French Water Dog (Barbet)
Barbet
.jpg){kind=link}
Key facts
| FCI group | 8. Retrievers, flushing dogs and water dogs |
|---|---|
| Country of origin | France |
| Category | Large |
| Height at withers | 53–65 cm |
Recognition features
- Long, woolly, curly coat covering the whole body, can form strands
- Beard on the chin that gave the breed its name
- Low-set tail with a slight hook at the tip
Purpose
A water dog for hunting wildfowl; more than a retriever, it must search for, locate and flush game hiding in water vegetation, then retrieve the shot bird. Very resistant to cold, it goes to water in all weathers.
History
A very ancient breed common throughout France, used for hunting waterfowl and described or mentioned in several works as early as the 16th century.
Coat
Long, woolly and curly, can form strands; in its natural state it covers the whole body, an essential characteristic of the breed. May be groomed in a specific manner. Colour solid black, grey, brown, fawn, pale fawn, white or more or less pied.
Similar breeds
- Poodle · Compare
- Portuguese Water Dog · Compare
- Spanish Water Dog · Compare
- Irish Water Spaniel · Compare
- Romagna Water Dog · Compare
Learn to recognise this breed and many more
In the Dogtice quiz you practise breeds on photos and see the differences between look-alike breeds.
The information is indicative. Texts are based on available sources and may contain inaccuracies; for binding details (e.g. for breeding or shows) use the official breed standard. Report a photo or rights.