Longevity
Life expectancy
With a balanced diet, daily activity and regular veterinary follow-up, this dog generally lives between 13 and 15 years. Its longevity depends in particular on its physical condition, its weight and the screening for hereditary disorders.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
The Barbet is a hardy and enduring dog. Its thick coat insulates it well from bad weather and its working-dog heritage gives it good physical abilities. This robustness does not exempt from a serious selection of breeding dogs nor from orthopedic and ear monitoring.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
Vigilance mainly concerns the joints, the kneecaps, and the ears. A responsible breeder must present the results of the recommended screenings for breeding dogs, while the owner must consult promptly in case of lameness, pain, or signs of otitis.
Hip dysplasia: Malformation of the coxofemoral joint that can cause pain, lameness and osteoarthritis; screening breeding dogs reduces the risk.
Patellar luxation: Intermittent or permanent displacement of the kneecap likely to cause an abnormal gait and varying discomfort.
Otitis: Long, hairy ears retain moisture, especially after swimming, which promotes inflammation and infections.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
Its woolly, thick coat protects the Barbet very well from cold, humidity and even cold water. It also tolerates heat fairly well, provided it has shade, fresh water and avoids exertion during the hottest hours. After swimming, the coat and ears must be carefully dried.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
Its high activity level generally limits weight gain, but the ration must remain adapted to its age, its weight and its actual energy expenditure. Treats should be included in the daily intake. Regular weighing and observation of the silhouette make it possible to quickly adjust the quantities.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Have the dog examined at least once a year by a veterinarian.
- Dry and check the ears after each swim.
- Brush the coat methodically at least once a week.
- Maintain regular activity without overloading the puppy's joints.
- Monitor any limping or locomotor discomfort.
Vaccination
Barbet vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Barbet need? Like all dogs, Barbets should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Barbet vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Barbet booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your Barbet need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing well
Adopting a healthy Barbet
Before any breeding, it is advisable to check the hips and patellas and to verify the family history. An annual clinical examination, monitoring of the ears, eyes, skin and dentition complete prevention. The veterinarian may propose additional examinations depending on the line and the signs observed.
This information is for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
