Barbet
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1. Introduction
The Barbet is a medium-sized breed of dog with a distinctive curly coat. Barbet is a French word meaning "bearded," and it is thought that this breed was developed as a water retriever and hunting dog in Europe around the 16th century. Notable historical figures such as royalty and revolutionaries have had a Barbet as their loyal companion. The Barbet has remained relatively rare but has gained popularity in some countries as a family pet and sporting dog.
Barbet dogs are known for their friendly, playful, and intelligent personality. They typically make a good companion for both children and adults. Barbets are regarded as a social breed; they crave companionship from humans and may develop separation anxiety if left alone for prolonged periods of time. This breed is active; daily walks can be supplemented with hiking, swimming, or runs, as well as games of fetch. Barbets are known to be easy to train.
Barbets can be found in anywhere from five suggested colors (black, brown, and fawn, as well as gray and white combinations) to dozens of color combinations and markings, such as brindle and roan. Barbets have distinctive bumpy, curly fur – the coat is feathered on the legs, ears, and tail. Barbets do not shed, producing less dander and allergens. Despite this, regular grooming at least once per week is recommended, and twice per week is ideal. Regular grooming not only keeps the coat in good condition but also gets the dog used to being handled by their owner, which helps with veterinary visits and other handling.
2. Historical Background of the Barbet
The Barbet is a breed of dog that has been recognized for its distinct characteristics and temperament. This section seeks to explore the historical background of the Barbet, tracing its origin and evolution over time. A better understanding of its past allows dog owners to be more responsible and knowledgeable about their dogs' present needs.
The Barbet is a dog breed that originated in France, with a history dating back to the 14th century. Its ancestors can be traced to ancient breeds like the water dog, which were commonly depicted in paintings by renowned artists such as Pieter Breughel. The breed's name, "Barbet," comes from the French word "barbe," meaning beard, which refers to its distinctive coat. The Barbet was initially used for hunting waterfowl and other game, thanks to its excellent swimming ability and flat feet.
In the 19th century, the Barbet gained popularity as a companion dog among French nobility. It became known for its loyalty, intelligence, and affectionate nature. However, the breed faced a decline in numbers in the early 20th century due to the introduction of other breeds and World Wars I and II. Selective breeding was stopped, leading to a loss of purebred Barbets. Even when efforts were made to continue the breed, many dogs had unknown lineage.
In 1922, the first national breed club was established, and a breed standard was drawn up. However, recognition from the French Kennel Club was not granted. After World War II, the breed was unknown and efforts to revive it were largely ineffective. The breed was revived in the 1980s by a small number of devoted fanciers and crossbreeding with similar breeds such as Lagotto Romagnolo and Irish Water Spaniel was considered. In 2000, a breed club was set up to promote the Barbet and further develop breeding programs. Finally, in 2007, the Barbet was recognized by the FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale). Today, the Barbet can be found in many parts of the world including the United States of America, Canada, and countries in Europe.
3. Physical Characteristics
The Barbet is a sturdy, well-balanced dog breed, somewhat square in shape, with a coat that is one of its identifying points, curled or corded. The breed's overall characteristics convey an impression of strength and endurance, with a powerful build and strong limbs. He has a firmly built, oblong-shaped head that is elegant without being narrow. The muzzle is of medium length, and in proportion to the skull, carrying a beard, well developed and furnished with mustaches. The nose is broad, the nostrils well developed, and transversely fissured. Dark eyes, large, round, with an intelligent expression. The eyelids are finely fitted to the eyeballs, without any haw. Ears, long, wide, hanging and covered with long hair. The neck is fairly muscular, slightly arched, and from the neck starts a crest of long hair which forms a plume on the head, nape and shoulders. Shoulders with well sloping shoulder blades; high, broad, strong. The forearm in proportion to the body length and carried straight. Elbows close and strong. Forefeet round and compact; set straight. The barrel is ellipsoid; ribs well bent. Back, strong, wide, and straight. Loins short, powerful and slightly arched. Caudal vertebrae elongated; tail wearing a fringe of long hair and reaching the hock joint. The hindquarters are muscular; thigh long, strong and sloping. Hocks well set and turned inwards; great flexibility in the hock joint. Hindfeet rounded and compact, resembling the forefeet. The gait is elastic, steady and harmonious; the movements fore and hind are as close as possible. The coat, that is one of the main identifying points of the breed, is curly or corded. The hair is tight, hard, dense, and well protected against water. On the occiput, nape, and skull the hair is short and smooth, except on the eyebrows and beard. The coat is longer on the hindquarters and the limbs. This variety, which is not profuse but slightly spiraled, is inevitably dulled by the hot sun. The colors are black, fawn or a color combining these two with white patches. There exist many intermixed shades. Such colors as blue, liver, chocolate and spotted are excluded. The height at the withers is from 58 up to 68 cm for males and from 53 up to 61 cm for females with the weight of 25 to 35 kg.
3.1. Coat Type and Colors
The coat of a Barbet is one of its most remarkable features. The water-resistant coat is characterized by a dense, curly or wavy texture that forms a cord-like appearance. The undercoat is soft and plush, providing insulation and buoyancy during water activities. The coat is designed to be hypoallergenic, making it an excellent choice for allergy sufferers.
The coat must not frizz or be too tightly curled. The Barbet can have loose, open waves or a dense corded coat if allowed to mat, or form long curls in wet conditions. Regular grooming is required to prevent matting, typically every six to eight weeks. Most keep their coat trimmed close on the body with a natural feel to the coat, leaving the furnishings long to enhance expression and minimize tangles.
The Barbet is known for its unique range of colors, which is linked directly to the breed's various corded coats. There are many possible color combinations that a Barbet can have, such as black, brown, grey, fawn, white, spotted, or patches. Individuals are usually the same color or could have a black Barbet with brown patches. There could also be a wheaten Barbet that is colored like a golden retriever.
The Barbet can have solid colors or markings. They are born black that changes over time. Brown Barbets can have lilac and coffee shades. Black Barbets can have white spots and be a little brown. Puppies can be a mix of all colors combined or single-colored.
3.2. Size and Build
The Barbet is a medium to large-size dog of the water dog type and is instantly recognizable by its unusually curly coat, sweet expression, and feathered legs and lips. The general appearance is that of a dog with a well-proportioned body, strong and solid with a long head and muzzle. The eyes are deep-set and expressive. The whole dog gives the impression of an amiable, intelligent, and inquisitive being.
The Barbet is of medium size with a height at the withers of 58-65 cm (23-26 in) for males (ideal height – 60 cm (24 in)) and 53-61 cm (21-24 in) for females (ideal height – 56 cm (22 in)). Weight proportions are approximately 1:3. If the height is 60 cm (24 in), the ideal weight for the dog is 33 kg (73 lbs) and 28 kg (62 lbs) for the bitch. The coat has very characteristic, dense curly hair of varying length, longer on a rounded head. Length is regulated by a show cut, with a long tuft of hair on the top of the head and walls between the ears, with skull bearded lips and down covering the whole neck, developing into a ruff. Feathered legs and limbs, with long hairs behind the paws (well-feathered). Long hair on hindquarters often forms a crest, with short or even completely shorn hair from hocks to heels (on the lower leg), which creates an elegant appearance. The forequarters are well-feathered, forming strong eyebrows standing above a nose. The ratios of hair length, density, and extent create a woolly look, similar to pikes on the girls. This woolly structure on the Barbet is very protective against all outside conditions like rain, hot sun, cold frost, thorns, etc. It ensures a natural "buoyancy" of the dog when swimming, protecting from cold water till temperatures of about 0 deg C. Not all Barbets have an equal synthesized coat character – certain combinations of the dominant curly gene with a recessive more hairless gene result in an "in-between" coat type structure. With less curvy proportion, less protection is guaranteed.
Generally, the Barbet is a friendly dog and endures very well in the surroundings of children and is an entertainment for them. The heart is the most common area for the dogs to develop tumors, in different areas of the heart, creating an abnormal growth of tissue, preventing it from working normally and often killing the dog. Typical heart and/or blood vessel problems take years before a leak or irregularity/reduced pumping/tinnitus in the heart beats are shown. But heavy exercise and heat do raise the danger from heart problems and/or collapses. It takes specific care to choose dogs for breeding that are in age and nature and are across of a lineage with no dead offspring before a certain age to evidence animal health insurance when involving such dogs in breed developments. The breed standard is written well, allowing a wide variety of characteristics for Barbet dogs.
3.3. Temperament and Behavior
The Barbet breed is known for its joyful, intelligent, and playful temperament. This breed is confident and good-natured, making it a great companion for families or single owners alike, as long as the owner has the time to exercise and train it. Originally bred as a hunting dog to track, point, and retrieve game, Barbets also served as guard and watch dogs. The breed has a strong desire to please and is eager to learn, making it easy to train. It is an affectionate breed that bonds closely to its owner and family and gets along well with other pets, especially if raised together. However, if left alone for long periods, it may develop separation anxiety, leading to destructive behavior.
Intelligent and sensitive, the Barbet's need for mental stimulation must be encouraged during training. Harsh discipline or negative training is counterproductive, as the Barbet will become fearful and nervous instead of compliant. Painful training tools, such as prong, choke, or shock collars, should not be used. Engaging in canine sports or work can provide the Barbet with an outlet for excess energy, motivate activities, and strengthen the bond with its owner.
Attention must be paid to training the Barbet to accept handling, grooming, bathing, and trimming to reduce anxiety. Proper socialization is also essential, as the breed can be reserved around strangers. Barbets tend to be loyal, sensitive, non-aggressive, calm, but also playful. The Barbet is a breed full of life, energy, and joy, able to provide happiness to the entire family. It is also notable for being an excellent swimmer, able to recover foam or cork floats or balls in the water. In France, Barbets are still used by gamekeepers as close-working countrified water dogs.
4. Nutritional Needs and Diet
Understanding the culinary requirements of the Barbet is essential for optimal growth, general wellness, and life. The nutritional demands differ at various stages of life: puppies, adults, and seniors. The main ingredients should be proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, vitamins, and minerals.
Puppies are susceptible to two intestinal disorders due to over-feeding: gastric dilation and torsion (stomach twisting) or blockade of the intestinal passage. Stomach-bloating dogs may not gnaw, refuse to eat or drink, or aim to vomit without being able to do so. Notably, some dog breeds have a higher chance of this illness, including the Barbet. Puppies should be fed 3 times daily until 4 to 6 months of age and 2 times daily until 1 year. Adult dogs should be fed 2 times a day (morning & evening). For senior dogs from 8 years and older, feeding should be 1 to 2 times daily, depending on the body condition and weight. Consider dividing the daily serving size per number of meals fed.
Water should always be available, preferably fresh and clean; never mix water with food. Food for a Barbet should always have certain characteristics: good digestibility (at least 80%); protein level (at least 25%); fat level (at least 10%); minimum feeding "sizes" of 3 to 10 mm depending on the dog's size; and no artificial flavors. Barbet consume a certain quantity of dry dog food daily depending on their size: from 8 to 12 kg: around 100 g/day; from 12 to 15 kg: around 140 g/day; from 17 to 23 kg: around 200 g/day; from 22 to 25 kg: around 250 g/day; and from 28 to 35 kg: around 330 g/day.
5. Grooming and Maintenance
The breed's iconic coat distinguishes the Barbet from other breeds. This dense, curly coat, similar to that of a Poodle, must not be ignored. It requires a designated grooming routine during puppyhood when the adult coat is initially developed. After a successful transitional period, a grooming routine should be established and adhered to diligently for optimal outcomes. This beautiful and coveted coat can truly stand independently. A varied routine consisting of one or more of the following maneuvers can be employed. It is best to keep the dog on a table or solid surface, securely restrained with a collar or harness. By employing food, brushing becomes an enjoyable activity.
To avoid dematting afterward, it is best to avoid getting the coat wet during brushing sessions. Certain undercoats fare best when brushed dry. Select quality brushes that suit the coat. For the Barbet coat, curved slicker brushes with stainless steel bristles, and a coarse metal comb are highly recommended. Brushing should be performed evenly across the entire body. First, the back and sides should be brushed from head to tail. By using a 60/40 method, more brush strokes will professionally groom the dog with a cleaner finish at the end. In this case, 60% of the time is spent brushing the back and sides, while 40% is dedicated to the tummy and legs which require more attention. Following this method, no knots should remain, leaving a clean finish and looking great. Start again with the face, legs, and tummy, then scratch to the skin with a slicker brush.
To avoid falling knots while brushing, certain preventive measures can be taken. Long-haired breeds will always be prone to knots and mats. However, limits can be applied on an individual level. Certain coats knot more than others. As a dog owner or caretaker, acknowledging which coat this is can help choose the best preventive actions. The tighter and denser the coat, the more prone it will be to mats. Knotting is mainly dependent on wearing, weather, environment, season, and hygiene. Certain knots fall into matting all on their own. This occurs mostly in the case of big knots on curly coats after shedding. In dog care, it is best to avoid brushing a Barbet 24 hours post-bath. The coat needs time to dry completely. Upon grooming, the coat should be brushed thoroughly dry.