So you’re looking to adopt an Barbet, or already have one?
According to the American Kennel Club, “The defining characteristic of this rustic, medium-sized bird dog is the dense curly coat that covers him from the top of his large, broad head to the tip of his curving tail. The coat comes in shades of black, gray, brown, or fawn, sometimes with white markings. The breed’s delightfully shaggy coat and amiable nature creates the impression of a Muppet come to life, but the Barbet is a strong, solidly-built dog bred for centuries to be a keen hunter and tireless swimmer. Barbets are very intelligent and learn new things quickly. They have a calm nature and are easy to live with as long as their exercise needs are being met. An archetypic water dog of France, the Barbet is a rustic breed of medium size and balanced proportions who appears in artwork as early as the 16th century. In profile, the Barbet is slightly rectangular with a substantial head and long, sweeping tail. He has a long, dense covering of curly hair and a distinctive beard. An agile athlete, the Barbet has been used primarily to locate, flush, and retrieve birds. He has a cheerful disposition and is very social and loyal.”
An Barbet typically ranges from 48.26cm to 62.230000000000004cm in height, and weighs from 15.875732950000002kg to 29.48350405kg.
There are a few pet insurance companies in New Zealand that offer dog insurance for Barbet breeds. Try Cove Insurance as they are currently offering a one-month free promotion. Typically Barbet insurance ranges from $30 per month to $65 – but of course this varies depending on a range of other factors such as gender.