St. John's Water Dog vs Dorkie - Breed Comparison

St. John's Water Dog vs Dorkie - Breed ComparisonSt. John's Water Dog is originated from Canada but Dorkie is originated from United States. St. John's Water Dog may grow 30 cm / 12 inches higher than Dorkie. St. John's Water Dog may weigh 35 kg / 78 pounds more than Dorkie. Both St. John's Water Dog and Dorkie has almost same life span. Both St. John's Water Dog and Dorkie has almost same litter size. Both St. John's Water Dog and Dorkie requires Low maintenance.

History

st john s water dog - historyThe 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.

dorkie - historyDorkie Terriers originate from the United States of America. The small Dorkie, a cross between the Dachshund and the Yorkshire Terrier has a short history, unlike the two dog breeds that were bred to bring him about.

These dog breeds were both used for hunting small animals but the Dorkie today is essentially a companion dog. The International Designer Canine Association started recording registration of the Dorkie from 2009.

Description

st john s water dog puppy - descriptionSt. 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.

dorkie puppy - descriptionThe Dorkie is a small hybrid breed standing at 13 – 23cm in height and weighing 2 – 6kg. The Dorkie mostly comes with long, straight hair but there are however Dorkies who have the short hair of the Dachshund.

The Dorkie is hypoallergenic, making them the ideal pet for allergy sufferers. They have floppy ears, a long body and short legs. The tail is long and furry. Most times they come in the Yorkshire Terrier colors of black and tan, but this can also vary.

Temperament:

The Dorkie is a loving, loyal, happy little dog who makes an excellent family dog. Although he isn’t looked upon as your typical lap dog, it is what he is really, as he loves nothing more than to be curling up on your lap or as close to you as he can get.

He loves spending time with his human family and is a social, extrovert kind of dog. Because he is also alert, he will do a good job of alerting his family to danger. He is good with children, but because of his smallness, rough children will need to be careful in rough and tumble games as he could get injured.

Even with a small dog like this, he will need training and socialization otherwise he can become a yapper, which comes from the Dachshund side. Training makes him obedient and relaxed around visitors in the home, and because he is an intelligent breed, he is easy to train and is a great dog for first time dog owners.

Characteristics

Characteristics

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

2.Special talents swimming is their best talent

st john s water dog dog - characteristics3.Adaptability large need fence, they are not large dogs but they need outdoor space

4.Learning ability – very smart and eager to learn

dorkie dog - characteristicsDorkies are easy going little dogs and adapt easily to life in the city or in the country.

Ideally they are inside dogs, feeling happy and content around their human family. They love adults and children and will get on well with other pets in the home too.

They are quite active little dogs and will thrive on games inside the home or outside in the garden. He may be small, but you can put him on a leash and take him for walks.

They make excellent pets and are only too happy to become a devoted and loyal family member of yours.

Health Problems

st john s water dog puppies - health problemsThere 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.

-

dorkie puppies - health problemsThe Dorkie, being a cross-breed, is a healthy dog and with good care can live t be 10 – 13 years of age. Nonetheless he is still prone to genetic problems and he can inherit traits from both parents.

Diet and Obesity:

A healthy diet will be needed to maintain the Dorkie’s health. You don’t want to overfeed your Dorkie, more so because he is a small dog.

The way you feed a dog can have a massive impact on his health and longevity. Just remember that a dog that is obese will battle to exercise, but also obesity can result in serious health problems, putting strain on the bones and joints too.

You don’t want to feed your dog day after day with kibble, and adding in some cooked rice, vegetables and chicken can just give him a more varied diet. Raw meat can also be included from time to time. Always ensure that there is fresh, cool water available to him.

Skin Allergies:

The most common symptoms of an allergy is skin irritation – your pet will be constantly scratching and licking. Some skin conditions with your Dorkie can be cleared up quickly while some might be so severe as to require lifelong treatment.

Caring The Pet

st john s water dog dogs - caring1Feeding 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.

