Never heard of a Barbet? That's no surprise, because this rare breed is still a hidden treasure. Dog lovers are only starting to discover all that's great about this calm, clever, and charming purebred. Barbets have it all-in a medium-sized, allergy-friendly package. A versatile and sturdy breed that once graced the palaces and marshes of France, the Barbet is considered the ancestor of the Poodle and Portuguese Water Dog. However, the Barbet's numbers dwindled to near-extinction before dedicated breeders staged its comeback. In Barbets: The Best Kept Secret of the Dog World, Pam Headon draws on her extensive breeding experience to shine a spotlight on this canine gem. A long-time fan of Portuguese Water Dogs, Headon calls the Barbet a "decaffeinated" version of the spirited Portie or a "non-shedding Golden Retriever. " Owners wholeheartedly agree that the Barbet is a wonderful companion dog. This primer covers all the essentials: finding a reputable breeder, required health checks, care, training and grooming. Headon also describes her journey, complete with an insider's look at the complicated world of dog breeding. Beautiful photos and warm testimonials will make you wonder how this amazing breed has remained a secret for so long. Pam Headon grew up among dogs and horses on an Ontario hobby farm. She began breeding Portuguese Water Dogs in 1998 and Barbets in 2006. Her conscientious, humane, and effective program has made her a leading breeder of Barbets in North America. Learn more at www. willowcreekwaterdogs. comSandy Rideout is the author/co-author of many books, a fairly recent convert to all things dog. Learn more at www. sandyrideout. com