St. John's Water Dog Dog Breed Information, Images, Characteristics, Health

History - St. John's Water Dog for Sale

The breed known as the St. John’s water dog is an extinct landrace breed. They were domestic dogs found in Newfoundland and at times were called the lesser Newfoundland. There is not much information available about the other breeds that went into its development. Hypothetically it is believed they are a mix of the Irish, Old English and Portuguese dogs bred to work.

It is also thought that other breeds in their family tree, descending from them, include the Golden Retriever, the Flat-Coated Retriever, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, the Labrador and the Curly-Coated Retriever. The Newfoundland is also related to the St. Johns Water Dog through the line of Rafeirio do Alenteios that Portuguese fisherman brought to the island.

The breed was exported to England in the 19th century and early 20th. There the breeds of retrievers were developed. In Canada during this time frame restrictions were placed on dog ownership in order to encourage people to raise sheep. At the same time England imposed a long quarantine on all animals coming into the country in order to get rid of rabies. These two factors contributed greatly to the extinction of the breed. It seems the last two dogs were seen in a remote area in the 1980’s. All attempts to save the breed failed.

Description - St. John's Water Dog for Sale

St. John’s Water Dog is strong, medium sized and stocky. They looked more like English Labs than American Labs. They had a thick, short coat, loved swimming, had a lot of endurance and rudder tail. It was also described as a thin, black dog with short hair. They had white patches on their chest and feet. His nose was thin and tapered, his legs powerful, his chest muscular. The breed is quick, swims, runs quickly and is a fighter as well.

Never accepted by any major kennel club except as a foundation breed. They became extinct.

Characteristics - St. John's Water Dog for Sale

Characteristics

1.Children friendliness - yes they are good with children.

2.Special talents swimming is their best talent

3.Adaptability large need fence, they are not large dogs but they need outdoor space

4.Learning ability – very smart and eager to learn

Health Problems - St. John's Water Dog for Sale

There is no documented history of any genetic or hereditary illnesses in the breed. However, it seems rational to believe they suffered from ailments similar to Labradors and newfoundland though they are smaller dogs.

No history like Labs and Newfoundlands .

Hip and elbow dysplasia – can cause lameness and arthritis.
PRA – progressive retinal atrophy – can cause blindness.
Cancer – in their later years.
Infectious diseases – not as serious as prior to vaccinations.
Myopathy hereditary – affects the muscles.
Ear infections.

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Caring The Pet - St. John's Water Dog for Sale

1Feeding the puppy – Don’t overfeed – they have a propensity toward obesity. Feed high quality, high protein 3 x a day.

2.Feeding the adult – Don’t overfeed. Feed a high quality, high protein 1-2 x a day.

3.Points for Good Health - stamina

4. Games and Exercises – They need space to run and they love to explore. They would also love to be near water where they could swim. Good at dock diving, field trials, flyball and frisbee.

Basic Information - St. John's Water Dog for Sale

Group:

Working dog

Origin:

Canada

Height Male:

48 - 53 cm18 - 21 inches

Height Female:

47 - 52 cm18 - 21 inches

Weight Male:

25 - 41 kg55 - 91 pounds

Weight Female:

16 - 35 kg35 - 78 pounds

Life Span:

10 - 12 Years

Litter Size:

4 - 6

Size:

Large dog

Other Names:

St. Johns Dog, Lesser Newfoundland, St. John’s Newfoundland

Colors Available:

black

Coat:

short, thick coats

Shedding:

Seasonal

Temperament:

Intelligent, Loving, Responsive

Grooming:

Low maintenance

Trainability:

Moderate

Hypoallergenic:

Kids Friendly:

Yes

New Owners Friendly:

Yes