Overview
The Barbet is an old French breed of water dog, used to retrieve waterfowl from marshes and thought to be an ancestor of the Poodle. It wears a long, dense, woolly coat in black, brown, fawn or grey that can look like a mop when wet, which it frequently is. It is still uncommon in the UK, where it sits on the Kennel Club's imported register in the gundog group.
Barbets are friendly, playful and sociable with people and dogs alike. They carry less drive than many gundogs but still want a proper walk and a job.
Exercise and walking needs
An hour to an hour and a quarter a day suits most adults, including some free running and, if the owner allows, a swim. A retrieve into water is the breed's idea of heaven.
They are happy at a steadier pace than spaniels and settle well on a mixed group walk. The coat means heat builds quickly in summer.
On the walk
- Recall: Generally reliable and the dog likes to keep an eye on its handler. Water is the main distraction.
- Water: Assume the dog will go in anything deep enough. Check exits, currents and bank steepness before letting it near a river.
- Other dogs: Sociable and well mannered. Barbets tend to be easy additions to a group and rarely cause friction.
- Coat: The woolly coat picks up seeds, twigs and burrs and mats when left wet. Keep away from goosegrass and thorns where you can.
- Lead manners: Pleasant and not especially strong. A standard harness is enough for most adults.
Tips for professional walkers
- Carry two towels. One for the body and one for the beard and ears, which hold water for hours.
- Dry inside the ears after a swim and mention any redness in your walk report.
- Keep summer walks to shaded paths and bring water; the coat is warm and the dog is enthusiastic.
What to ask the owner
- Is swimming allowed on your walks, and are there any waters the owner prefers to avoid?
- Is the coat clipped short or kept in full, and are there areas the owner wants kept clean?
- Any ear trouble after swimming, and how would the owner like you to handle it?