The Barbet is a very affectionate family dog ​​with many facets. Find out here what sets it apart and what to look for when buying one. We’ll also explain what activities you can do with a Barbet.

History of the Barbet

The Barbet is a water dog with roots in Africa. It was first sighted there and likely brought to France by the Arabs. Since the Middle Ages, such dogs have been increasingly kept there. They are not only very good protectors but also loving family members. From that point on, the Barbet could be seen in many other countries in Europe.

Appearance of the Barbet

The Barbet is smart, balanced, and affectionate, making it perfect as a family dog. It’s worth mentioning that it’s affectionate and loyal once it has bonded with a person. It easily integrates into the family and is always interested in learning new things.

Does a Barbet have an undercoat?

Yes, the Barbet has a dense undercoat, which prevents it from smelling unpleasant after swimming. You can then dry the fur with a regular hairdryer.

Affection Level	High
Friendliness	High
Kid-Friendly	High
Pet-Friendly	High
Exercise Needs	High
Playfulness	Medium
Energy Level	High
Trainability	High
Intelligence	High
Tendency to Bark	Medium
Amount of Shedding	Low

Acquiring a Barbet

If you plan to buy a Barbet, take the appropriate measures beforehand. Set up a place for the new family member to retreat to, which is very important especially in the beginning. This allows it to adjust to its new environment peacefully without being overwhelmed. Also, know that while the Barbet enjoys relaxing, it also loves being active. This means you should provide regular exercise for it.

Teach it from the beginning to respect children and other pets, and you’ll have a new four-legged companion who brings you a lot of joy.

How much does a Barbet cost?

You’ll need to pay between $1,000 and $1,200 for a Barbet from a reputable breeder. However, the price may vary slightly from provider to provider.

Development and Training of the Puppy

In the first two weeks of life, most Barbets have their eyes and ears still closed. During this time, your new family member will naturally stay with its family. When you finally bring the dog home, take enough time for it to adjust to you and its new surroundings. With the Barbet, you’ll likely have a very loyal and affectionate companion by your side in most cases.

How to Keep a Barbet?

The Barbet can be kept by singles, couples, retirees, and families with children alike, thanks to its reserved and loving nature. Beginners can also handle this dog. However, it is recommended to attend a dog school, which is generally a good idea if you have not yet gained much experience with four-legged friends. Also, ensure that you have enough space in your apartment or house. Ideally, you have a garden, but it is not strictly necessary.

You must take your four-legged friend for walks several times a day, preferably in nature, where it can take in new scents. At the same time, play with it regularly to mentally stimulate it. You can find numerous great ideas for this on the internet.

Is the Barbet a Family Dog?

Yes, the Barbet is excellent as a family dog and gets along well with children.

Activities with the Barbet

Do you enjoy hiking? Then the Barbet is the right companion for that. And it is also suitable for hunting. At the same time, you can use it to guard your property or house. The key is that it receives plenty of love during these activities. The Barbet appreciates every cuddle. Additionally, it excels in dog sports such as agility, mantrailing, or various search games, thanks to its highly developed sense of smell.

Moreover, the Barbet is often used as a therapy or guide dog. So, you see, it has numerous talents that you can make use of.

Barbet Care

The Barbet has a wavy coat that ideally should be clipped in summer. Otherwise, brush it thoroughly once a week to remove or prevent tangles. After every walk, check if your furry friend has brought any souvenirs into the house, such as beetles, leaves, or branches. If the fur gets particularly dirty, bathing this four-legged friend is not a problem.

Health and Hereditary Diseases

Unfortunately, Barbets from unscrupulous breeders have been increasingly introduced to the market lately. These dogs often suffer from elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. Therefore, research thoroughly about the living conditions or breeding practices of the respective provider beforehand. This way, you avoid buying an already sick dog and instead have many years of joy with your new companion.

Interesting and Worth Knowing

The Barbet is the ancestor of various other dogs, such as the poodle or the Spanish water dog.

What Types of Water Dogs Are There?

In addition to the Barbet, there are various types of water dogs, such as the Irish Water Spaniel, the French Water Dog, the Spanish Water Dog, and the American Water Spaniel.

Summary

The Barbet is suitable for beginners and experienced dog owners alike. It loves to learn new things and is also very athletic. Smart and fond of children.