by JUDY MCMASTER DESCUTNER
The American Kennel Club has added 27 fully recognized breeds since 2010, including the 2015 addition of both the Spanish Water Dog and Lagotto Romagnolo. The Sporting group expands again in January 2020 with the addition of their French cousin, the Barbet, an agile marsh retriever with an affable and sunny disposition. Devoted, intelligent, responsive, and joyful, the Barbet is a medium sized, curly coated dog with a distinctive beard (barbé), a whimsical appearance, and an influential history. ... read more
What's that adorable, shaggy-haired dog walking down the street? No, it's not a designer Poodle mix -- it's a Barbet, a French sporting dog with a long history.
Truly "the original" water retriever, the Barbet has been around since the 14th century. This versatile gun dog worked alongside hunters to flush, point at, and retrieve birds... read more
by JOAN HARRIGAN
“Spring” curled pensively on a chair at Pier 92, surveying the curious onlookers. The 7-year-old Mudi is more accustomed to activity—flyball is her game, and she loves to run. ... read more
Canine Chronicle Magazine - December 2019
Barbet in the Press
by JUDY MCMASTER DESCUTNER
Devoted, intellegent, responsive and clownish, the Barbet is the newest addition to AKC's Miscellaneous class. An archetypic water dog of France, the Barbet is a rustic breed of medium size and balanced, moderate proportions. Defining characteristics are his profuse coat of long, dense, curly hair, distinctive beard and long, sweeping tail. Remarkably agile, the versatile Barbet has been used as a water retriever and excels at many performance events. As a companion, the cheerful Barbet is a delight ... read more
Pure Dog Talk Podcast - April 2020
by MELANIE GRAYCE WEST
When Teacleopatra Biscay's Sapphire—a fluffy, chocolate-colored pooch better known as Cleo—gave birth to 11 puppies this past Thanksgiving in Indiana, the U.S. population of the Barbet breed spiked by 15%.
Then, a few months ago in Pennsylvania, Champion Neigenuveaux's Ermagarde, or just plain old Claire, had a litter of two girls, a 2% jump that brought the total population to some 85 dogs... read more
by CHRISTI MCDONALD
The origins of the Barbet, or French Water Dog, are believed to trace back to ancient times, and according to the Barbet Club of Great Britain, “The generally accepted theory is that the Barbet is descended from corded herding dogs originating in North Africa, which were brought to Europe with the Moors as they occupied the Iberian Peninsula during the 7th and 8th centuries.”... read more