Barbet Breed Description

Introduction

Also known as the Griffon d'Arrét, Barbets are determined hunters and retrievers. These dogs look similar to the now extinct English Water Dog and probably played a role in the development of more recent breeds like the French Griffons. The Barbet was Europe's most common water dog. Their coat is thick and waterproof and comes in white, chestnut, fawn, grey and black. These dogs are seldom seen in homes perhaps because so much time is needed to keep the coat clean. Barbets are good with children and other dogs. They weigh 33 to 55 lbs. and stand 18-22" at the shoulders.

History

The Barbet, a French water dog, is an ancient breed in its own right; just as importantly, it was ancestor to many others, notably the Poodle and the Briard. Today a mere handful of these animals remain. In fact, the U.S. has less than 50, according to some estimates.

These dogs were he favored hunting companions of royalty in France. The first recorded reference was by a Count of Gascony in 1387; King Henry IV of France used his Barbets to hunt waterfowl (1589-1610). Voltaire is quoted as saying, "The Barbet is man's best friend" sometime in the 1700s.

Currently, the Barbet is classified by the AKC as Foundation Stock. This registry exists to help those working to establish (or re-establish) a rare breed. Entering births and parentage information as they work to increase a particular breed establishes these entries as foundation stock, an important record if their work is successful. The dogs in this registry may only participate in AKC events when their numbers reach 150 animals.

General Description

Take a quick look at a Barbet and you'll find yourself thinking it's an untrimmed poodle. There are certainly similarities between these water dogs, but the Barbet standards alone as Heritage Stock currently struggling for survival.

At present, breeders seeking to preserve these dogs are working towards a new standard, but in general, the Barbet has a muzzle slightly shorter than its skull, with ears set on low (eye level). These are long, flat and wide and the hair on the eyes is long strands. A substantial neck appears both short and strong and leads into substantial shoulders. Barbets are deep chested, with a rounded but not barreled ribcage. When measured from point of shoulder to point of buttock, the body is slightly longer than the height at the withers.

Temperament

By all accounts, those lucky enough to own one of these dogs report them to be bright and happy. They train quickly and truly become part of the family. They get along with other dogs and can thrive in any environment where they are loved as long as they receive daily exercise.

Health and Care

The water proof coat of the Barbet requires little care besides regular nail trimming and teeth brushing.

Colors

White, Chestnut, Fawn, Gray, Black

Living Area

Adaptable dog that does well in both rural or city homes as long as it is exercised daily.

Recognized By

CKC, UKC, FCI, NKC

Pets4You offers listings of Barbet breeders with puppies for sale.