Tenterfield Terrier vs St. John's Water Dog - Breed Comparison

Tenterfield Terrier vs St. John's Water Dog - Breed ComparisonTenterfield Terrier is originated from Australia but St. John's Water Dog is originated from Canada. Tenterfield Terrier may grow 22 cm / 8 inches shorter than St. John's Water Dog. Tenterfield Terrier may weigh 11 kg / 24 pounds lesser than St. John's Water Dog. Both Tenterfield Terrier and St. John's Water Dog has almost same life span. Both Tenterfield Terrier and St. John's Water Dog has same litter size. Both Tenterfield Terrier and St. John's Water Dog requires Low maintenance.

History

tenterfield terrier - historyThe ancestors of the Tenterfield Terrier came to Australia with the British and from them came this Australian breed. The English terriers were bred to be ratters on the ships to Australia. Today’s breed is a hardy, strong, athletic and agile dog. These first dogs were miniature Fox Terriers, bred for ratting. The miniature Fox Terrier was an established breed in the late 19th century in Australia with families and was know as a Mini Foxie. The breed became a steady presence in homes by the 1920’s.

The breed might not have been named after the area of Tenterfield as many have guessed. Instead they may have been named after a breeder. The owner of the Tenterfield saddlery was called Tenterfield Saddler and he owned several of the breed. In 1990, Don Burke, a television personality suggested the breed be named the Tenterfield Terrier.

The Miniature Fox Terrier Club of South Australia. Now there were several clubs in Australia and a lot of disagreement about exactly what type of dog a miniature fox terrier was. Some did not think the name was legitimate, but they wanted recognition from the Australian National Kennel Club (ANKC). So, they became the Tenterfield Terrier Club of Australia in 1993. They were recognized by 2002.

Today the breed standard for the Tenterfield Terrier is different from the one for the Miniature Fox Terrier. They are now entirely separate breeds. In addition to the ANKC, the breed is recognized by the New Zealand Kennel Club but not by the AKC. It is also recognized by the American Pet Registry, Inc, the American Canine Registry and the Dog Registry of America, Inc.

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.

Description

tenterfield terrier puppy - descriptionThe Tenterfield Terrier is square and compact. He has a head shaped like a wedge and unusual in the terrier group. They have pricked ears and are predominantly white mixed with tan or black. They could also be tri-colored in black/tan and white or tan/liver and white. They have naturally occurring bob tails or docked tails. The nose is usually black unless the dog is liver colored, they have liver noses. The jaws are strong, and lips are tight with a strong neck.

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.

Characteristics

1.Children friendliness – yes like most other terriers they love kids.

2.Special talents –high prey drive and sense of smell.

tenterfield terrier dog - characteristics3.Adaptability – they need space even though they are small. They need a lot of exercise. They can adapt if they get another exercise. They can live in apartments and can play indoors as well as out.

4.Learning ability – They are extremely intelligent, but they can be stubborn like all terriers.

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

Health Problems

tenterfield terrier puppies - health problemsThey are small in stature and because of their face they seem to have dental issues. The breed does not have a lot of health issues but deals with the same issues as many small terriers. Not all members of the breed are susceptible to these, but some are just like the Australian Terrier.

1. Legg-Perthes Disease – hip disorder occurring in puppies.

2. Cruciate Ligament Rupture – Weakness can cause this to happen.

3. Seizures – Can be medicated.

4. Patellar Luxation – Moving kneecap can cause pain and lameness.

5. Diabetes – rare but does happen.

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.

-

Caring The Pet

tenterfield terrier dogs - caring1.Feeding the puppy – Don’t overfeed but do feed high quality puppy food for small breeds and terriers.

2.Feeding the adult – This is an active breed but don’t overfeed. Feed a high quality adult dog food for terriers or small breeds. Feed 2 times a day.

3.Points for Good Health – the breed has a lot of stamina and energy.

4. Games and Exercises – The breed has a high energy level and needs a lot of exercise. He is a terrier and loves to “go to ground”. Play activities that allow him to do that are best. He plays barn hunt, lure coursing and terrier specific competitions.

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.

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Working dog
Origin:
Australia
Canada
Height Male:
26 - 31 cm
10 - 13 inches
48 - 53 cm
18 - 21 inches
Height Female:
23 - 27 cm
9 - 11 inches
47 - 52 cm
18 - 21 inches
Weight Male:
28 - 30 kg
61 - 67 pounds
25 - 41 kg
55 - 91 pounds
Weight Female:
26 - 28 kg
57 - 62 pounds
16 - 35 kg
35 - 78 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 6
4 - 6
Size:
Small dog
Large dog
Other Names:
mini foxie terrier, miniature fox terrier
St. Johns Dog, Lesser Newfoundland, St. John’s Newfoundland
Colors Available:
white mixed with tan or black. They could also be tri-colored in black/tan and white or tan/liver and white
black
Coat:
Short, smooth
short, thick coats
Shedding:
Minimal
Seasonal
Temperament:
Intelligent, Loving, Responsive
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Hard
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Tenterfield Terrier vs Boston Terrier - Breed Comparison
  2. Tenterfield Terrier vs Jack Russell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  3. Tenterfield Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  4. Tenterfield Terrier vs Miniature Schnauzer - Breed Comparison
  5. Tenterfield Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Tenterfield Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  7. Tenterfield Terrier vs Rat Terrier - Breed Comparison
  8. Tenterfield Terrier vs Scottish Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Tenterfield Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  10. Tenterfield Terrier vs Patterdale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  11. Tenterfield Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  12. Tenterfield Terrier vs Bull Terrier Miniature - Breed Comparison
  13. Tenterfield Terrier vs Norwich Terrier - Breed Comparison
  14. Tenterfield Terrier vs Norfolk Terrier - Breed Comparison
  15. Tenterfield Terrier vs English White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  16. Tenterfield Terrier vs Parson Russell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  17. Tenterfield Terrier vs Russell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  18. Tenterfield Terrier vs Feist - Breed Comparison
  19. Tenterfield Terrier vs Manchester Terrier - Breed Comparison
  20. Tenterfield Terrier vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Tenterfield Terrier vs Miniature Fox Terrier - Breed Comparison
  22. Tenterfield Terrier vs Cesky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  23. Tenterfield Terrier vs Glen of Imaal Terrier - Breed Comparison
  24. Tenterfield Terrier vs Schnorkie - Breed Comparison
  25. Tenterfield Terrier vs Sealyham Terrier - 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