Barbet

Barbets are water dogs with distinctive curly hair. They have large heads and long tails. These dogs are very athletic and are skilled water flushers and retrievers. While they look shaggy and goofy, they are powerful and purposeful dogs that are very intelligent and eager to learn.

Barbet Breed Overview

Barbets are the shaggier cousin of the Poodle. They can be large- to medium-sized dogs, and are excellent swimmers. They are happy, smart, easygoing, and loving dogs that adore family life. They were possibly first mentioned as far back as the 16th century in France. After World War I and World War II, the breed was nearly extinct. Now, it’s slowly being revitalized, although still rare in America.

Barbet Facts

• They are cousins of the Poodle.
• These dogs are excellent swimmers.
• They are very athletic and were originally bred to flush and retrieve.
• They were originally bred in France as hunting dogs.
• Their curls can be tight and short or loose and long.
• They are low-shedding dogs.

How to Care for Your Barbet

Here’s what you need to know about nutrition and feeding, health and wellness, grooming and hygiene, and living with Barbet dogs.

Nutrition & Feeding

What to Feed a Barbet

The best dog food for your Barbet will be one that has high-quality protein, a moderate amount of healthy fats, and balanced carbohydrates. Look for food that is geared towards their stage of life, such as puppy food, adult food, or senior dog food. Depending on how active your dog is, they might need a highly tailored food, such as the Purina Pro Plan Sport line, to help them get the energy they need.

How Much to Feed a Barbet

How much you feed your Barbet dog depends on their size and age. Consult your vet or your dog’s food bag to get an idea of how much to feed them, and try to use scheduled feeds. The Purina Feeding Calculator can also give you a more precise amount of food. You can enter your dog’s age, weight, activity level, and more information there.

Treats & Supplements

These dogs like to train and are food motivated, so treats can be a part of their training routine. Look for low-calorie, high-protein treats and use them sparingly, as a dog’s calories from treats should make up no more than 10% of the total daily calories. Your Barbet likely doesn’t need any supplements, but this is something you can discuss with your vet. There is potential that a joint supplement with glucosamine could be beneficial, but your vet will know your dog’s health history best.

Health & Wellness

Veterinary Care

Part of being a good pet parent is establishing routine care. That includes regular vet checkups to discuss things like vaccine schedules, parasite prevention, and spaying or neutering your dog. Your vet can also advise you on a good dental care routine to prevent tartar buildup and gum disease. They are relatively healthy dogs, but they might develop a few conditions like hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy (a genetic eye condition), or have allergies. All of these potential issues can be discussed with a professional.

Barbet Enrichment & Exercise Needs

Despite its glamorous coat, the Barbet is a sporty and highly active dog. They were originally bred to be water flushers and retrievers, and they excel at swimming – something you can mix in with walks and runs. Highly intelligent, these dogs also enjoy a lot of mental stimulation, such as nose work, games like fetch, and training. Engaging them mentally and physically is crucial to having a well-mannered, happy Barbet that thrives and doesn’t do undesirable things out of boredom, such as excessive barking or chewing.

Understanding Your Barbet’s Behavior

The Barbet is a generally friendly and outgoing dog. They can become anxious and on edge if they do not get enough mental and physical stimulation, which can result in undesired behaviors like excessive licking, digging, or barking. Their retrieving instincts might see them chasing after small animals; instead of trying to correct this behavior, give them an outlet for it, such as playing games of fetch. Positive reinforcement training will be effective for this breed, which loves to train and learn. Like many breeds, they thrive on routine, so owners who can provide consistent routines are a good match.

What to Expect as Your Barbet Ages

A healthy Barbet dog can live somewhere between 12 and 14 years if well cared for. Talk to your vet about when to switch them to a senior dog food to help with things like mental clarity, joint health, and coat health.

Grooming & Hygiene

Skin & Coat Health

The Barbet’s distinctive coat requires lots of time and attention to prevent matting, which can be painful for a dog. They may need lots of brushing and might benefit from a professional groomer’s touch. These low-shedding dogs might be good for people who have allergies to dander and fur. They are water dogs, so their coats are designed for swimming, which should be dried well after swimming to prevent skin infections. They can be bathed as needed if dirty.

Ear, Paw & Dental Care

The Barbet’s love of water means that owners will need to inspect ears regularly for signs of infection, like redness and discharge. Make sure that their ears are dry, and clean them with a vet-approved regimen. Check their paws for scrapes, cuts, irritations, and signs of infection regularly, and establish a good dental care routine to prevent tooth decay, which can impact their longevity. Regularly check their nails to see if they need trimming, and make time to inspect their faces and beards. Their long hair can get in their eyes, so keep the face area trimmed neatly and inspect them regularly for signs of eye infections.

Anal Gland Care

Many medium- to large-sized dogs can express their anal glands naturally. If your dog is having trouble with a blockage, known as an abscess, you’ll need to call your vet. You’ll know they are struggling if they emit a foul-smelling odor, strain to go to the bathroom, lick excessively, or scoot across the floor.

Living With a Barbet

Living Space

Barbets do well in living situations where they have ample access to the outdoors, especially water. They love to be active and do things with their families. Ideally, they’d live in a rural or suburban area with a fenced-in yard, but they’d be satisfied with a combination of long walks, swims, and partaking in daily family life.

Socialization

These dogs are generally friendly and outgoing, but they can benefit from early and frequent socialization. Introduce them to unfamiliar people and places to build up confidence. They are generally good with family life, especially if socialized properly. Other small animals in the home, such as small dogs, hamsters, cats, and rabbits, could potentially be a challenge, given that they have a retrieving instinct and prey drive.

Climate Considerations

Moderate and temperate climates that mimic France are best for Barbets. They can get by in colder temperatures thanks to their coats, but they should never be left outside in extreme weather. In warmer places, try to exercise your dog in the earliest parts of the day, and always provide plenty of shade and drinking water to prevent heat exhaustion.

Potential Challenges

Barbets are patient and loyal family dogs. However, they have high-maintenance grooming needs and will need owners who can devote a lot of time, attention, or money to keeping their coats in good condition. If not mentally and physically engaged, they can have separation anxiety that might result in undesirable behavior. Never leave them for long periods alone. If they need to be left alone, be sure to exercise or mentally engage them before you leave. They have retrieving instincts and a prey drive. Give them outlets to satisfy this, such as playing fetch regularly.

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