Barbets are friendly, people‑oriented water retrievers that may stress if separated from their person at check‑in and can become highly aroused by water or retrieving cues (e.g., hoses, puddles, birds). Their dense, curly coat and floppy ears—especially when wet—can make touches around the ears, behind the front legs, and feet uncomfortable if mats or moisture are present, so a calm approach and minimal handling in those spots is helpful. Many are food‑motivated and respond well to quiet, reward‑based interactions. Note owner reports like “head shaking after swimming,” “sensitive during brushing,” or “gets anxious if I leave,” as these can shape handling preferences and context for symptoms.
Front desk script: “Barbets can be very attached to their person—would your dog be calmer if you stay during handoff? Are there areas (ears, feet, behind the legs) we should avoid touching today?” “Did your Barbet recently swim or get wet? We can seat you in a quieter area and use treats to help keep things low‑stress—please let us know what usually works best.”
Barbets are generally healthy medium-sized water dogs but have documented breed-linked risks for orthopedic issues (hip dysplasia; elbow dysplasia), inherited eye disease—especially the prcd form of progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)—plus a tendency to ear infections from their hairy, pendulous ears; allergies and epilepsy have also been reported in the breed. Parent club and registry guidance highlight hips, elbows, and ophthalmologist eye exams, and DNA testing for prcd-PRA as standard screening in breeding programs. Front-desk cues to note: stiffness/reluctance to jump, trouble seeing in dim light or bumping into objects, frequent head-shaking/ear odor, itchy skin, or any history of seizures. Escalate immediately if the dog is actively seizing, has a seizure lasting >5 minutes or multiple seizures in 24 hours, or if there is sudden vision loss.
Front desk script: This breed can be predisposed to hip/elbow dysplasia, certain inherited eye problems (like PRA), ear infections from their floppy, water-loving ears, and occasionally seizures and allergies. If you’re noticing stiffness, night-vision trouble, ear odor/head-shaking, skin itching, or any seizure history, we can schedule a prompt evaluation. If your Barbet is seizing now, has a seizure over 5 minutes or repeated seizures, or sudden vision loss, please seek emergency care immediately and we’ll coordinate records.
Barbets are medium, curly‑coated water dogs that are friendly and active; plan daily exercise and regular mental enrichment. Their hair grows continuously and mats without upkeep—expect frequent brushing and periodic professional grooming; they shed little but are not truly hypoallergenic. Common breed health screens focus on hips, elbows, and eyes (including PRA-prcd), and their floppy, hairy, often‑wet ears can predispose to ear problems—call us if you notice head‑shaking, redness, or odor. Seek emergency care now for non‑productive retching with a tight, bloated abdomen, collapse, or trouble breathing.
Front desk script: Barbets need daily activity and consistent grooming; their low shedding doesn’t mean low maintenance. Breeders and vets commonly screen hips, elbows, and eyes; we also watch ears after swimming. Please call if you see ear redness, odor, or head‑shaking so we can book you promptly. If you ever see attempted vomiting with nothing coming up and a firm, bloated belly—or any collapse or breathing trouble—go straight to the emergency hospital and call us on the way.
Barbets (French water dogs) often prompt calls for ear concerns after swimming or bathing (odor, head-shaking, debris), coat/grooming issues like matting or rapidly developing painful “hot spot” skin irritation under the dense curly coat, and activity-related limping or stiffness in this medium, athletic breed. Front desk should ask about recent water exposure or grooming, burrs/grass awns in the coat, ability to bear weight, and how quickly skin or ear signs appeared. Escalate if there is head tilt, loss of balance, severe ear pain, non–weight-bearing lameness, or a rapidly spreading, oozing skin patch—these should be seen today or directed to emergency care.
Front desk script: Thanks for calling about your Barbet—these dogs commonly need same-day checks for ear odor/shaking after swims and for sudden painful skin patches or matting under the curly coat. Has your dog recently been swimming or groomed, and can they put full weight on the leg if limping? If you’re seeing head tilt, loss of balance, a rapidly worsening wet skin area, or your dog won’t bear weight, this may be urgent—let’s arrange a same-day visit now or direct you to the nearest emergency clinic.
Barbets have a dense, curly, continuously growing, low‑shedding coat that mats easily and holds moisture—especially after swimming. Their long, hairy, pendulous ears also trap moisture, increasing risk for ear infections and moisture‑related skin issues. Set expectations for frequent at‑home brush‑outs and regular professional grooming with a groomer experienced in curly/Poodle‑type coats; at intake, note swimming history and coat condition, and escalate same‑day if owners report head shaking, ear odor/discharge, ear pain, or rapidly developing painful, moist skin lesions (do not advise home ear cleaning if these signs are present).
