The Barbet as a Show Dog.
The Barbet presently can only be shown in one of the 84 member countries of the Fédération Cynologique Internationale or F.C.I. as it is not yet recognised in the UK by the Kennel Club which is not a member of the F.C.I. However, several of the British dogs have travelled into mainland Europe and attended dog shows, with excellant results. This is important to keep in touch with how the breed standard is being interpreted and applied and also shows a wider audience how the barbet is developing in the UK. Since the introduction of the Pet Passport scheme it has become much easier for UK dogs to be shown abroad and we are hearing of more UK owners showing their breeds in the countries bordering the Channel.
Betsy Bonheur during judging.
While it may seem somewhat daunting to enter a show in a different country and deal with different systems of judging it can be a very rewarding experience, especially if your dogs do well! From the Barbet Club of Great Britain`s view travelling to France gives an excellent opportunity to meet with other barbet owners and breeders from across Europe and make contacts for future imports and matings not to mention a fun weekend away.
In France, where UK based barbets have been shown, the dogs are judged by a panel of three judges who each give the dog a grading against the breed standard. The three scores are then aggregated to give an overall marking. This gives a more level playing field and negates the situation in the U.K. where some owners will not show as the appointed judge does not like the colour, markings or shape of their dogs.
The dogs can be graded as follows: Insufficient = fails to meet the standard, B (bon)= good; TB (tres bon) = very good; Exc = Excellent and Exc + = better than excellent. At the 2009 Exposition Nationale D`Elevage held in Le Blanc, France, Bepop was judged Exc, Exc, Exc+ giving an overall score of Exc B and Betsy Bonheur was judged Exc, Exc+, Exc+ giving an overall score of Exc A, gaining the reserve ticket (RCACS) in the Open Female Class.
It should be noted that although the barbet should be shown in full coat, discussed further on the grooming page, it should have a `rustique` overall appearance which is much easier to achieve after a long car journey and a night in a local hotel.