I am the original water dog of Europe and have been known there since the Middle Ages. They gave me a name that means “bearded,” and used me to create many other breeds. I am faithful, friendly, and intelligent, so it’s surprising that more people don’t own my kind. Who am I?
Henry the IV was hunting me during his rule of France in the 16th century, though back then I was known as the Griffon d’Arret a Poil Laineux. Today, they call me a Barbet, and I remain somewhat rare even though many cynologists believe that my breed is the principle ancestor of the Poodle, Irish Water Spaniel, Newfoundland, Briard and Bichon.
Before the advent of guns, it was my job as a tireless swimmer to retrieve arrows that had fallen into water or swampy land that couldn’t be reached by my people.
Currently, I’m listed as an FSS breed with the AKC (this is the Foundation Stock Service®, an optional record-keeping service for breeds not currently registrable with the AKC) but a lot of people predict increased popularity for my breed when more people discover me. I am a Barbet. Did you know me?
Image courtesy of the #AKC