Barbet

French Water Dog Breed Information

Breed Name:	Barbet (aka French Water Dog)
Country of Origin:	France
Average Lifespan:	13 - 15 years
Size:	Medium (40-45 lbs, 50-60 cm)
Breed Classification:	Other
Coat:	Long, with a woolly texture that can be curly or wavy Hair on the head can reach down to the nose, obscuring the eyes Colour can be black, grey, brown, fawn or white Regular grooming required, as well as trimming of the hair around eyes
Characteristics:	Friendly, sociable and joyful Gets along with both humans and other animals Intelligent and obedient
Breed Standards:	The Barbet is strong, muscular dog with a round, broad head and short muzzle. The chest is also broad, with a deep, round ribcage. The back is slightly convex with sloping shoulders. The tail is slightly raised, forming a small hook at the end.
History:	The Barbet is an extremely rare breed of dog in North America. There were only 3 litters reported in 2007, and 176 litters worldwide. The breed dates back to the Middle Ages, with its origins in France. The Barbet was originally bred as a sporting dog, particularly a retriever and water dog. They have also, occasionally been used as herding dogs. The Barbet’s history has lead them to become very active. They should be kept engaged with agility, water sports or other activities to keep them happy. The name stems from the French word barbe, which translates to beard.
Fun Facts:	Barbets are often shaved when they are 5 or 6 months old. This allows the coat to grow out again, making it easier to groom them, and less likely to cause painful matting.
Recommendations:	Try the Round Rolled Dog Collar on Barbets to keep the tangles out of their thick, curly coats.