• Hungarian Language
  • English Language

St. John's water dog Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about St. John's water dog so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Extinct
Popularity Rank328
Reviews1
User Ratings
Compare the St. John's water dog With Other Dogs
Select at least one dog breed to make the comparsion.
 
 
St. John's water dog dog profile picture
OriginCanada flagCanada
Other Names
What other names does the St. John's water dog have?
St. John’s NewfoundlandSt. Johns DogLesser Newfoundland
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Purebred

St. John's water dog Size and Weight

Size
Is a St. John's water dog small, medium or large dog?

How big do St. John's water dog get?

What is the average size of a St. John's water dog?

Large
Weight
How much does the St. John's water dog weigh? How much should a St. John's water dog weight? What is the normal weight of a St. John's water dog? How much does a full-grown St. John's water dog weight?
Male: 40-90 pounds (18-40 kg), Female: 35-85 pounds (16-38 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a St. John's water dog?
Male: 65 pounds (29 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg)
Height
How tall is the St. John's water dog? St. John's water dog height:
Male: 22-24 inches (55-61 cm), Female: 21-23 inches (54-59 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a St. John's water dog?
Male: 23 inches (58 cm), Female: 21 inches (53.5 cm)

St. John's water dog Price and Availability

Price
How much does the St. John's water dog puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of a St. John's water dog in the United States? How much money is a St. John's water dog?

Where to buy a St. John's water dog with a good pedigree?

Unavailable
Unfortunately the St. John's water dog is an extinct dog breed, so there isn’t any available price range or breeder in the world for purchasing this breed.
Availability
How easy is it to get a St. John's water dog? How many St. John's water dog are there in the world?
Unavailable: This dog breed, unfortunately, is no longer available, it may even be extinct.

St. John's water dog Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the St. John's water dog? Is the St. John's water dog breed dumb or smart?
Very smart: St. John's water dog is an excellent dog breed. You can teach them many tricks and commands. The limit is your creativity. They understand and memorize new commands in 5-15 repetitions. This breed obeys the first command 85% of the time or better.

The St. John's water dog is one of the top breeds in the dog intelligence ranking.

Trainability
Are St. John's water dog dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train a St. John's water dog?
St. John's water dog dogs are very easy to train. They easily find out the association between commands and actions.
Watchdog Ability
Is St. John's water dog good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
St. John's water dog dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, they will alert you, but observation isn't considered their main job.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do St. John's water dog dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
St. John's water dog dogs are average defenders. Some dogs are very protective of their territory, while others easily let a stranger to trespass. This breed is not sure to defend its territory in every situation.

St. John's water dog Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the St. John's water dog have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
PlayfulAlertIntelligentFriendlyAffectionateLoyalCheerful
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? St. John's water dog sensitivity:
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. Soft punishment affects them emotionally. St. John's water dog dogs don't tolerate irregular daily routines, noisy households, and frequent guest visits really well.

They are receptive to their owner's emotions and make wonderful family companions.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a St. John's water dog a good family dog?
High: St. John's water dog dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. They enjoy quality time with their owners despite the activity and are considered great therapy dogs for those in need. This breed responds strongly to their handler's emotions because they bond closely. Their happiness is your happiness.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the St. John’s Newfoundland need? St. John's water dog social needs:
St. John's water dog dogs are a social breed. They enjoy being around people or other animals. This breed doesn't tolerate being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the St. John's water dog to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does St. John's water dog roam?
St. John's water dog dogs have average wanderlust potential. Sometimes they like to explore the world and they might escape once or twice, but usually, they prefer staying safely at home. Safer to teach them how to get back to you on command.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does St. John's water dog have high prey drive?
St. John's water dog dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. Training can help to achieve good behavior.

St. John's water dog Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
The St. John's water dog is a highly playful breed. Excited barking and sometimes nipping will alert you to play.
Barking
Do St. John's water dog dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my St. John’s Newfoundland bark?
Average: The St. John's water dog barks occasionally. They can change their barks depending on their emotional level and what they're trying to say. Different barks could mean the same and the same barks could have different meanings.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Apartment Friendly
Is St. John's water dog good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a St. John's water dog in an apartment?
Not an apartment-friendly dog the St. John's water dog breed. If you don't have a garden, think carefully about your decision, keeping St. John's water dog indoors can cause a lot of problems.

