Barbet Do you know this dog? We tell you everything about this race

In some cases, the search for a pet is not only intended for the company, but also to carry out some activities or sports, such as walks, swimming and even hunting or grazing. That is why the choice of a dog can be conditioned according to their skills, seeking to have different qualities, such as Barbet.

• Size: Medium.
• Weight: Between 17 and 28kg.
• Hair type: Abundant wavy hair
• Character: Loyal, friendly, affectionate and very funny.
• Health: Healthy
• Life expectancy: Between 13 and 15 years.

A recognized breed throughout its existence for its multiple skills for the aforementioned contexts, this medium -sized can won the fascination of many from its origins. Characterized by a remarkable beard that covers his chin and gives meaning to the name of the race, he is cataloged as one of the oldest dogs in canine history, despite being in recurrent danger of extinction. A truly very complete and familiar dog, whose well -being will also depend on the care of its owners. That is why knowing everything about this race is essential before deciding to adopt it. For this reason, we have prepared the following article where we will develop every aspect of barbet's life, learn what you need from these canines and discover if it is the ideal partner for you.

ORIGIN OF THE BARBET

Barbet's story is not specifically very clear, due to the existence of different theories. However, the one that takes on the greatest force is that of the beginning of the race in France, where it was used as a hunting dog in rivers and swampsIn this way, he was adopted as a French water dog to identify him. A truly old race, since around the 16th century the first publications about these dogs were already established. Also, around 1837, there were some records that identified him, although not yet with his current name. The popularity that this breed was gaining due to his skills as a hunter in aquatic spaces, did not cease to surprise, to the point that royalty made him part of his family when King Henry IV adopted a copy. Although in the decade of 1700 the dog continued with great popularity as an excellent companion in vessels and also an ideal company pet, it was not until 1880 when it is recognized with the name currently held, which in French is the meaning of the word beard. After this fact, paintings of these dogs began to appear, commonly next to swamps, in order to point out the happiness that caused them to be submerged in the water, even when the temperatures were cold. Despite its popularity, after World War II, Barbet was in evident danger of extinction, as well as many other races. However, the connoisseurs of their skills, in this case, three experts dedicated to the breeding of these dogs managed to keep the species alive. Although it was often confused with a french dodging poil due to its appearance, These dogs received their own internationally recognition. In 2005 he was recognized by United Kennel Club. While the International Cinological Federation approved in 1954, but its official standard was published in 2006. Today, they are recognized in an extraordinary way, because they have unmatched qualities, they are not very common as before World War II. It is worth highlighting the value granted as excellent swimmers, hunters, grazing dogs and even company.

Physical characteristics

He Physical appearance of this French waters dog It stands out for being athletic, medium -sized and well formed. Muscular, but also coated with hair that provides greater volume to its original contexture. It has strong and thick extremities that provide great skill and presence, in addition to a muscular and broad contenture. Let's know in detail the physical characteristics of barbet.

Size and weight

The height of this breed will depend on its kind. What they have in common is that both are slightly longer than tall. In the case of males, Its height is averaged between 55 and 65 centimeters, while the females are smaller, located between 53 and 61 cm. In relation to weight, these dogs can be averaged between 17 and up to 28 kilograms, interchangeably sex.

Head and face

According to your stature and contexture, The head of these water dogs is proportionally large, round and remarkably wide. It is covered by abundant wavy hair, which with work lets your nose of black or brown identify, depending on the color of the fur. His eyes are rounded, medium, also of colors similar to the nose. It has quite thick lips, brown or black on the edges. A curious beard falls on his chin, making sense to the name of the race and being a distinctive aspect of them. The ears of these dogs are long, fine, low insertion and flattened.

Line

The tail of these dogs is of a slight high insertion, does not have curvatures and is evidenced delicately.

Fur

Barbet's fur is undoubtedly one of its greatest attributes. They have a dense, thick, abundant and wavy canvas throughout their body. In addition, a kind of longer strands appearing. Its essential characteristic is that it is prepared to withstand very low temperatures Without running cold, so you can enjoy being submerged in water or mud without problems. Nevertheless, The care it requires is notorious, due to the presence of nodes and abundant dirt in it. Later we will explain how to maintain the hygiene of these canines. As for the colors, the barbet has unicolor specimens in brown, black, gray and cervato. In other cases, white spots may appear in any of the aforementioned colors.

