Things you'll want to know
THE BARBET IS A SPORTING DOG
Barbet were bred, according to many sources, in 16th century France as a duck hunting dog, specifically a dog who would go into the marsh and flush out the ducks and then retrieve the ones who were shot down. The breed is in the Sporting category of dogs, which include many dog breeds of this sort. These dogs are companionable, generally easy to train, though because they are smart AND empathetic by nature, they will NOT respond well to a heavy hand: no shock collar training, no choke collars and certainly no repetitive raised voices. As I always say about my oldest, Tallulah, she would stand on her head for me if she could and I asked her. These dogs do well in just about ANY performance activity as well as Conformation. They are also known to be great Therapy Dogs and many are certified for that. They are generally not barkers, and calm in the house or office. At the same time, if you invite them for a walk, a run, a ride a swim-- anything--- they are eager to join you. They are known to be like “velcro dogs” so they are not suited for being alone for very long stretches of time. They are emotionally attached to their “people” but this dog does not, in my experience, react aggressively toward strangers or other animals. Of course, that being said, someone out there will have the dog to prove the rule.....
THE BARBET HAS HAIR NOT FUR--PREPARE TO BRUSH
The Barbet coat can range from wavy to tightly curled, with the most common color being black, then brown, but there are brown and white, black and white, cream colored, and white.... quite a range of coats and colors. One thing they all have in common, a Barbet coat must be brushed regularly (best is a few minutes, brushed to the skin every few days-- there are some wonderful videos online to illustrate). Otherwise the coat will, like wool, matt. OR keep the coat cut shorter. Though the Barbet’s natural long coat is beautiful. I recommend getting a grooming table to save your back... and certainly a pin brush and slicker and a good poodle comb all needed for “line brushing”. Once you establish a routine you will find your dog finds brushing a relaxing, bonding exercise. My dogs lie on their sides, and occasionally fall asleep. Never brush your dog’s coat dry because it will cause breakage. I often use a mixture of 10-1 distilled water and conditioner. Or there are sprays meant for brushing.
NO DOG IS NON-ALLERGIC, ESPECIALLY NOT “DOODLES”
NO DOG IS NON-ALLERGIC, no matter what the “doodle” community may claim. “HYPOALLERGENIC” means “low allgergy” not NO ALLERGY. Dander and saliva are the most common reasons for allergies. Just a factoid for your well meaning friend who owns a “doodle”. Also, for the record, I do not know ANY breeder of quality who would breed her purebred dog to another breed. There is no way to know what percentage of the coat will be hair and what percentage the other breed, not to mention the health issues. Whatever the case, whatever breed dog you are looking to bring into your home, make sure that breeder is testing their dogs to be bred and making every attempt to breed toward making the breed healthier, breeding out health issues known to the Barbet Community. If they won’t give you that information find a breeder who will.
Resources
Clubs
The Barbet Club of America (www.barbetclubofamerica.com) and the Club Barbet Canada (www.clubbarbetcanada.com) both offer information about the Barbet breed standard, information about health issues and upcoming events. Each club regularly holds a National to which all Barbet owners are invited to attend these events which most often feature Conformation events, but occasionally feature events for Jr. Handlers, Dock Diving, Fast Cat, etc. It is a great way to build Barbet Community, here and in Canada. These clubs also feature Facebook pages for their members which may also provide useful information.
OFA
The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (ofa.org) is the repository of health information provided by owners and breeders of Registered pure bred dogs in the USA and Canada. This is the organization who can provide you information on any dog listed as long as you have the registered name of the dog. This is a resource that is meant to help breeders by providing health information so that they can make informed decisions when breeding their dogs.
AKC
The American Kennel Club (akc.org) is a resource for all dog owners, pure bred or not. When looking for a dog to add to your family the AKC provides guidance on how to find a reputable breeder, what performance events are available to you and your dog around the country, legislative information that will keep you informed about laws that threaten dogs and their breeders and what you can do about it. The AKC also hosts online classes and seminars, the AKC Meet the Breed in cities around the country, and is a great resource for all things dog.
BOOKS
I believe my favorite book about Barbet is The Barbet Revealed, by Elizabeth Roest Kempemo and Bridget Waller-Rengelink
and finally, I’d like to thank ...all of those who have been friends and supports along this wild adventure. To Kathie Jochen and all of my OES friends who allowed me to set up with them at dog shows when no other Barbet were there; taught me to line brush my Barbet and how to remove matts without destroying the coat; to Jacques Cyr who was the first Barbet owner/breeder to take the time to put my hands on the top Barbet in Canada and my first Barbet and illustrate the difference in structure and I never forgot it. (He also has a wicked sense of humor). So many of you with whom I’ve laughed and had misadventures -- you know who you are -- and Sherilyn Spies-Smith of Bluespruce Barbet who took a chance on me when I asked her for a show bitch and has been as steadfast and true a breeder, mentor and friend as one could ever hope to have.