Learn More About Barbet

Summary

The Barbet is a medium-sized water dog that immediately catches the eye with its curly, long coat and athletic build. Its fur is dense and has an undercoat, which not only makes it look unique but also provides excellent insulation when working in the water. Coat color varies and can be black, gray, brown, fawn, white or multicolored. He belongs to FCI Group 8, the group of retrieving, searching and water dogs. Compared to some other breeds, the Barbet does not differentiate between show and performance lines, meaning that all dogs in the breed share essentially the same traits and characteristics.

Character

The Barbet is known for its playful and affectionate nature. He is very people-oriented and enjoys being part of the family. His intelligence and desire to please make him a great companion and a great working dog. Compared to some other breeds, the Barbet is a relatively active dog. He has a lot of energy and needs daily exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. He loves swimming and fetching, and he's also good at agility and other dog sports. The Barbet is generally a very social dog. He gets along well with people and other animals, including other dogs. He is also good with children as long as they treat him with respect and consideration. The Barbet is a very alert dog. He will definitely let you know if someone is at the door or if something unusual is going on around him. However, he is not an excessive barker and will usually only bark if he has a good reason to. As for being alone, the Barbet can learn to be alone, but he prefers to be with his family. He may suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time. The barbet sometimes exhibits distinctive prey and hunting behavior, which stems from its history as a water dog. He has a strong retrieving instinct and can sometimes chase birds or other small animals. It is important that he is trained to walk on a leash from a young age and that he is kept in a safe, fenced area when not under direct supervision. Overall, the Barbet is a great breed for people looking for an active, intelligent and social dog. It has a lot to offer and can be a wonderful companion for the right person or family. It's important that he gets the exercise and mental stimulation he needs and that he is treated as part of the family. With the right care and training, the Barbet can be a great companion and friend.

What to Expect

The distinctive feature of this rustic, medium-sized bird dog is the thick, curly fur that covers it from the crown of its large, broad head to the tip of its curved tail. The breed's delightfully shaggy coat and amiable nature give the impression of a Muppet come to life, but the Barbet is a strong, solidly built dog that has been bred for centuries to be an avid hunter and tireless swimmer. He has a calm nature and is easy to train as long as his need for exercise is met. The barbet is an agile athlete that is primarily used to track, scare and retrieve birds. He has a cheerful disposition and is very social and loyal.

Care

Barbets are extremely social dogs that love being close to their people. They are well suited to city life as long as they get enough physical and mental activity. Small children are usually not a problem for Barbets; they are known for their patience and loving nature with children. They also typically get along well with other pets, including cats, although early socialization is always recommended.

Training & Education

Barbets are intelligent, willing to learn, and generally easy to train. They respond very well to positive reinforcement and benefit from early socialization and consistent but gentle training. They love completing tasks but can also be stubborn when bored, so training should be kept varied and interesting. Since Barbets are originally water and retrieving dogs, they are well suited to sports such as agility, obedience and even water rescue. A healthy level of physical and mental activity is important to avoid over-busyness and stress. Since they can be prone to ball addiction, the ball should not be the only form of play and activity. Learning frustration tolerance and impulse control can also be helpful in having a well-balanced dog.

Nutrition & Grooming

A balanced diet is essential for the Barbet. Because they are prone to hip dysplasia, a diet aimed at maintaining a healthy weight and supporting joints can be particularly beneficial. When selecting food, attention should be paid to the quality and the specific needs in the different phases of life. Nutritional advice from your veterinarian can be helpful. Barbet care requires a little more effort. Their curly, water-resistant coats are prone to matting and should be brushed regularly. They have a dense undercoat and therefore cope well with the German climate. However, they shed relatively little compared to many other breeds.