Changes for Barbet in America

These are exciting times for American Barbet. There are more and more venues opening to the Barbet for competition. Recently the AKC added the breed to the Retriever Hunting Tests. In July, AKC will offer a new level of shows called Open shows, which, in comparison to traditional point shows, do not yet offer American AKC Championships, but will allow the Barbet to compete in conformation with AKC judges. Both of these events offer fantastic opportunities to get this breed out in front of a knowledgeable dog crowd.

I feel that the Barbet is currently one of the dog world's Best Kept Secrets. They are a medium sized, non-shedding, relatively healthy, sane, trainable, rare and fun breed. They are similar to the Portuguese Water Dog, but are less intense. They are similar to the Lagotto and Spanish Water Dog, but are said to be much more kind. Temperament is outstanding on the Barbet. They are anxious to hike, play ball, learn agility, or hang out around the house, as long as they are near someone who loves them. They get along great in a crowd or alone. Their sweet, goofy, somewhat cartoonish appearance always brings out a smile. In fact, the Barbet has all of the attributes that people seek in the Labradoodle, but in a pedigreed, registered, health-tested, time-honored package. Why buy a cross-bred mongrel when the Barbet exists?

We are looking forward to AKC conformation competition later this year.