Content
- Origin of the barbet dog or water shepherd dog
- Characteristics of the barbet dog
- barbet dog colors
- Barbet dog or French water dog personality
- barbet dog education
- Care of the barbet dog or French water dog
- barbet dog health
- where to adopt a barbet dog
The barbet or French water dog stands out for its big rug of long curly hair, strong aspect and for his great fascination for water. Their most accepted origin is French and they are excellent hunting, swimming, shepherding and companion dogs. They are very faithful, intelligent and noble, who will maintain a strong bond with their caregivers as they adapt to changes, cold climates and new family members or animals.
Do you want to know more about the race barbet or french water dog? Continue reading this PeritoAnimal sheet to know everything about this great canine breed: from its origin, its characteristics, education and care, to its health problems and where to adopt it.
Source
- Europe
- France
- Group VIII
- Rustic
- muscular
- provided
- long ears
- toy
- Small
- Medium
- Great
- Giant
- 15-35
- 35-45
- 45-55
- 55-70
- 70-80
- more than 80
- 1-3
- 3-10
- 10-25
- 25-45
- 45-100
- 8-10
- 10-12
- 12-14
- 15-20
- Low
- Average
- High
- Balanced
- Strong
- Sociable
- Intelligent
- Active
- Docile
- Submissive
- Kids
- Hunting
- Shepherd
- Sport
- harness
- Cold
- Warm
- Moderate
- Fried
- thick
Origin of the barbet dog or water shepherd dog
The origin of the barbet dog is not well established, as there are several theories. The most accepted says that this breed is of French origin, where they used it as hunting dog in swamps and rivers. Because of this, it was called the French water dog and it gained popularity, until came to be royalty when King Enrique IV adopted an exemplar. In France there are records of this breed since the 16th century, which makes it a very old breed. Other theories say that it comes from Poland and even North Africa and was imported to Europe in the Middle Ages.
The barbet dog was on the brink of extinction during World War II, but three specialist lovers of this breed ensured that this did not happen by reactivating its reproduction.
This dog spread until its genes, over the centuries, helped shape breeds of most sheepdogs and the poodle. The International Cynological Federation approved this breed in 1954 and its official standard in 2006, and in 2005 was recognized by the United Kennel Club. It is believed that today there are about 1,000 dogs of this breed in France, Sweden, Switzerland, Germany and Canada.
Characteristics of the barbet dog
The barbet breed is large medium-large and is mainly characterized by presenting a very abundant curly coat that covers your entire body, including paws and face. The rest of the physical characteristics that define a barbet dog are:
- Height 58-65 cm at the withers in males and 53-61 cm in females.
- Weight between 17 and 30 kg.
- Good musculature and bone structure.
- Round and broad head with eyes of similar characteristics.
- Brown or black edge of the eyelids.
- Muzzle short and slightly square.
- Black nose.
- A long beard forms under the chin.
- Flat ears, low and wide.
- Thick lips.
- Strong, short neck.
- Well-developed chest.
- Strong, thick limbs.
- Low, hook-shaped inward-curved joining tail.
Also, this dog's fur is very thick, which along with its dense and padded coat allows him to resist the cold, as well as spend a lot of time in water or wet areas, hence his name of water dog.
barbet dog colors
The colors accepted in this dog breed are:
- Black.
- Grey.
- Brown.
- Light brown.
- Sand.
- White.
Barbet dog or French water dog personality
the barbet dog is friendly, familiar, fun, playful and sociable, making it ideal for families with children. He'll love playing outside, and if there's water around... a lot more! They are excellent swimmers and love the water, but always be careful and don't forget if he takes a dip in a river, pool or beach to prevent possible accidents.
They do not usually have problems related to behavior, but if they spend many hours a day alone and cannot perform physical activity, the risk of suffer anxiety or develop destructive behaviors at home.
This dog gets along well with other dogs and even animals of other species, as well as tolerating new human additions to the house and guests very well. in general, they are dogs with a very good personality who will develop very close relationships with the members of the families who care for them.
barbet dog education
The education of a dog of the barbet breed is usually simple, as they are very smart, attentive and obedient. Don't forget that all dog education must be constant, patient and disciplined. You will quickly learn tricks and commands and in a short time you will be able to get a good education that will transform you into a really docile, loyal, polite and obedient adult dog.
From the first month of life of these dogs, the socialization period and from there start with education. Positive reinforcements should be used to achieve adequate and comfortable training, not negative reinforcements.
It must be remembered that a dog can be destructive in the face of loneliness and prolonged lack of exercise, so a moderate amount of exercise is needed to maintain this behavioral balance.
Care of the barbet dog or French water dog
these dogs demand a lot of outdoor physical activity, as they are so active that they need space to develop their full potential and thus remain healthy, happy and balanced. Agility or swimming sport practices will be very beneficial for this breed.
Although they don't require much care, require the basics of all dogs: going for a walk, toys, abundant food distributed several times a day, as they are good-sized dogs that contain all the necessary nutrients, but without becoming excessive to avoid obesity, as they tend to be greedy.
Hygiene is essential, the fur of these dogs is abundant, dense and curly, so at least one bath a month, correct and frequent brushing and the haircut every six months it's fundamental.
Visits to the veterinarian, often for deworming, vaccinations and routine check-ups, as well as any consultation before the appearance of any symptoms indicating that something is wrong are necessary.
barbet dog health
The barbet dog is generally strong and healthy, with a life expectancy between 12 and 15 years. However, we must consider the following diseases that, due to their size and race, can be relatively frequent:
- Otitis: Being exposed to aquatic places can increase the predisposition to suffer inflammation and/or such painful ear infection. It is important to monitor the condition of the ears and ears of barbets, especially if they come into contact with water, and clean it when necessary.
- Epilepsy: Due to an inherited condition, they have unexpected signs of seizures that usually last for a very short time.
- progressive retinal atrophy: a degenerative and progressive hereditary disease that ends up causing blindness in the dog.
- hip dysplasia: disease that affects the hip joint, due in large part to its good size and rapid growth and its inheritance, being a degenerative disease that can cause mobility problems, lameness and pain.
- Elbow dysplasia: Similar to above, but affecting the elbow joint, also causing problems with walking, lameness, and pain.
- hernias: irritated and/or painful inguinal, umbilical and perianal hernias may also appear in barbets.
In cold climates or if they stay wet for a long time after a winter shower, they can develop breathing problems, such as inflammation of the trachea or tracheitis and other bronchial or pulmonary problems.
where to adopt a barbet dog
This dog can be adopted if you are lucky in shelters or refuges, although it is usually not frequent. If not, you can ask if they know anyone who is willing to give a copy for adoption or go in associations specializing in race rescue.
It should be remembered that it is a very good and docile dog, but at the same time it needs to be outdoors, so in an apartment or house with no yard or possibilities to go out can be stressful and a reason for the development of behavioral problems. Adopting a dog is not a whim and you should think carefully, assume that a new member will join the family and that it is necessary to take care of it and meet all your needs as such.