Barbet breeding program.
NOVAFORESTA BREEDING
Our Breeding Ethics
Barbets have been part of our family since 2007, although in my thoughts and dreams since 2003. We will continue to be responsible owners and breeders and promote all aspects of living with and owning this rare ancient breed.
We intend to only breed dogs with exceptionally good temperaments, with a good working ability and those that have the relevant health checks. We are working closely with internationally experienced breeders, and taking advice on the co-efficiency of the dogs used in the UK breeding programme. At present this breed is not recognized by the Kennel Club (UK), and therefore, although the majority of dogs born in the UK will conform to the FCI recognized breed standard, we feel that putting temperament and health before other concerns should be our top priority.
Our long term aim is to establish a healthy breeding population in the UK representing the widest possible gene pool available. While this may mean that not all the barbets are identical in size, morphology, coat colour or coat type we aim to breed dogs that are as capable doing the work for which they were originally kept, as they are of being excellent family pets.
Although we hope that the future lives of any puppies born will be long and happy with you, sometimes events happen beyond anyone’s control. We will be available to help in all situations should a Barbet need rehoming, for this reason 5% of puppy sales will be put aside to start a welfare fund. If you are interested in a puppy then it is important that you meet our two girls or are in touch with another barbet owner to view the breed and learn first hand about owning a barbet. All puppies born and raised under the "Novaforesta" affix will be extensively socialized before coming into your home.
The first barbet litter in the UK - 2008
All litters will be whelped and reared in my home to help prepare them for yours; they will share their upbringing with not just my family but the many visitors that we receive especially as we have teenagers in our midst. They will be used to all the household noises including hoovers, radios, washing machines, slamming of doors, loud music etc. They will also be introduced to loud bangs and firework noises so that little will faze them.
Puppies will have access to the outdoors and will all have experienced travelling in a car. They will be weaned on to raw meat and chicken wings, and continue to be fed by their mother until she decides otherwise. The Puppy’s health and happiness are of upmost importance to us. All puppies will be micro-chipped, DNA profiled, be lifelong members of the Gundog Club, and entered on the Kennel Club activity register, vaccination will depend on whether the pup leaves me at 7 wks or 8wks, they will be fully wormed before they come into your home. Puppies will only be allowed to leave the maternal home at 7 weeks if going to a similar social situation. The separation of a puppy from its pack will be the first lesson that the new owners will need to deal with, and certainly one of the hardest and most unnatural situations that the puppy will face in its life. Advice on this transition will be given in advance, so that new owners can be prepared. All prospective owners will be asked for references before we agree to allow a puppy to go to a new home.
Characteristics of the breed
They are strong, hard working dogs that will take any exercise offered.
Like many working breeds, a tired dog is a happy contented companion, so potential owners must take into consideration the dogs exercise requirements and that as an intelligent breed it needs mental stimulation aswell.
They are generally happy to live amongst other dogs, cats and livestock, but do enjoy human companionship, barbets like nothing better than being curled up near you.
They are not regarded as a protective breed, but will still alert you to people approaching your house or car.
They make ideal family pets.
General Appearance
Barbets are medium sized long haired dogs.
Barbets can be several colours, although black is probably the best known (very apt for a dog that loves bogs!!!!) They have a woolly, curly coat that continues growing, and therefore can be a breed suitable for those that suffer from allergies. Barbets do not have a seasonal moult, however this does mean regular grooming or shaving the coat. Any longhaired breed that does not have a well maintained coat can be prone to skin problems so its vital that care of the coat of the dog is taken into consideration.
Height 52cm-65cm
Weight 20kg- 30kg
Life expectancy 12-15 years.
Barbets may vary in height, weight and coat type however the character of the barbet should be faultless. The FCI breed standard is on the Club website for more detailed information.
Temperament
The barbet is considered a gentle breed. It has the ability to adapt too many different varieties of work, and is easy to train.
As a breed, they are not over sensitive to noise.
They are a breed that likes to be with you.
The barbet throughout the world has a small population; there are no big breeders or kenneled dogs. This has led us to having a breed that is across the world, home reared by enthusiasts who also have waiting lists for puppies born. To be in this situation with a breed is rare.
Good temperament is our utmost goal when breeding. Barbets are known as a laid back breed, and I have every intention to only produce and use dogs that will be good ambassadors for this ancient breed.
Feeding time!
Is the Barbet the right dog for you?
Firstly we will hand over a socialized puppy, we will know its character from an early age, our aim will be to make sure that the puppy suits you to the best of our abilities BUT, do you have the time and patience to rear a puppy?
Owning an intelligent breed can be hard work as they learn bad habits as quickly as they learn good habits. The time that you spend with your puppy, particularly in the first 18 months will be your choice, the more time you commit, the easier the adult dog will be in all situations. As a breeder I can provide you with information, references, and most importantly a healthy well balanced puppy BUT it’s your job to make it a well balanced healthy adult.
As a professional groomer, I am available for grooming lessons and any advice needed. It is most important that their vision is not constantly obscured by hair, barbets have beautiful eyes and they are described as expressive for a reason, they need to be seen.
If you intend to work the dog, then the teddy bear image you see so often will need to be revised.....working dogs need to see for a start as does a dog in training.
Barbets thrive on company, and will not live outside well on his own. He will need plenty of companionship and stimulation or he will get bored and then become destructive.
What we provide to a fully vetted prospective owners!
Life long advice and care for your Barbet.
Contracts.
Health certificates are available for viewing.
DNA profile.
The Gundog Club - lifelong membership (giving access to graded tests and training advice).
Kennel Club Activity Register membership.
Micro chipping.
Diet sheets.
Internet Forum solely for owners of Barbets in the UK for information sharing.
What we expect from owners of our puppies!!
We would like that all our puppy owners to stay in contact with us so that we can see how well our puppies have developed into adults.
We would love to receive lots of photos of the pups growing up.
To be able to ask us any questions about the pups/adults no matter how big or small it may be.
Adhere to the puppy contracts.
Insurance
If a dog causes injury or damage to a person or property, the injured party can make a claim against the dog owner. Often household contents policies cover third party claims against the dog but it is wise to check.
As the barbet is not a recognized breed in the UK, if you intend to insure, check out the policies offered and ask the insurance company for advice. The barbet has few health problems, but may be classed as a cross-breed or poodle for insurance purposes in the UK. (this is good as the poodle is a low risk and generally cheaper to insure than other waterdogs)
Health
The barbet as a breed presently has few inherent faults. Due to the introduction of other gene pools throughout the years, it has a genetic variability that some of our more popular breeds would be proud of. Details can be found on the Barbet International database regarding hip scores and eye tests. Presently the mean average for hips is 15.
The barbet has a small population, and is being carefully monitored throughout Europe, both Betsy and Bepop have contributed blood samples to a study at Helsinki University, Finland.
Worldwide there has been one case of diagnosed idiopathic juvenille epilepsy, and one confirmed in an older dog of approximately 8 years old.
I have also been given access to health statistics covering hip-scores and eye tests provided by the French Breed Club. Although these are now somewhat dated, they provide a useful snapshot of the breeds health and are available to view.
