Rare Breed Friday: Barbet

Every Friday from now on we’ll be showcasing a lovely rare dog breed. This week’s is the whimsical Barbet.

They’re described by their owners as sociable, joyful and intelligent. And while they look like the perfect cuddly dog, the Barbet Club of America warns that these loving pets take consistent training and lots of mental and physical exercise. And with that curly coat they need to be groomed very regularly or you’ll end up with a big knot of a dog.

Barbets are French in origin and were one of the first water dogs. They were first referenced in the fourteenth century and have been used over the centuries for hunting and as sailors dogs. Despite their historic popularity, the breed was nearly extinct by the end of World War II, but is being slowly reestablished.

If you’re tempted to knit a Barbet, I’d suggest some lovely boucle yarn in the standard colour (either black, brown or brown with white patches on the chest and/or paws). Use the Labrador pattern to knit your dog, because even though the Barbet and Poodle share a curly coat, the Poodle pattern is just too delicate and thin. If you want to make your Barbet extra shaggy, cover the body in loop stitches on every 4th row.

All pictures from Barbet Club of America website.