About

Breed information

 

Length range  : 74-91 cm

Height range  : 51-66cm

Weight range : 14-29kg

Coat : long|dense|curly|woolly|water-resistant|profuse|rustic

Life expectancy years : 12-14

Colors: black|brown|fawn|gray|white|black and white|pied.

Activitity Level : Moderate to High

Origin: France

Similar Breeds : Poodle|Portuguese Water Dog|Lagotto Romagnolo|Spanish Water Dog|Bichon Frise

 

History

The Barbet is an ancient French water dog described as early as the 14th to 16th century and used for hunting and retrieving waterfowl in marshes , wetlands and estuaries. The breed declined after the World Wars and later revival efforts preserved it. It is also cited as influential in the development of other water dog breeds including the Poodle.

 

 

characteristics

Temperament

friendly|bright|sweet-natured|companionable|joyful|goofy|obedient|intelligent|even-tempered|very sociable

Personality

friendly|joyful|obedient|intelligent|loving|sociable|playful|sweet-natured|sensitive

Needs

a lot of grooming|regular exercise|mental stimulation|weekly ear , teeth and nail care|companionship|water-safe activity|positive training

Social Needs

very attached to family|very sociable|good with children|generally reliable with other dogs when socialized|does not do well left alone for long periods

Grooming 

weekly brushing at minimum|regular dematting|occasional bathing|routine ear cleaning|periodic nail trimming|regular tooth brushing|coat may need trimming or rustic maintenance

Nutrition

balanced diet for age and activity|adult dogs may consume about 2 to 3 cups of quality dry food daily divided into two meals|monitor weight to avoid obesity|supports energy , coat and joint health

 

Breed Standard

archetypic French water dog|medium size and balanced proportions|slightly rectangular|substantial head|long dense curly coat|distinctive beard|webbed feet|tail carried slightly raised in action

Did you know?

The name Barbet comes from the French word barbe meaning beard. The breed is considered ancient , linked to French waterfowl work , and was officially recognized by the AKC in 2020.

HEALTHCARE

Most Common / iconic illnesses 

Hip Dysplasia, Ear Infections, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Idiopathic Epilepsy, Atopic Dermatitis

 

Symptoms

1. lameness or limping may occur
2. reluctance to rise or jump may appear
3. rear limb muscle loss and hip pain may develop

1. head shaking or scratching may occur
2. redness , foul or yeasty odor , discharge may appear
3. pain when ears are touched may develop

1. reluctance to go outside at night may occur
2. bumping into things in dim light may appear
3. dilated pupils , increased eye reflectivity or cataracts may develop

1. seizures may involve loss of consciousness , limb jerking , drooling or paddling
2. post-ictal confusion or temporary blindness may occur

1. pruritus may occur
2. alopecia , erythema , scaling , crusting or excoriations may appear
3. recurrent otitis externa , face rubbing , foot licking or secondary pyoderma may develop

Onset of symptoms

 

Hip Dysplasia

1. signs may begin as dogs grow and may appear in younger dogs before arthritis or later in mature dogs with arthritis

Probability Of Onset:

1. breed sources and orthopedic screening discussions indicate it is a significant hereditary concern in Barbets

Ear Infections

1. onset may begin in puppyhood and may recur lifelong especially after water exposure

Probability Of Onset:

1. breed sources indicate this is among the most common day-to-day issues because dense hair and hanging ears trap moisture

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

1. early-onset disease may appear around 8 to 12 weeks and late-onset disease may appear in adults 3 to 9 years old

Probability Of Onset:

1. inherited eye disease risk is recognized in breed health guidance and PetMD indicates many affected dogs may become blind within 1 to 2 years after signs begin

Idiopathic Epilepsy

1. first seizures typically may occur between 1 and 5 years of age

Probability Of Onset:

1. breed guidance notes epilepsy as a recognized hereditary concern and onset may vary by individual

Atopic Dermatitis

1. typical onset may be between 6 months and 3 years and signs may start mild before becoming clinically apparent

Probability Of Onset:

1. it is one of the most common skin diseases of dogs worldwide and may be heritable

Reasons

Hip Dysplasia       

1. the text indicates this is not a simple chemical deficiency and joint laxity may lead to cartilage wear and loss of support

 

Progressive Retinal Atrophy:

1. this is an inherited retinal disorder and not a chemical deficiency

 

Hip Dysplasia       

1. the text indicates this is not a simple chemical deficiency and joint laxity may lead to cartilage wear and loss of support

Progressive Retinal Atrophy:

1. this is an inherited retinal disorder and not a chemical deficiency

 

Ear Infections

1. this is not described as a deficiency and may relate to trapped moisture , wax and poor airflow in hairy hanging ears

Idiopathic Epilepsy

1. this is a neurologic disorder and not described as a nutritional deficiency

Atopic Dermatitis

  1. 1. the skin barrier may be impaired and lipid barrier support may be reduced with inflammatory mediator release

Normally Treament Methods

Hip Dysplasia:

  1. 1. diagnosis may require specially positioned x-rays and palpation under light sedation
    2. management may include maintaining minimal body weight , limited exercise , NSAIDs , physical therapy and selected surgery such as JPS , DPO-TPO , THR or FHO

 

Ear Infections:

  1. 1. regular inspection , cleaning , drying after swimming and hair management may help
    2. prescription ear medication may be needed after veterinary examination

 

Progressive Retinal Atrophy:

  1. 1. diagnosis may involve retinal examination , indirect ophthalmoscopy , ERG or genetic testing
    2. there is no successful treatment and adaptation support may be needed
    3. cataract-related pain or glaucoma may need eyedrops

 

Idiopathic Epilepsy:

  1. 1. diagnosis may require ruling out other causes with veterinary workup
    2. long-term medication and routine management might be needed

 

Atopic Dermatitis:

  1. 1. management may include ectoparasite control , treatment of secondary infections , topical shampoos , allergen-specific immunotherapy and anti-inflammatory therapy
    2. depot corticosteroids is not recommended. Ask professional vets for detailed information.

 

Supplements

Hip Dysplasia :

  • 1. fish oil omega-3 fatty acids can,might be helpful for anti-inflammatory joint support
    2. glucosamine can,might be helpful for joint support according to the external text
    3. chondroitin sulfate can,might be helpful for cartilage support according to the external text
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Ear Infections

  • 1. omega-3 fatty acids can,might be helpful if underlying inflammation or allergy contributes
recommend product

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

  • 1. antioxidant eye supplements with lutein , zeaxanthin , vitamin C or vitamin E can,might be helpful for overall eye support though they may not cure the disease
recommend product

Idiopathic Epilepsy

  • 1. omega-3 fatty acids can,might be helpful as adjunct support according to the external text
recommend product

Atopic Dermatitis

  • 1. long-chain omega essential fatty acids can,might be helpful for reducing inflammation and improving skin barrier support
    2. zinc can,might be helpful for epidermal barrier support
    3. nicotinamide can,might be helpful for epidermal lipid barrier support
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