and healthy.
Scrumbles Salmon Dog Food: Rich in Omega 3 and 6 to support their coat and skin, keeping them soft, shiny, and ready for cuddles.
Scrumbles Softies: Training Treats: Ideal for rewarding your Barbet during training or just for being their fun, lovable self.

REFERENCES

American Kennel Club: Barbet
The Kennel Club UK: Barbet
PetMD: Barbet Information

With the right care, exercise, and a nutritious diet from Scrumbles, your Barbet will be the fluffiest, happiest, and most loving companion you could ask for!