Front desk script: This breed’s curly coat grows continuously and needs frequent brushing plus regular professional grooming; we can share referrals to groomers experienced with curly/Poodle‑type coats. Because their floppy, hairy ears can trap moisture—especially after swimming—please let us know about any head shaking, ear odor/discharge, or a painful, wet skin patch so we can arrange a same‑day exam. We’ll also note your dog’s swimming/grooming routine in the chart to guide scheduling and referrals.
Barbets are medium-sized water retrievers with dense coats and pendulous, often hairy ears—intake should specifically ask about recent swimming/bathing, ear scratching/head shaking, discharge or odor, head tilt/balance changes, night-vision concerns (possible PRA), lameness/stiffness (hips/elbows), and any seizure history; route painful or discharge‑present ear cases to a same-day general practice visit, chronic/recurrent ear issues within 48–72 hours, routine wellness/screening (hips/eyes) to standard appointments, vision changes to the next-available GP with likely ophthalmology referral if progressive, and orthopedic concerns to GP with potential imaging; escalate immediately to emergency if the caller reports severe head tilt, loss of balance/nystagmus, sudden blindness, seizures >5 minutes or in clusters, inability to rise, uncontrolled pain, or major trauma; set expectations for likely rechecks (ear/skin), possible specialist referrals (ophthalmology), and a 24–48 hour follow-up call after acute visits.
Front desk script: Thanks for calling about your Barbet. Because this breed often swims and has heavy, hairy ears and some known screening needs (hips/eyes), I’ll ask a few quick questions about ear signs, recent water exposure, night vision, limping, or any seizure activity. If there’s ear pain, head shaking, or discharge, I can book a same-day visit; for vision or lameness concerns we’ll schedule the soonest GP exam and the doctor may recommend imaging or an eye specialist. If you notice a severe head tilt, balance problems, sudden blindness, or any seizure lasting over 5 minutes or back-to-back, please go to the nearest emergency hospital now.
Barbet lifecycle shifts visit cadence and owner questions: Puppies (to ~16–20 weeks) come in every 3–4 weeks to complete core vaccines, start year-round parasite prevention, microchip, and learn coat/ear handling for this drop‑eared, water‑loving breed; owners ask about house‑training, socialization, and spay/neuter timing. Young/mature adults (~1–7 years) return for wellness every 6–12 months with preventives maintained; discuss lifestyle‑based vaccines (e.g., leptospirosis for outdoor/water exposure; Bordetella/influenza for boarding/travel) and ear checks if swimming triggers head‑shaking or debris. Seniors (~7+ years) should be seen at least every 6 months with screening labs as advised; conversations focus on mobility/weight, dental comfort, and vision/hearing changes, with earlier follow‑ups for any decline. If labored breathing, collapse, repeated vomiting/diarrhea, seizures, pale or blue gums, or a rapidly swelling abdomen are reported, direct the owner to an emergency hospital immediately.
Front desk script: For a Barbet puppy, we’ll schedule vaccine boosters every 3–4 weeks until 16–20 weeks and set up parasite prevention plus a grooming/ear‑handling start. Adult Barbets are booked for wellness every 6–12 months; seniors (about 7+ years) are seen at least every 6 months with recommended screening. We’ll tailor lifestyle vaccines (e.g., boarding or water exposure) at each visit. If you notice trouble breathing, collapse, repeated vomiting/diarrhea, seizures, pale/blue gums, or a rapidly swelling belly, please go to the nearest ER now and call us on the way.
Barbets are water-loving, curly‑coated dogs; at intake or on calls, ask about recent swimming and any head shaking, ear odor/discharge, or ear pain—these ear-discomfort signs warrant a same‑day exam. Confirm grooming cadence to prevent painful matting and note any skin irritation under mats. Capture history or breeder screening for hips/elbows/eyes (PRA) and ask about mobility changes, night‑vision bumping, allergies, or any seizure history to flag for the clinician. If an owner reports active seizure, collapse, severe breathing trouble, or near‑drowning, direct them to a 24/7 emergency hospital immediately.
Front desk script: “Barbets often love water and have dense, curly coats. If you’re noticing head shaking, ear odor or discharge after swimming—or a painful, matted skin area—we recommend a same‑day appointment so a doctor can examine those areas. Do you have any breeder health records for hips, elbows, or eyes (PRA), or have you noticed changes in mobility or night vision? If your dog is having an active seizure, collapse, or trouble breathing right now, please go to the nearest emergency hospital immediately.”
Barbets (French water dogs) often swim and have pendulous ears—prioritize ear‑health check‑ins and book sooner if owners report head‑shaking, odor, or discharge. Ensure breed‑recommended screening is on the schedule: verify OFA/CHIC results from the breeder; arrange hip/elbow imaging per the veterinarian’s plan and a CAER ophthalmology exam yearly starting at 12 months to monitor for PRA. Note that seizures have been reported in the breed; any seizure—especially one lasting over 5 minutes or more than one in 24 hours—requires immediate emergency care.
