French Water Dog
Other names: Barbet, Mud dog
The Barbet is a rare breed of dog that is centuries old. It is essentially a medium-sized French water dog that was bred initially to retrieve hunted game, but was later tasked with various other ‘helping’ duties on ships and at home. The recent rise of the breed’s household popularity is due in part to him becoming an accepted pedigree in 2018.
Key facts about the French Water Dog
Origins and history
The modern history of the Barbet is easier to follow. The first Barbet was introduced to the UK in 2001; six years later two unrelated Barbets were introduced and bred. The majority of Barbets in the UK are descendants of these later dogs. In April 2018, the Barbet became the 220th breed recognized by The Kennel Club of the UK.
FCI breed nomenclature
FCI Group
Group 8 - Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs
Section
Section 3 : Water Dogs
Physical characteristics of the French Water Dog
Adult size
Female : Between 21 and 24 in
Male : Between 23 and 26 in
Weight
Female : Between 44 and 66 lb
Male : Between 44 and 66 lb
Coat colour
This is a dog seen of various colours including fawn, black and white. Various mixes of fawn and red are also seen.
Type of coat
Long, curly and woolly; similar to that of a poodle.
Eye colour
Dark brown
Description
A stocky and angular dog slightly longer than it is tall. The neck is strong and solid leading to a well-defined, straight top line. The tail is carried just a little higher than level when the dog is active. All four limbs are muscular and solid.
Good to know
The ‘Grand Barbet’ of 1750 is thought to be the ancestor of various Water Dog breeds of today, including the Poodle and Portuguese Water Dog. The ancestor of the Grand Barbet may have been the Komondor (this is only speculated).