French Water Dog
The Barbet (Bar-Bay) is a medium sized, curly coated breed from France with artwork and scripts dating the breed back to the 14th century. The breed nearly went extinct after the World Wars but those passionate about the breed were able to bring them back. They are ancestors to quite a few of today's breeds including the Griffon, Newfoundland, Bichon, and Poodle. They are still a very rare breed today but are now recognized by both the Canadian and American Kennel Clubs (2020) as part of the Sporting Group.
A water dog, the Barbet is bred as a hunting dog used to locate, flush, and retrieve birds and is an extremely strong swimmer. Officially named for their distinctive beards (barbe in French), Barbets are nicknamed "Mud Dog" due to their love of swampy, muddy places. Their thick, curly coat is waterproof and helps protect them in cold water. This coat requires regular brushing and bathing. These cuties come in coats of brown, grey, red fawn, pied, sandy, white, chestnut, and black and can sometimes have white markings. They are hypoallergenic and non shedding.
The Barbet is a medium sized dog and can reach 24.5", 65lbs and has a life expectancy of 12-14 years. Barbets are a relatively healthy breed, but should be tested for hips, elbows, eyes, seizures, and allergies. They have an extremely sweet and sensitive nature, are very intelligent, and are generally friendly, happy and social dogs. They are a little on the higher energy side and generally love water, so be prepared to be active. They even have webbed paws making them incredible swimmers! They are easily trained and are game for activities such as agility, dock diving, and coursing.
Meet Our Model
Name - Moze
Sex - Male
Breed Class - Sporting
Born - 04/30/2018
Education - Basic and activity specific training (agility)
Favourite Activities - Toss, hide and seek - scent detection
Dislikes - Swimming, hunting, being groomed, veggies and most fruit
Highlights and Achievements - Fourth placement in Sporting Group at conformation show.
