That would qualify Barbets (pronounced BAR-bay) for the club's "miscellaneous" category and allow it into competitions.

WSJ: Breeders of Rare Woolly Pooch

There are now 88 Barbets sprinkled across the U.S., from Brooklyn to Anchorage, Alaska, according to Ms. Able's rough count.

WSJ: Breeders of Rare Woolly Pooch

Many American Barbets are too closely related to mate.

WSJ: Breeders of Rare Woolly Pooch

Two decades ago, there were maybe a dozen woolly, teddy-bear like Barbets in the U.S. The breed is better known in Europe, especially France, but isn't an especially common dog even there.

WSJ: Breeders of Rare Woolly Pooch