The St John's water dog is a unique breed with a rich history. They originated in Newfoundland, Canada, where they were bred to assist fishermen.
These dogs were highly valued for their intelligence, strength, and love of water. They would often swim out to sea with fishermen and help them pull in their nets.
The St John's water dog is a medium-sized breed with a distinctive coat. It's a thick, water-resistant coat that's perfect for withstanding the harsh marine environment.
Their coats are usually black and brown in color, with some white markings. This unique coat helps them blend in with the sea and protects them from the elements.
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History and Origins
The St. John's water dog has a rich history that's closely tied to the Labrador breed. In fact, the dogs that formed the foundation of the Labrador breed in England in the 1800s, were imported not from Labrador but from Newfoundland.
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The St. John's water dog's origins are deeply rooted in Newfoundland, where they were bred to assist fishermen and retrieve fish. They were highly valued for their intelligence, athleticism, and love of water.
These early St. John's water dogs were often referred to as "Newfoundland dogs" or "Labradors", but they were not yet a distinct breed. It wasn't until later that they became known as the St. John's water dog.
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Physical Characteristics
The St. John's water dog was a medium-sized, strong, and stocky breed.
They had a water-resistant coat, which was a key characteristic that earned them the name "water dogs".
Their coat was often white-patched on the chest, chin, feet, and muzzle, with some of these markings still appearing in modern Labradors as a small white chest patch or stray white hairs on the feet.
They had a short, thick coat and a rudder-like tail, which helped them thrive in icy water.
Their ear carriage was probably more primitive and forward-facing than that of modern Labradors.
The St. John's water dog was oblivious to cold and happy to swim in exceptionally icy conditions, a characteristic that many modern Labradors still share.
Some St. John's water dogs had short coats, while others had longer coats, with the Newfoundlanders possibly preferring the shorter coat for its practicality in icy water.
An early painting of a St. John's dog by Edwin Landseer shows a dog with a longish coat and plenty of white fur among the black.
Newfoundland
Newfoundland is a rugged and rocky island located off the eastern coast of Canada. It's a harsh environment with strong winds and icy waters.
The island has a rich history of dog breeding, dating back to the 18th century when fishermen brought their dogs with them to the island. These dogs were tasked with helping fishermen with their work.
The rugged terrain and harsh weather conditions on the island helped shape the St. John's water dog into a strong and resilient breed. They needed to be able to withstand the elements and perform well in the water.
The St. John's water dog was often used to help fishermen rescue people from the water, which required them to be strong swimmers. They were also used to help fishermen pull in nets and lines.
Notable Individuals
The St. John's water dog has a rich history, and one notable individual who played a significant role in its development is Captain John Snelgrave.
He was a British sea captain who sailed to Newfoundland in the late 1600s and brought back some of the dogs he encountered to England.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the descendants of St John's Water Dogs?
Descendants of St John's Water Dogs include the Flat-Coated Retriever, Curly-Coated Retriever, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Labrador Retriever. These breeds originated from crossbreeding St John's Water Dogs with other dogs in England.
What is the temperament of the St John's water dog?
The St. John's Water Dog has a gentle and patient temperament, making them an excellent family pet. They are friendly, loyal, and great companions for both children and adults.
Why did the St. John's water dog go extinct?
The St. John's water dog went extinct due to a combination of factors, including a heavy tax on dogs imposed by the colonial administration to limit their numbers, which led to a decline in their population. This tax was implemented as a result of the breed's tendency to prey on sheep, which was a significant industry in Newfoundland at the time.
What is the small version of a Newfoundland?
The smaller version of a Newfoundland is known as the St. John's water dog, also referred to as the lesser Newfoundland. This breed is the founding ancestor of modern retrievers.
Are labs and Newfoundlands related?
Yes, Labrador Retrievers and Newfoundlands share a common ancestry, as they both originated from the same breed, the St. John's Water Dog, which was developed in Newfoundland in the 1500s. This shared heritage makes them distant relatives, with a fascinating history that's worth exploring.
Sources
- "Teasing apart the history of the Newfoundland dog, the St. John's water dog, and the retrievers" (retrieverman.net)
- "St. John's water dog Information & Dog Breed Facts" (dogell.com)
- St. John's Water Dog Dog Breed Information and Pictures (dogbreedinfo.com)
- Long-Coated St. John's Water Dog Origins, History, and More (projectupland.com)
- St John's Water Dog Guide To An Extinct Breed (thelabradorsite.com)
- Dogs Breeds » Blog Archive » St. John’s water dog photo (dogsbreeds.in)
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