Front desk script: Because Barbets love water and have floppy ears, we recommend an ear check, especially after heavy swimming or if you notice head‑shaking or odor. The parent club recommends hips, elbows, and yearly eye screening—do we have your dog’s OFA/CHIC results on file, or should we book those (first eye exam around/after 12 months)? If you ever see a seizure, or one lasts more than five minutes or there are multiple in 24 hours, please go straight to a 24/7 emergency hospital and call us after.
Friendly, people‑oriented French water dog with medium‑high energy; usually biddable and tolerant in clinic when approached calmly. Use low‑stress handling: quiet room, cheerful voice, slow approach, and allow extra time around ears. What matters most at intake: ear history (water exposure, head‑shaking, odor, discharge) as Barbets’ floppy, hairy ears and love of water can predispose to ear issues; coat status (matting can hide skin problems); activity/mobility notes. Breed club commonly tracks hip/elbow dysplasia and PRA—note if breeder testing paperwork is on file. Escalate immediately if an owner reports non‑productive retching with a tight, painful belly, excessive drooling, restlessness, or collapse (possible GDV emergency).
Front desk script: We’ll keep this visit low‑stress and go slowly, especially around the ears. Have you noticed any head‑shaking, ear odor/discharge, recent swimming, or matting we should flag for the doctor? Do you have breeder health testing info (hips/elbows/eyes) we can scan into the chart? If you ever see repeated retching without vomit and a tight, bloated belly, please go straight to the nearest emergency hospital and call us on the way.
Barbets are rare, water-loving French retrievers that are often mistaken for doodle mixes, so confirm identification with microchip and any registration or breeder paperwork. Expect a dense, curly, low‑shedding but high‑maintenance coat—note matting on intake and advise adopters that routine professional grooming is typical. Floppy, hairy ears and frequent swimming increase ear‑infection risk; front desk should flag reports of head shaking, ear odor, or discharge for prompt veterinary evaluation. For owner‑surrender or transfer cases, request any OFA/CHIC health records (hips, elbows, ophthalmology) and prcd‑PRA DNA results to share with adopters. Screen for homes that can provide daily activity and mental work, and recommend close supervision near ponds or pools during the initial adjustment period. Escalate immediately if an adopter reports seizure activity or severe balance problems with vomiting or head tilt.
Front desk script: Thanks for letting us know you’ve adopted a Barbet. They’re a water‑loving, curly‑coated breed that needs regular grooming and can be prone to ear issues—if you notice head shaking, odor, or discharge, we’ll arrange a same‑day visit. Do you have any health records such as OFA/CHIC results for hips, elbows, eyes, or a PRA DNA report we can scan into the file? If you see a seizure or severe balance problems, please proceed to the nearest emergency hospital now and let us know en route.
Typically friendly, affectionate, gentle, and intelligent, Barbets tend to accept new people and settings when greeted calmly; many are social with other dogs/children and may offer brief alert-barks before settling. For check-in and waiting room flow, use upbeat, low-pressure handling and high-value treats; keep waits short or provide a quiet corner or chew/snuffle mat to prevent boredom vocalizing. For handoff, they’re people-oriented—use a smooth, confident transition with praise, and let them see the plan; positive-reinforcement cues work best. Avoid sudden head/ear touches until comfortable and use non-slip footing to reduce wiggles. ([petmd.com](https://www.petmd.com/dog/breeds/barbet))
Front desk script: Hi! Barbets are usually friendly and people-focused—we’ll keep things calm and offer a few treats. If you prefer extra space from other dogs, we can seat you in a quieter spot. When we head to the treatment area, we’ll do a smooth handoff—feel free to share any favorite cues or treats that help your dog feel secure.
For Barbet owners, treat the following as immediate escalation triggers: labored or noisy breathing, blue/white gums, collapse or extreme weakness; seizures lasting >5 minutes or occurring in clusters; a tight, distended, painful abdomen with repeated unproductive retching (suspected bloat/GDV); repeated vomiting or diarrhea (especially with blood); straining to urinate or no urine; sudden eye injury, severe eye pain, or vision loss; signs of heat stress such as heavy panting/drooling, confusion, or collapse; and any known or suspected toxin exposure. Because Barbets are water‑loving, a painful ear with head tilt or balance changes after swimming warrants same‑day evaluation. If any life‑threatening sign is present, direct the client to an emergency hospital immediately and advise poison-control contact when ingestion is suspected. ([merckvetmanual.com](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/multimedia/table/when-to-see-a-veterinarian?utm_source=openai))
Front desk script: Based on what you’re describing, this needs urgent veterinary evaluation. If there is breathing trouble, blue or white gums, collapse, seizures, a distended belly with dry heaving, or inability to urinate, please proceed to the nearest emergency veterinary hospital now. If a toxin may be involved, call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at 888-426-4435 while en route. Painful ear with head tilt or balance issues after swimming should be scheduled for a same‑day exam or urgent care.