Barbet Dog: Origin, Characteristics, Lifespan

The Barbet dog is a beautiful and medium-sized breed of dog. The name comes from the French word barbe, which means ‘beard’. The breed is also called as ‘French Water Dog‘.

The breed is an integral part of dog history, and many familiar breeds have Barbet in their ancestry. Depending on geography and necessity, the barbet connected through the centuries in various capacities, and as a companion dog, but more as an all-around working dog. The term barbet became throughout centuries a “generic” name for a dog with a long, curly, woolly coat.[1]

The Barbet dogs are best known for being a waterfowl retriever in the marshes, wetlands, and estuaries of France. This is where the expression “muddy as a barbet” came from in the 19th century.

The same dog was known as the barbet in France, between the late 18th to early 19th centuries, the barbone in Italy, and the Pudel in Germany, for almost a hundred years the barbets and poodles were considered the same breed.

The Barbet dog breed is listed in Group 8 by the Société Centrale Canine, the French Kennel Club and the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (International Canine Federation).

Barbet Dog Characteristics

The Barbet dog is a beautiful breed of dog. It is a prototypic water dog, with a long, woolly and curly coat. Their coats grow long and must be groomed regularly, otherwise the coat can become matted and the barbet may lose small tufts of hair like tumbleweeds.

The accepted colors of the breed are solid black, brown, fawn, grey, pale fawn, white, or more or less pied. All shades of red-fawn and pale fawn are permitted. The shade should, preferably, be the same as the color of the body. The most common colors are black or brown with white markings.

Average body height of the mature dog is between 23 and 26 inches at the withers for the males, and between 21 and 24 inches for the females. Average live body weight of the mature dogs is between 18 and 27 kg for males, and between 14 and 23 kg for females.

barbet dog, barbet dogs, barbet dog appearance, barbet dog breed info, barbet dog breed facts, barbet dog color, caring barbet dog, barbet dog characteristics, barbet dog color varieties, barbet dog coat color, barbet dog feeding, barbet dog facts, barbet dog history, barbet dog origin, barbet dog temperament, barbet dog tame, barbet dog as pets

Temperament

Personality of the Barbet dog is described as friendly, obedient, joyful and intelligent. They are very quick to learn and need lifelong obedience training. They are great with children, families and the elderly.

The Barbets will bond with their family and prefer to be in the same room with the family at all times. They need regular exercise to keep themselves healthy state of mind and body.

Lifespan

Average lifespan of the Barbet dog is between 12 and 14 years.

Feeding

How much a mature dog eats depends on it’s size, age, build, metabolism and activity level. Dogs are individuals, just like people, and they don’t all need the same amount of food.

The Barbet dogs are medium-sized dogs. So, their diet should be formulated for a medium-sized breed with average to high exercise needs. You can consult with your vet for better recommendations.

Caring

Taking good care of the animals is very important for raising Barbet dog. Bred as a marsh/swamp game retriever, the Barbet is an agile athlete and loyal partner in any activity, especially if it involves water.

The Barbet dogs actually have webbed paws, specially for swimming. Besides swimming, other options for exercise include play time in the backyard, preferably fenced, or taken for walks several times a day.

Exercise can also come in the form of indoor activities, like hide-and-seek, chasing a ball rolled along the floor, or teaching them new tricks. They enjoy plenty of playtime with other dogs and people. They are happiest when well socialized and prefers not to spend too many hours alone.

Health

The Barbet dogs are generally healthy. But like all other dog breeds, they are also prone to certain health conditions.

Their common health problems include ear infections, hip dysplasia, hernias, undescended testicles, undershot/overshot bites, entropia and epilepsy. Always keep good contact with a vet in your area.

Breed NameBarbet
Other NamesFrench Water Dog
Breed SizeMedium
HeightBetween 23 and 26 inches at the withers for the males, and between 21 and 24 inches for the females
WeightBetween 18 and 27 kg for males, and between 14 and 23 kg for females
Good as petsYes
Climate ToleranceAll climates
ColorCommon colors are solid black, grey, chestnut brown, fawn, pale fawn, white or more or less pied
LifespanBetween 12 and 14 years
Good for childrenYes
RarityCommon
Country of OriginFrance

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top