This is a common question that many people have when looking at dog breeds. The Barbet and the Coppersmith Barbet are actually two separate breeds, though they share some similarities. In this article, we will take a close look at the history, characteristics, and differences between the Barbet and Coppersmith Barbet to help clarify whether they are the same breed or not.
Brief History of the Barbet and Coppersmith Barbet
The Barbet is an ancient French water dog breed that was used for hunting waterfowl. They have been around for centuries and originated in France, with mentions of the Barbet dating back to the 16th century. The breed was kept pure and did not mix much with other dogs over the years. Barbets were eventually exported to other parts of Europe and North America.
The Coppersmith Barbet originated more recently and comes from Hungary. The breed was developed in the 1970s by crossing the Hungarian Puli with various Spanish water dogs and other European breeds. The goal was to create a skilled hunting retriever that could work well in cold water. The Coppersmith Barbet earned its name from the coat color, which resembles the copper fur of the Puli breed used in its development.
Appearance and Size
Both the Barbet and the Coppersmith Barbet have thick, curly coats. However, there are some differences in appearance.
The Barbet generally has a solid black, gray, brown, fawn, or white coat. Their hair is dense and curly but is more loosely curled than a Poodle’s coat. Barbets grow a thick beard and mustache around their face.
The Coppersmith Barbet has a distinctive rust or copper-colored coat with some lighter and darker shades. Their curly coat is also denser and tighter than that of the Barbet. Coppersmith Barbets have facial hair but it is not as prominent as the beard and mustache of the Barbet.
In terms of size, the Barbet ranges from 19-24 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs 35-60 pounds. The Coppersmith Barbet is slightly smaller at 17-20 inches tall and 25-40 pounds in weight.
Temperament
Both breeds make loyal and intelligent companions. However, there are some notable differences in personality that set the breeds apart.
The Barbet has a happy-go-lucky attitude and gets along well with everyone. They are highly sociable and affectionate dogs that thrive when around people. Barbets are usually lively, playful, and eager to please their owners.
The Coppersmith Barbet is more independent and serious than the Barbet. They are devoted to their family but aloof towards strangers. Coppersmith Barbets are intelligent and make great hunting dogs due to their intense focus and determination. However, this means they need plenty of mental stimulation and tasks to be happy.
Grooming and Care
The thick, curly coats of both breeds require regular brushing and grooming. This helps prevent matting and keeps their skin and coat healthy. Professional trimming may be needed every few months as well.
Daily brushing is ideal for both the Barbet and Coppersmith Barbet. Their cords and curls need to be separated and brushed through. Occasional baths can help keep their coat clean. Both breeds shed minimally but are not considered hypoallergenic.
Beyond coat care, the Barbet and Coppersmith Barbet don’t have extensive grooming needs. Their facial hair around the eyes should be trimmed for visibility. Teeth brushing, nail trimming, and ear cleaning are part of their routine maintenance.
The Barbet’s exercise needs are lower than the Coppersmith Barbet’s requirements. Barbets need 30-60 minutes of daily activity while Coppersmith Barbets thrive with roughly 90 minutes or more per day. Both are intelligent breeds that need mental stimulation and training in addition to physical exercise.
Training
The Barbet and Coppersmith Barbet are both highly intelligent breeds. However, there are some differences when it comes to trainability.
Barbets are usually eager to please and responds well to positive reinforcement training methods like praise, treats, and play. Their affectionate nature makes them very obedient as they want to make their owners happy. Barbets pick up on commands quickly.
Coppersmith Barbets can be a little more stubborn and independent. While intelligent, they like to do things their own way which can hinder training. Patience and consistency are key when training this breed. Establishing yourself firmly as the pack leader is important with the Coppersmith Barbet.
Both breeds should be socialized from an early age to prevent shyness or aggression issues. Proper training and socialization creates well-adjusted, obedient dogs.
Health and Lifespan
For the most part, Barbet and Coppersmith Barbets are healthy breeds without many major health conditions. Buying from a reputable breeder who tests breeding dogs can help minimize the risk of inherited diseases.
Some common health issues that can occur in both breeds include:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia – incorrect joint formation that leads to arthritis
- Eye issues such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy
- Hypothyroidism – underactive thyroid gland
- Addison’s disease – adrenal gland dysfunction
The Barbet has an expected life expectancy of 13-15 years. For the Coppersmith Barbet, average lifespan ranges from 12-14 years.
Use as Hunting Dogs
Both the Barbet and Coppersmith Barbet have hunting dog backgrounds, though the Coppersmith was more recently and selectively bred for hunting ability.
The Barbet originated as a waterfowl retrieving dog. They have excellent swimming skills and a thick coat to keep them warm in frigid water. Today, many Barbets maintain strong retrieving instincts and enjoy activities like hunting trials and dog sports.
The Coppersmith Barbet was created specifically for waterfowl hunting and is regarded as a skilled, versatile hunting retriever. Their weather-resistant coat allows them to withstand harsh conditions while hunting. Coppersmith Barbets also make excellent retrieval dogs in field and water.
While both breeds have natural hunting abilities, the Coppersmith Barbet is more driven and specialized as a modern hunting dog.
Popularity
The Barbet is the older of the two breeds but the Coppersmith Barbet has surpassed it in recent popularity.
The Barbet remains fairly rare outside of France and Europe. However, its popularity has grown slightly in the last decade as more people discover this historic French breed. Barbets are classified in the AKC Foundation Stock Service but are not yet officially recognized by the American Kennel Club.
Meanwhile, the Coppersmith Barbet has seen a sharp rise in popularity in the last 10-15 years. The breed is now recognized by various major kennel clubs and has become a relatively common hunting and retriever dog.
While still not a mainstream breed, the Coppersmith Barbet has achieved greater popularity and breed recognition compared to the Barbet.
Conclusion
In summary, the Barbet and Coppersmith Barbet are two distinct dog breeds despite some similarities in appearance and background. The Barbet is an older French water dog used for hunting and companionship. The Coppersmith Barbet originated more recently in Hungary by selectively crossing various retriever type breeds to create an excellent hunting dog suited for waterfowl.
While both breeds have thick curly coats, the Coppersmith Barbet is smaller with a distinctive copper coat color. In terms of temperament, the Barbet makes a more easy-going companion while the Coppersmith has more intense focus and independence. The Coppersmith is also more driven as a hunting retriever compared to the Barbet.
The Barbet remains quite rare outside of Europe while the Coppersmith has achieved greater recognition worldwide in recent years. Overall, the breeds share common ancestry but have diverged over time and the Coppersmith Barbet has been selectively developed into its own distinct breed.