The Barbet Breed

* Please note:* this is based on my own observations with two barbets in the house and from conversations with other barbet owners.

The barbet is a medium/large dog with a thick shaggy coat over its whole body. Its hair grows over its eyes and it has a pronounced beard from which its name is derived (`barbe' is the French word for beard). The coat is commonly solid black, solid brown in differing shades or either colour mixed with varying quantities of white.

The Barbet is an active breed which enjoys work and play equally and has been used for `agility' competitions with some success and is still used for retrieving on a hunt. The Barbet becomes very attached/devoted to its owners and makes an excellent companion, and will want to be wherever you are in the house. An intelligent dog, the Barbet enjoys being stimulated although this also means it becomes bored if left for long periods on its own. As with any intelligent breed a certain amount of training and discipline is essential but the effort is well rewarded. If strong leadership is not provided, the barbet will subtly and quietly take over before you know it, and so is less suitable for inexperienced or first time dog owners. The Barbet is an even tempered dog and is not aggressive or shy with other people or dogs. It will bark to warn of the approach of strangers but do not expect any further action. It is very good with children and makes an excellent family pet.

Its non-moulting coat makes it a worthwhile consideration for allergy sufferers. It should be noted however, that dog hair is not the only cause of dog allergies in humans and time should be spent in the company of a barbet to determine an individual’s degree of reaction.

Its roots as a water dog mean that it will take to water of any temperature readily including muddy bogs and ditches. This means the barbets` coat can carry a fair amount of mud and debris back into your house. Luckily they are tolerant of being hosed down, if a little reluctant. As with all non-moulting breeds the amount of coat maintenance is dependant on the length of coat which can be trimmed or shaved for the hotter months. If the coat is to be kept long, then regular brushing to keep it knot and mat free is required. Although non-moulting, a small amount of coat, similar to the amount lost by a standard poodle, is still lost as a result of scratching or cleaning but this is easily vacuumed up and does not cling to clothes and furniture as some dog hairs do.

Barbet Terms

Here are a few terms to practise your French with...

• Barbet..............Adult male

• Barbette...........Adult female

• Barbichon..........Young male

• Barbiche...........Young female

• Barbichet..........Male puppy

• Barbichette........Female puppy

• Barbetier...........Barbet fancier

And for the more ambitious, you can try slipping these in to your French conversations:-
Crotté comme un Barbet..................: As muddy as a barbet.
Suivre quelqu’un comme un Barbet .....: To be followed everywhere.