Diet:

dorkie dogs - caringWhat you feed your pet can play an important role in managing health and skin conditions. Speak to your vet about special quality dog foods that can help reduce skin conditions and other nasty reactions to common, unhealthy food ingredients.

Grooming:

Dorkies are very low maintenance dogs, and they will require a brushing every 2 weeks. Those with longer coats may require some professional grooming. Check their teeth regularly and brush them 2 or 3 times a week. The occasional nail clipping may also be required.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Toy dog
Origin:
Canada
United States
Height Male:
48 - 53 cm
18 - 21 inches
13 - 23 cm
5 - 10 inches
Height Female:
47 - 52 cm
18 - 21 inches
13 - 23 cm
5 - 10 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 41 kg
55 - 91 pounds
2 - 6 kg
4 - 14 pounds
Weight Female:
16 - 35 kg
35 - 78 pounds
2 - 6 kg
4 - 14 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
10 - 13 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
2 - 5
Size:
Large dog
Small dog
Other Names:
St. Johns Dog, Lesser Newfoundland, St. John’s Newfoundland
Dorkie Terrier
Colors Available:
black
Black and tan
Coat:
short, thick coats
Short to long hair
Shedding:
Seasonal
Minimal
Temperament:
Intelligent, Loving, Responsive
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
Yes
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Pomeranian vs Dorkie - Breed Comparison
  2. Maltese vs Dorkie - Breed Comparison
  3. Pug vs Dorkie - Breed Comparison
  4. Maltipoo vs Dorkie - Breed Comparison
  5. Papillon vs Dorkie - Breed Comparison
  6. Japanese Chin vs Dorkie - Breed Comparison
  7. Miniature English Bulldog vs Dorkie - Breed Comparison
  8. Italian Greyhound vs Dorkie - Breed Comparison
  9. Jug vs Dorkie - Breed Comparison
  10. Miniature Pinscher vs Dorkie - Breed Comparison
  11. Dorkie vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  12. Dorkie vs Cockapoo - Breed Comparison
  13. Dorkie vs Cavapoo - Breed Comparison
  14. Dorkie vs Cavachon - Breed Comparison
  15. Dorkie vs Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  16. Dorkie vs Australian Silky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  17. Dorkie vs Dorgi - Breed Comparison
  18. Dorkie vs Belgian Griffon - Breed Comparison
  19. Dorkie vs Carlin Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  20. Dorkie vs Bospin - Breed Comparison
  21. Dorkie vs Bantam Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  22. Dorkie vs Damchi - Breed Comparison
  23. Dorkie vs Cyprus Poodle - Breed Comparison
  24. German Spitz (Klein) vs Dorkie - Breed Comparison
  25. Doxiepoo vs Dorkie - Breed Comparison
  26. St. John's Water Dog vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  27. St. John's Water Dog vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  28. St. John's Water Dog vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  29. St. John's Water Dog vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  30. St. John's Water Dog vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  31. St. John's Water Dog vs Samoyed - Breed Comparison
  32. St. John's Water Dog vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  33. St. John's Water Dog vs Bullmastiff - Breed Comparison
  34. St. John's Water Dog vs Great Pyrenees - Breed Comparison
  35. St. John's Water Dog vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  36. St. John's Water Dog vs Presa Canario - Breed Comparison
  37. St. John's Water Dog vs Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  38. St. John's Water Dog vs Labrador Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. St. John's Water Dog vs Argentine Dogo - Breed Comparison
  40. St. John's Water Dog vs Giant Schnauzer - Breed Comparison
  41. St. John's Water Dog vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  42. St. John's Water Dog vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  43. St. John's Water Dog vs Goldador - Breed Comparison
  44. St. John's Water Dog vs Bandog - Breed Comparison
  45. St. John's Water Dog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) - Breed Comparison
  46. St. John's Water Dog vs Dogo Cubano - Breed Comparison
  47. St. John's Water Dog vs Dogo Sardesco - Breed Comparison
  48. St. John's Water Dog vs Beauceron - Breed Comparison
  49. St. John's Water Dog vs Central Asian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  50. St. John's Water Dog vs Mackenzie River Husky - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds