Barbet: history, characteristics, education and cost
History
The origins of the Barbet are rather vague. A very ancient breed, it seems that it already accompanied the Gauls. A hypothesis today refuted was that it came from North Africa, but nowadays, it is rather thought that it would originate from Central Europe.
There are many traces of this dog that accompanied hunters and tracked waterfowl, whether it was statued, painted, or described in literature. It was also used by the Napoleonic Grand Army, sometimes distinguishing itself as the Mustache dog on the battlefields.
Unfortunately, in the 20th century, the Barbet, victim of the Second World War like many other dog breeds, was close to disappearing. It took years for breeders to redevelop it, thanks to contributions from Poodles, Portuguese Water Dogs, Spanish Water Dogs, and Irish Water Spaniels.
Recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale in 1954, the Barbet is today used as a hunting or companion dog.
Physical
The Barbet is a medium-sized dog, reaching 58 to 65 cm at the withers for males and 53 to 61 cm for females, and weighing between 20 and 25 kg.
Its body is compact, medium-sized (a little longer than it is tall), with a muscular back and a rounded rump. The latter is extended by a low-carried tail, slightly raised at the end. The chest is broad and well developed. The limbs are powerful and well proportioned to the body.
The barbet has a round and wide skull, slightly longer than the muzzle. Between the two, the stop is well marked. The eyes, round in shape, are brown in color. Finally, the ears, set low, are large, wide, and furnished with long hair framing the face of the dog.
The barbet's coat is characteristic: long, woolly, and curly; it is very thick. It forms a beard, which gave the breed its name. The coat is either solid black, gray, brown, fawn, sand, or white, or more or less variegated.
Character
The Barbet is an affectionate and loyal dog. Very attached to its owners, it needs attention and cannot be left alone for too long. He is also very sociable with children and other pets.
Athletic, energetic, and enduring, he needs to exercise daily and can be particularly playful. An excellent hunter, he easily catches waterfowl.
Health
The Barbet is a dog with robust health. It lives on average 14 years without any particular problem. Its thick coat protects it from bad weather and the cold. There is therefore no problem if it bathes in winter. However, like most medium- to large dogs, it can be subject to hip dysplasia, an abnormality of the head of the femur leading to painful and disabling osteoarthritis. It is also exposed to patellar dislocation.
Their diet must be adapted to their physical activity. It must be balanced, with good intakes of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids. Quality industrial foods or a home-made ration based on cereals (rice, wheat, etc.), meat, and steamed vegetables are perfectly suitable.
A litter of Barbets consists of 6 to 8 puppies on average.
To protect yourself from these risks and insure your companion in the event of health problems, we recommend dog insurance.
Interview
The barbet's coat should be brushed carefully once a week. It can be bathed from time to time with a mild product and go to the groomer for a "hunting clipping." One of the advantages of the barbet is that it does not shed, which makes maintenance easier. Finally, it is advisable to dry and clean the ears after walks in nature or swimming to avoid ear infections.
The price of a Barbet is between 1,000 and 1,600 euros at purchase. It varies depending on the age, sex, conformity of the puppy to the breed's standards, and the pedigree of the parents. To this must be added the costs of food, maintenance, and visits to the vet (for identification, vaccination, possible sterilization, etc.). Thus, the annual maintenance cost of a barbet is between 1,200 and 1,300 euros.
This dog needs to exercise daily, if possible in nature. It is therefore more suited to life in a rural environment. However, it is possible to make it a city dweller, provided that it benefits from at least 2 long outings per day, during which it is free to run, jump, or even swim for its greatest pleasure.
Education
The barber's education must be done gently but firmly. The owner must be patient, because the dog can be stubborn or playful. It is advisable to have a minimum of experience and knowledge in canine behavior to instill appropriate education.
Breed specificities
The Barbet is a hypoallergenic dog. This means that the risk of allergy in its presence is not zero, but it is greatly reduced.
A word from the veterinarian
Affectionate, playful, but calm indoors, sociable with other animals, and gentle with children, the barbet has everything to please. It is ideal for active owners who already have some experience with dogs so that their education goes as well as possible.
As mentioned above, hip dysplasia can affect this breed. It is a genetic disease, but it can also be caused or aggravated by living conditions. It is advisable not to make a dog do too much physical activity while it is still growing and to avoid slippery floors that can cause falls.
