Barbet Dog

French Water Dog

The medium-sized barbet is one of the oldest European water dogs, and possibly a precursor of the poodle. In the sixth century, its ancestors were brought by Muslims to Spain and Portugal, where the dog is said to have spread rapidly throughout Europe. From an early date, in Portugal, a water dog is mentioned (the Portuguese water dog), who has all the characteristics of the barbet. This water dog is found in fourteenth century Europe, and in the sixteenth century it is called by the name barbet.

Interest in this breed came after the late nineteenth century. It wasn’t until the 1970s that this breed again experienced an upswing. In Germany, this breed is not likely to remain rare. Breeding this race today affects a number of existing hunting dog breeds. These include the German wire-haired pointer, the pudelpointer, griffon Korthals and the Irish water spaniel.
Today, the barbet is relatively rare, with only 400 to 500 dogs throughout the world.

The waterproof coat of the barbet – similar to that of the Irish water spaniel – provides excellent thermal protection even in the coldest water. The hair is long, woolly, and curly. Many colors are recognized: solid black, gray, maroon, fawn, sandy, white, or more or less spotted. The rich shades of fawn-colored sand that cover their fur must be up to the nose. The barbet has a long beard and a luxuriant mustache. The ears are set low and hang down long, with long hair.

Use

Water dogs are used not only for retrieving, but also to hunt birds. The barbet is an excellent swimmer. They are a medium-sized dog with a thick, woolly fur, which reliably protects it against cold and dampness. Care of the woolly, curly coat is relatively time-consuming. The barbet is considered to be generally amiable, and highly adaptable as a family dog.