Breed history
The name Barbet comes from “barbu” and designates a water dog. Its origin is difficult to trace. Some believe that it is first seen in North Africa. Others think that the Barbet appears for the first time in Central Europe. Therefore, it is a European dog, which may also have originated in the Middle East.
In 711, the Barbet arrived on the Iberian Peninsula following the crossing of the Strait of Gibraltar by the Arabs. He continued his ascent and crossed the Pyrenees to settle in Languedoc and Aquitaine. The Barbet then heads further east, towards Bresse and the Alps, where his qualities as a water dog are appreciated.
Much more recently, the breeder Vincenti exploded the popularity of the Barbet between the 2 World Wars. Then, like many breeds, it was close to extinction during the Second World War. He is kept alive thanks to the daughter of Doctor Vincenti, who continues to breed the breed. It was recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale in 1954.
Nowadays, the Barbet is a reasonably rare dog.
