Barbet Dog Breed Health and Care – ThePetDiary

A medium-sized birding dog, the Barbet is mostly recognized by its characteristic muzzle beard and curly hair. Originally trained to chase birds and ducks across Europe hundreds of years ago, Barbets are the archetypal water dog. Barbs of today are few, but they are starting to proliferate. It is estimated that there are about 2,000 Barbets throughout North America, but there are fewer than 500 in the United States. In addition to being great hunters, modern Barbets have retained the intellect, agility, and calm disposition of their predecessors, which makes them ideal for households with children or other pets. With the right Barbet dog care, they thrive as loyal family companions while maintaining their natural working instincts.

Characteristics of the Barbet

Barbets may be prone to separation anxiety since they adore their owners and want their undivided attention. The syndrome may manifest as excessive drooling, domestic mishaps, and destructive conduct. Consult your veterinarian about methods to reduce separation anxiety, including training or, in more extreme situations, medication.

History of the Barbet

The barbet, a near cousin of the briard and poodle, was first developed as a hunting dog for birds and ducks in France. Because of his ability to chase birds through muck and water with his webbed paws, the barbet gained the moniker “mud dog.” But the true name of the barbet is derived from the French word “barbe,” meaning “beard.”

Some people think Barbets date back to the eighth century; however, the breed was first described in writing in 1387. It is also stated that King Henry IV’s mistress once got into trouble for carrying a barbet dog to church and that he kept barbets as friends.

Despite being devoted hunting dogs and friends for generations, barbets are now a rather uncommon breed. The barbet is one of the most agile dogs in French dog contests, despite having a lower global population.

The barbet is now formally recognized as a new breed by the American Kennel Club. The AKC categorized the breed as belonging to the “Sporting Group” in 2020.

Barbet Care

Before taking a barbet home, you should make sure you can handle its high-maintenance grooming, exercise, and training requirements. The barbet’s thick, curly coat limits shedding, although daily care is needed. A barbet might not be the best dog for a first-time dog owner, a family with a very hectic schedule, or an inactive family because of their high intellect and grooming needs.

Exercise & Barbet dog care:

Barbets require more activity and have greater energy levels because they are sports dogs. At least two hours a day should be dedicated to walking and running these dogs. Since they are very bright dogs, it’s critical to keep them occupied and involved. Puzzles, agility sports, and other difficult games will keep your barbet interested and active since they thrive in these kinds of activities.

Grooming & Barbet dog care:

Barbets require daily maintenance due to their long, dense, curly coats. Their coats are quite prone to mats, tangles, and debris accumulation. After every walk, you might even discover particles in the coat of your barbet. The barbet’s coat can quickly become matted or felted and grow to long, unkempt lengths if it is not brushed. Every day, thoroughly brush and comb your barbet’s coat, removing any mats or tangles with your fingers. You run the danger of ripping your dog’s coat or hurting his skin when you use a comb to remove a mat.

In order to facilitate grooming, some dog owners would have their dogs’ coats kept shorter. If you decide to trim your barbet’s coat, try to keep it approximately 4 inches long overall, with the head, chin, and tail being a little longer. Regularly trimming the hair around the ear canal and in between your dog’s eyes will help him see better. A dog groomer in your area can assist if you are uncomfortable cutting your dog’s coat.

Examine your barbet’s ears frequently, and use a soft cotton cloth to carefully remove any debris or waxy buildup. See your veterinarian if your dog has red, swollen ears, or if they are very unclean or smell bad. 

If they don’t get the right dental treatment, dogs of all breeds can get periodontal disease. The ideal choice is to brush your dog’s teeth every day, but brushing them at least once a week will help prevent dental issues. Dental chew treats are another way to enhance brushing, but keep in mind that they are empty calories, so it’s best to use them sparingly. Dental treats should never be the only thing your dog eats to maintain good oral health.

Training & Barbet dog care:

Barbets’ high level of intelligence might make them stubborn. Along with regular exercise and enjoyment, obedience training can be beneficial. The barbet may not be as amiable with outsiders despite its affection and loyalty to its family. Proper socialization and ongoing obedience training might be helpful.

Common Health Problems

Barbets are typically healthy dogs, but that doesn’t mean they won’t have some health issues. If your dog exhibits any of the following symptoms, it’s critical to understand the signs and symptoms so you can get the right care:

• Hip or elbow dysplasia: Extreme discomfort and weakness may result from this illness, which affects the hip and elbow joints. The genetic nature of dysplasia means that you should ask your breeder for a joint guarantee. The majority of dysplasia cases are hereditary, although they can also occur as a result of trauma or excessive weight gain.
• Epilepsy: Epilepsy is a disorder that disrupts the electrical currents in your dog’s brain and is characterized by recurrent seizures. Collapsing, full-body spasms, and frothing at the mouth are all indicators of seizures. If any of these symptoms appear in your dog, get care from your veterinarian immediately.
• Progressive retinal atrophy: Blindness results from the genetic disease’s degradation and eventual wear away of the eye lens’s rods, cones, and pigmented layer.

Diet and Nutrition

You should feed your dog 1.5 to 2 cups of high-quality, high-protein dog food every day, though this will vary depending on your dog’s size, weight, activity level, and metabolism. Your veterinarian can help you create a food plan that suits your dog if you’re unsure of how much to feed it.

Overfeeding and underexercising can lead to obesity in dogs of all breeds. Make sure your dog is eating a healthy, balanced diet because obesity can cause major health issues like diabetes, heart disease, and joint issues.

Where to Adopt or Buy a Barbet

The chances of finding a barbet at your neighborhood shelter are very slim. If you decide to buy a barbet from a breeder, make sure the breeder is trustworthy and moral by doing your homework. See where the dogs are housed, whether they are healthy, and how safe and clean the place is by going to the breeder’s house or breeding facility, if at all possible. Watch out for indicators of a “backyard breeding” scenario, such as sickly animals, overcrowded facilities, or cheap puppies.

Never hesitate to ask questions. Reputable breeders should be happy to address any queries or worries you may have since they genuinely care about their pets’ welfare.

Start looking for a breeder by contacting the American Barbet Club. Potential barbet owners are cautioned by the group that they might have to wait a year or longer to find a puppy. Additionally, you should budget between $2,500 and $4,000 for each puppy. The club also has a division that deals with individual situations of a barbet that need rescue and placement.

Barbet Overview