The Barbet is a medium-sized French retriever and waterdog.
The breed name comes from the French word barbe which means beard, and in accordance with its name, it has a full beard to accompany its long, woolly and curly coat, which should be left untrimmed. The Barbet is an active dog that is most at home in the countryside, and given the opportunity, will find any mud and water it can! They possess a joyful personality and make wonderful pets for the active family, whose company they will seek out at every opportunity. They are also loyal and obedient and respond well to training.
History
The Barbet’s origins can be traced back to France in the 1700s. Traditionally the breed was used to flush out and retrieve waterfowl in the marshes and lakes of France. Following the World Wars, Barbet numbers fell, and it remains a relatively rare breed. It is thought that the Barbet was used to develop other breeds like the Poodle and Curly Coated Retriever.
