The Barbet: Kennel Club’s newest recognised dog breed guide

The Kennel Club in the UK is the umbrella organisation overseeing the registration, record keeping, and improvement of all recognised dog breeds. Achieving recognition for a new or foreign breed through the Kennel Club is a thorough, multi-step process ensuring breed standards and welfare are upheld.

The latest breed to join the Kennel Club’s prestigious registry is the Barbet, a charming French water dog known for its curly coat and friendly nature.

More about the Barbet dog breed

The Barbet is a medium-sized breed that hails from France. Historically, it belongs to the water dogs category, specialising in retrieving and flushing in aquatic environments. The breed’s name derives from the French word for "beard," reflecting their distinctive thick, curly facial hair.

While officially recognised by the Kennel Club in the UK since 2018, the Barbet remains a rare breed here, with fewer than 70 registered dogs in the country as of the latest counts. Globally, it has a small gene pool, highlighting the importance of responsible breeding to preserve genetic health and maintain population diversity.

Barbets in the UK mainly descend from the first imports in 2001 and 2007. UK breeders collaborate internationally, including with partners in the USA, Poland, Holland, and Canada, to support gene diversity and breed improvement.

What does a Barbet dog look like?

These medium-sized dogs typically stand around 61cm tall for females and up to 65cm for males, weighing between 17 and 28kg. Barbets sport a thick, curly coat which can grow quite long and requires regular grooming to avoid mats and tangles.

The coat colours accepted in the breed standard include black, brown, grey, white, red, and fawn, as well as a patchy two-colour combination provided one colour is white. Their curly fur serves an important functional role by trapping air for insulation, helping the Barbet stay warm and buoyant in cold water during swimming.

The Barbet dog personality

Barbets are known for their cheerful, intelligent, and friendly temperament. Their open expression matches their lively and affectionate nature. They thrive on physical activity and particularly enjoy swimming, retrieving, and exploring outdoors.

As family pets, they are highly social and do not do well if left alone for extended periods. Their eagerness to please and sharp learning ability make training a positive experience with consistent guidance. Beyond companionship, they excel in canine sports and gundog trials thanks to their agility and work ethic.

Is the Barbet a healthy dog breed?

Barbets share hereditary predispositions common to pedigree dogs, such as hip dysplasia, epilepsy, entropion (eyelid disorder), ear infections, and hernias. Due to a small gene pool, these conditions can be more prevalent, making it crucial to choose reputable breeders who prioritise health testing and careful mating plans.

The Kennel Club’s ongoing recognition and record-keeping efforts enhance the tracking of health trends to encourage breed improvement over time. Prospective owners should ensure a thorough understanding of any puppy’s health background and demand transparency from breeders before purchase.

How to find a Barbet puppy in the UK

If you are interested in bringing a Barbet into your family, it’s important to seek out reputable breeders who uphold ethical breeding standards. Responsible breeders will provide health screening results, pedigree documentation, and detailed care advice.

Given their rarity, Barbets may sometimes be found through breed clubs or speciality dog events rather than general advertisements. It’s advisable to become involved in the Barbet community, such as breed clubs or online forums, to gain insight and find trusted breeders.

Remember, adopting or buying a dog is a long-term commitment requiring preparation and education to safeguard the welfare of the animal and maximise the joy of shared companionship.

Conclusion

The Barbet is a unique and historic breed with a distinct personality, appearance, and working heritage. Though still rare in the UK, the Kennel Club’s recognition of the breed fosters responsible breeding and greater awareness. For anyone considering a Barbet, a full understanding of their characteristics, needs, and health considerations is essential to provide a happy and healthy home.