You may or may not know but I am a Indianapolis Wedding and Pet Photographer that lives with 4 beautiful Barbet in southern Indiana. I started American Barbet 3 years ago to help North Americans learn about this beautiful breed (in English). Through the years more websites and blogs have emerged about the Barbet. My focus has been mostly photos and some fun tidbits of information.
To photo-nerd-out I recently had developed photos I took of my Barbet with a Contax 645 on 120mm film. In the days of digital camera, iphone, etc I wanted to go back to the basics and learn the fundamentals of film. Just look below at the amazing quality of film.
My 10 month old Barbet, Isis took the BIG plunge! We took her out to a lake this past Saturday and although the water was a bit choppy, Isis still managed to jump 2 times after her frisbee. I can not wait to keep working on her (and Lia) on this as it is amazing to see the retrieving instincts taking over all logic. Her ability to leap off a dock to retrieve a frisbee made Walter and I leap, clap, whistle, and do a happy dance. We need to build her confidence in swimming hence the pink polka dot life vest. I do not doubt her strong ability to swim but I fear with all the waves (there were ALOT of boats on saturday) that I wanted to ensure her safety. Yes I’m a paranoid “mom.”
Yes yes I know they are water dogs but that still doesn’t mean I won’t worry about them. We got our girl Isis a pink life vest as we’ve been working on retrieving with her in the water. She does SO well and is so determined to get the water toy. Because of that, we felt she needs some help until she strengthens her understanding on swimming. Also we hope to get some boat time in soon so being in the open water with a dog, I’d recommend a life vest.
With temperatures topping 90 degrees the Barbet get tired pretty quickly outside. Lia, my partner in crime, is faithfully by my side indoors in between frisbees and walks. Barbet are commonly attached to their humans. When I leave a room, I usually have 4 barbet tails quickly trailing behind. Lia is no exception. If you are wanting a dog that is not by your side, the Barbet is not a dog for you.
Paula Ballak of Biscay Water Dogs in Ontario, Canada just added another CKC champion to her household!!! Fina, parents Bonnie x Anton, is a gorgeous black curly Barbet who is now a top dog under the handling of Amy Ballak. Congrats Biscay Water Dogs!!
It’s summer time so my Barbet are living it up. There is lots of frisbee, walks, bird watching, squirrel hating, and head-hanging-out-the-window car rides. Since I’m a wedding photographer, unfortunately my barbet blog gets sidled at times. I’ll try to take some video and photos and keep things somewhat updated.
The other night we had a wee little boxer puppy visit and Lia was a gracious host (so long as the pup didn’t try to take the frisbee). You can see some photos below.
“être crotté comme un Barbet”—to be very, very muddy… Is an old French saying very appropriate for Barbet. Most of my barbet love to shove their noses into a mud puddle or just wade around in muck. Below is a video of my Cleo getting a bath and the mud coming out. Vive le Barbet!!
Without going into the lengthy story of Boone the Barbet, he is finally rescued and will life the rest of his French Water Dog life with Judy in the greater Seattle area. Judy is a saint for having driven from Seattle to Arkansas to pick the fellow up. I’m always surplussed by the great lengths Barbet fanciers will go to in rescuing a Barbet. The small but strong Barbet community really works together to ensure no Barbet is left behind.
In my 6 years with this breed, there have been 5 Barbet rescues which is incredible if you think how few Barbet there are in America. Fortunately each odd rescue story has a happy ending.
Great news from Paula with Biscay Water Dogs in Ontario, Canada. Cinna di Barbochos Reiau de Prouvenco, aka Cinna, has been comfirmed as one of the TOP FIVE Barbet in Canada for 2009. A great honor for hi in the confirmation shows of Canada. Granted competition is around 130 Barbet in Canada but what a great honor none the less.
I must mention that Paula’s daughter, Amy Ballak did the handling and showing of Cinna. She’s a champ and makes the dogs look and act like pros. If any of you know Cinna, you’ll understand he is the most lovable guy but would much prefer to play, yet Amy is able to whip him into show dog shape. Amy you are the best!
Another huge thank you to Paula whom without her help Cinna would just be another American Barbet without huge ribbons and free dog food. The Ballak clan really goes above and beyond for the Barbet.
Yet another AMAZING Barbet birth in Europe! Those lucky Europeans not only get great vacation time but they have the most beautiful Barbet! This litter from Carola Lindroos-Souranmaa from Hapiberg’s Kennel www.hapibergs.com
Thara was mated with Caravaggio mid winter and in May voila 3 beautiful healthy Barbet were born. Each having magnificent color combination.
Thank you Carola for sending me the photos as I’m elated to be able to share this great news with the American Barbet community!
