Barbet (French water dog): external characteristics, character, education

Barbet - the dog is quite rare, and on the streets of our cities is infrequent. Among the cynologists, this girlfriend's hunting dog is famous not only for its outstanding abilities, but also for the fact that many hunting breeds originated from it: griffon kortalsa, drachhaar and others, as well as poodles, lap-dogs and bichon frize.

History of the breed

Barbet - a dog, known as a girlfriend assistant hunter from the fourteenth century. The ancestors of the modern animal were furred water dogs. The word "barbet" is translated from French as a "beard". From this one can easily guess that our today's heroine has a pretty beard.

Until now, researchers of the history of the breed can not come to an unambiguous conclusion about how the first barbets appeared on the territory of France. Some believe that they were brought by the Moorish conquerors. Others are sure that Portuguese seafarers brought the animals.

The dog breed was very popular until the end of the 19th century. Later, interest in these animals began to fade, and the number of representatives of the breed decreased markedly. However, in the seventies of the last century the breed survived its second birth. Nevertheless, today, these pretty animals can rarely be found even on the streets of France or at a dog show.

Description of the breed barbet

The dog, whose photo you can see in the article, is characterized as an off-season swimmer. Its large, rounded paws facilitate easy and rapid movement in the water.

Such an unusual four-legged friend differs from many of his brethren with a long felt-like coat, which needs daily careful care. Otherwise, it will fall down, stray into coils, curl up in laces.

Males of this breed grow up to 65 cm at the withers, and bitches - up to 61 cm. The standard allows a deviation of 1 cm in both directions. Weigh males up to 28 kg, bitches - not more than 17 kg.

Wool

Today, barbet is a dog, often an excellent companion. At the same time, experienced hunters tend to acquire a puppy of this breed, from which one can grow an excellent helper.

The color of these animals is varied. So, the barbets participating in the exhibitions show black, white, chocolate, dark gray with spots, light-pale, with dark spots, luxurious fur coats.

Character

Barbet is a passionate and determined hunter, no matter how hard the owners try to turn her into a pet. Breeding this breed for hunting waterfowl, however, if desired or necessary, after going through a special training course, this dog will become an excellent helper in land hunting.

Barbet - the dog is hardy and resistant to difficult weather conditions, and its wool allows it to hunt even in icy water. But the heat of these animals suffer much worse than the cold.

In a domestic setting, the barbet manifests itself as a calm and affectionate creature. He is friendly not only towards family members, but also to guests coming to the house. But in addition, the Barbet - the dog is surprisingly playful and agile, so it can become a true friend and a cheerful companion for children. And yet, she singles out one person in the house. And for his master will follow everywhere and unquestioningly carry out all his commands.

Food

The basis of the diet barbet should be meat (lamb, beef). In addition, the daily animal should receive vegetables and grains, a little bone meal and about eight grams of salt. In the absence of meat barbequed, you can offer dairy dishes. If you decide to feed your pet with dry food, then take care of free access to fresh water. Some owners soak food in milk or broth.

Parenting and training of a dog

It is important to know that this is a non-aggressive dog. However, because of its overly sociable nature, the upbringing, socialization and training of the puppy must be dealt with from an early age. The irrepressible energy of the companion barbet must be compensated for by constant physical loads that will support the animal in its tonus.

These dogs are smart and smart: instantly understand what the host wants from them. But often, especially at a very young age, they "flirt", confusing training with the game, because of what they need a strong hand. The owner should show firmness in education of the favorite, without forgetting thus to encourage it for good behavior. Feeling the benevolent mood of the owner, the barbet can achieve great heights in canine sport.

Barbet, according to the owners, a wonderful dog. With the proper upbringing of a puppy grows a wonderful companion - a devotee, affectionate and thinking.