Temper

In case there were few athletic skills, the character of Barbet makes these more lovely dogs. They are loyal, friendly, affectionate and very fun animals, aspects that make it an excellent company animal. Enjoy spending time as a family, she is very playful and cheerful. Although it is usually a bit clumsy, these dogs have an obedient and very docile temperament. Worthy animals raised for hunting, they also have a very energetic spirit, they are always attentive and very active, so they require a considerable amount of exercises to stay balanced and not overflow energy in destructive behaviors. As for coexistence with other animals, these dogs adapt greatly to the presence of other dogs or any other pet, so it will not be an inconvenience to share the space with other species. The coexistence with other people is just as simple, they are very spontaneous and confident animals that will have fun playing with all family members, especially with children. However, in the case of the latter, you have to be attentive because they are medium and strong dogs, it is advisable to supervise to avoid incidents. Usually these dogs They do not present behavioral problems, unless they find themselves alone and without physical activity, which could suffer anxiety or become destroyers, everything will depend on the attention provided. Activities such as Agility or Swimming are widely recommended for this breed, you will enjoy them to the fullest and also practice obedience and spend time with its owner. They are usually dogs accustomed to life outdoors, that is, staying in the field is ideal for them. However, with adequate training and a correct physical activity routine can easily adapt to urban life.

Education and training

Barbet is characterized by being an intelligent, attentive and, above all, obedient dog. That is, your training will be not only simple, but also fun, although it should not be constant and disciplined. It is a race that will not give problems in learning orders or tricks. However, maintaining an adequate order in your education will forge the foundations for your adult behavior. For this reason, it is important to start at least 4 weeks of your birth with topics such as socialization and then, according to its development, move forward in learning orders and tricks. If there is something that should not be forgotten, it is the imperative need for adequate and regular training to prevent destructive behaviors. Well, you need, with great care, a number of abundant exercises that help you maintain adequate balance. It is a collaborating and docile pet, which does not require an authoritarian owner or experienceeither. However, it does not respond to shouts or abuse, on the contrary, it can react unfavorably. Consider as a fundamental technique of all training The positive reinforcement will encourage a relationship of trust between the canine and its owner, in this way the training will be more comfortable and bearable.

Health

The barbet usually enjoys very good health. Your life expectancy can be averaged between 13 and 15 years, according to your quality of life. Although the rarity of its existence has prevented more data from being acquired about race diseases. However, we will present some of the most common pathologies that these dogs have come to present and that, due to their size, are constantly associated with them:

Otitis

Because they are aquatic hunting dogs, they are widely exposed to infections in their ears. This is very common, and although it is difficult to avoid it, in some cases, the constant review of the ears will help in this issue. In addition to a deep cleaning every time the canine wets.

Hernias

The appearance of umbilical, inguinal, perianal and diaphragmatic hernias may appear in this race and cause discomfort and even pain in some cases.

Epilepsy

In some cases, these dogs may suffer from epilepsy attacks. Being a hereditary condition that affects its central nervous system. They are unexpected episodes in which the animal has signs of a seizure.

Hip dysplasia

This degenerative disease can limit the mobility of these dogs progressively. It is a multicausal pathology. It can be hereditary or generated by a bad movement that produces the wear of the hip joints. The prevention of these pathologies, in most cases, will depend on the care and attention provided to the dog.

Care

Although it is a healthy dog ​​and is accustomed to rustic canine life, that is, it does not demand excessive care; It is important to know some important data that will ensure the quality of life of our French water dog. Let's see what are the most necessary care that this race needs:

Exercises

Without a doubt, the recurring practice of exercises is what will keep this canine healthy, balanced and completely happy. At least a one -hour daily walk, combined with games and time to exercise, is ideal for this canine to maintain its good health and its good mood. Including sports practice, whether swimming or agility for example, will be very beneficial for these dogs.

Feeding

It is a medium -sized dog, so it tends to eat abundantly. It is important to carry adequate nutritional control by the hand of a veterinarian that can guide you about food proportions to, thus avoid obesity or provide food. A quality feed, distributed in small portions during the day, could be very beneficial.

Hygiene

The bathroom of a barbet is very important, especially if it is exposed to aquatic hunting activities or a life in the field, because in this way the knots will be avoided and the dirt adhere to its curly fur. It is important to apply at least one monthly bath. The cut of the fur is also necessary, at least every six months, to reduce between 8 and 12 centimeters of hair, to shape your body and also to avoid knots and the mute hair.
Brushing is recommended to be constantly done, at least twice a week. However, after the bathroom, it is imperative accompanied by a hair dryer to, in this way, to be able to cut correctly. Finally, within hygiene, constant and delicate nail cuts must be included so as not to hurt it.

Veterinary controls

Regular veterinary consultations, deworming and vaccination, can not be missing if you want to keep barbet in good health.

Conclusion

Although it is an unusual dog due to its remarkable risk of extinction at an era, Water dogs are unique and special animals. A combination of energy, obedience and fun, is what characterizes this athletic and very active canine. Excellent day to day, accustomed to fascinating sports such as swimming or work activities such as grazing or hunting, it is a very complete, ideal as a pet. Full of intelligence, their training and maintenance do not require so much effort, only adequate attention from their owners to enjoy with this partner in good health permanently. More curiosities about dogs: