The Kennel Club Board has approved the decision to include the Barbet in the Spaniel sub-group, meaning the breed can compete in Any Variety Spaniel [Excluding Spaniel (Cocker)] field trials and gundog working tests.
This decision was taken following an assessment at the Packington Estate, near Coventry in September 2024, during which dogs from the breed proved their ability to use the wind to hunt and quarter naturally, retrieve dummies, and act responsively to commands given by voice or whistle.
The assessors were of the view that the most suitable sub-group was the Spaniel sub-group as neither the Hunt, Point, Retrieve (HPR) or Retriever groups were considered appropriate. The breed has been allocated to this subgroup for a three-year period after which the position will be reviewed.
The Barbet is a French retriever and water dog whose origins can be traced back to at least the 1700s. Intelligent and loyal, traditionally the Barbet was used to flush and retrieve waterfowl in the marshes and lakes of France, and it is thought that the breed was used in the development of other breeds like the Poodle and the Curly Coated Retriever.
The Kennel Club Board noted that in previous years two other import breeds - the Lagotto Romagnolo and the Spanish Water Dog - had been added to the Spaniel sub-group and it was agreed that the Barbet would be a competitive addition when entering Any Variety Spaniel except for Spaniel [Cocker] and Spaniel [English Springer] trials, also referred to as the ‘Minor Breeds Spaniel’ field trials.
The classification will take place with immediate effect and Barbets will be eligible to compete in working tests and field trials in the 2025/26 season.
Further information about the allocation of the Barbet can be obtained by emailing gundogs@thekennelclub.org.uk.