Group 8 · Retrievers & spaniels
Barbet
The Barbet is an old French water dog with a thick, woolly, curly coat and a beard, and an ancestor of the Poodle, among other breeds. It is cheerful, sociable and keen to learn, and loves water.
Health
These examinations come from the official breeding programme for the breed Barbet by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen (Animal Welfare Flanders). They apply to the puppies’ parents.
In short
Both parents must have 5 examinations:
- 3 DNA tests
- 2 X-ray examinations
The breeding programme also recommends 1 further examination.
A sample for DNA tests can be taken either with a mouth swab or by a blood sample. To carry out the examinations, the breeder uses a vet or a laboratory. For each examination below, you can see from what age and how often it must be done. Ask the breeder for the results of both parent dogs.
Mandatory examinations (5)
-
Progressive retinal atrophy – cone-rod dystrophy 4 (cord1-PRA/crd4)
DNA test once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- RPGRIP1: c.142_143ins[A[29]; GGAAGCAACAGGATG
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Elbow dysplasia
X-ray once at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- X-ray (CT may be recommended, but is not mandatory)
-
Hip dysplasia
X-ray once at least 1 year (laxity views: at least 6 months)
Official description
- Method
- X-ray: VD view and laxity view (Vezzoni or PennHIP)
-
Progressive retinal atrophy – progressive rod-cone degeneration (Prcd-PRA)
DNA test once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- PRCD: c.5G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Von Willebrand disease type 1 (VWF1)
DNA test once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- VWF: c.7437G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
Recommended examinations (1)
-
Patellar luxation
Kneecap examination once at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- palpation of the kneecap
The breeding programme also contains the breeding advice for each examination and general rules on inbreeding, the number of matings per stud dog and the use of frozen semen. You can find these in the official document.
Source: breeding programme Barbet, Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, last updated on 12/05/2025.
View the official breeding programme (PDF, in Dutch)
A breeding programme reduces the risk of hereditary conditions, but does not offer a 100% health guarantee.
Translation of the Dutch breeding programme by Puppymakelaar. In case of any difference, the official document prevails.
This breed profile is not a breed sheet within the meaning of the Flemish Breeding Decree (Fokkerijbesluit). The legal rules for breeding this breed are set out in the official breeding programme.
Considerations when buying
According to the breeding programme approved by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, these examinations must be carried out on both parent dogs: Progressive retinal atrophy – cone-rod dystrophy 4 (cord1-PRA/crd4), Elbow dysplasia, Hip dysplasia, Progressive retinal atrophy – progressive rod-cone degeneration (Prcd-PRA) and Von Willebrand disease type 1 (VWF1). The breeding programme also lists these recommended examinations: Patellar luxation. A puppy with a Flemish pedigree comes from parent dogs bred according to this breeding programme. Ask for the results of both parent dogs and compare them with the overview above. A Barbet needs daily exercise and loves swimming. Its woolly, curly coat needs regular brushing right down to the skin and clipping every few months.
Questions for the breeder
- Have both parent dogs undergone all the mandatory examinations in the breeding programme, and may I see the results?
- What are the results of both parent dogs for Elbow dysplasia and Hip dysplasia?
- Will the puppy receive a Flemish pedigree from a recognised breed registry association?
- How are the puppies socialised before they go to their new home?
Breed-specific challenges
The Barbet is friendly and very family-oriented, and does not like being left alone for long. It enjoys learning with rewards and needs enough to do for its nose and mind.
More background
General guides that help you understand this breed information and choose well.