St. John's water dog Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
St. John's water dog dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can a St. John's water dog be left alone? How long can you leave a St. John's water dog alone?
St. John's water dog dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

St. John's water dog Bite Characteristics

Bite Force PSI
Does the St. John's water dog has a hard bite? What is the bite force of a St. John's water dog? How much bite force does a St. John's water dog have? How strong is a St. John's water dog bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

St. John's water dog bite force: Ordinary. Bite force St. John's water dog measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of a St. John's water dog is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This St. John's water dog bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. St. John's water dog bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train a St. John's water dog puppy not to bite from an early age.

The St. John's water dog, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained.

However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for.

In conclusion, while the St. John's water dog bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, a St. John's water dog can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

Biting Potential
Do St. John's water dog bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the St. John’s Newfoundland? What are the odds of getting bitten by a St. John's water dog? Why do dog bites happen?

Low 🔽

The St. John's water dog has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the St. John's water dog do?
St. John's water dog dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but St. John's water dog dogs need to be taught a good attitude. We have compiled a list of Mouthy Dog Breeds.

St. John's water dog Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do St. John's water dog dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
The St. John's water dog is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the St. John's water dog breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the St. John's water dog see the vet?
Average
The St. John's water dog should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do St. John's water dog dogs live? How old can a St. John's water dog be? What is the age limit of the St. John's water dog? How many years can the oldest St. John's water dog live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of a St. John's water dog?

How long is the lifespan of a St. John's water dog?

10-12 years
The average lifespan of St. John's water dog: 11 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The St. John's water dog can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.

St. John's water dog Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the St. John's water dog have? What is the activity level of the St. John's water dog?
St. John's water dog dogs are high-energy dogs. An active lifestyle makes them happy.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a St. John's water dog need? How much exercise do St. John's water dog dogs require per day?

Do St. John's water dog dogs need a lot of exercises?

St. John's water dog dogs need a lot of exercises. Long walks should be on a daily schedule. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the St. John's water dog breed need?
St. John's water dog dogs don't need too much sleep. They are energetic and desire to live active life. If you think naps are overrated, this breed can be the best choice for you.

St. John's water dog Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does a St. John's water dog need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a St. John's water dog breed eat per day? What is good dog food for St. John's water dog? How much food should I feed my St. John's water dog?
2 to 4.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? St. John's water dog risk for obesity:
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the St. John's water dog's weight, he can easily gain weight. More than one daily walk should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the St. John's water dog weight regularly.

St. John's water dog Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the St. John's water dog have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
DenseWaterproofThickHard
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper St. John's water dog coats?
Black White
Grooming
How to groom the St. John's water dog and how often? How often should I take my St. John's water dog to the groomer?
Effortless: The St. John's water dog requires minimal grooming. Seasonal flea treatment is needed, but cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't necessary.

Ears and eyes should be cleaned sometimes to avoid infections. St. John's water dog is one of the best choices if you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of a high-maintenance dog.

Highly recommended for beginners.
Shedding Level
How much do St. John's water dog dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the St. John’s Newfoundland? Do St. John's water dog dogs shed a lot?
St. John's water dog dogs shed moderately. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. Regular brushing reduces the amount of hair that sheds. It mostly depends on their health status and breed type.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the St. John's water dog need a bath? How often should you give a St. John's water dog a bath? Can I bathe my St. John's water dog every day?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. While a good bath every now and then is a great way to keep your buddy from becoming overly smelly, be mindful about overbathing.

Bathing will wash away your dog’s natural oils, while a simple brushing every few days should keep them clean.

Hypoallergenic
Is the St. John's water dog breed hypoallergenic?
No
St. John's water dog dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

Medium

The St. John's water dog has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the St. John's water dog drool?
The St. John's water dog is an average drooler. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

St. John's water dog Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do St. John's water dog dogs get along with other pets? Are St. John's water dog dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
St. John's water dog dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? St. John's water dog temperament with other people:
St. John's water dog dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Are St. John's water dog dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? St. John's water dog temperament with children:
St. John's water dog dogs are kid-friendly dogs. This breed is a good choice if you have children.
Cat Friendly
How well do St. John's water dog dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the St. John's water dog breed live with a cat?
St. John's water dog dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Is St. John's water dog good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do St. John's water dog dogs get along with other dogs?
St. John's water dog dogs are very dog-friendly dogs. If you want more dogs in your family or you'd like to join dog meetups, the St. John's water dog can be a great choice.
Good For First Time Owners
Is St. John's water dog breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is St. John's water dog breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
St. John's water dog dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are St. John's water dog dogs good office canines? Do St. John's water dog dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
St. John's water dog is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do St. John's water dog dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the St. John’s Newfoundland temperament with senior people? Are St. John's water dog dogs good for elderly owners?
St. John's water dogs are usually recommended for elderly people.

St. John's water dog As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can St. John's water dog be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

St. John's water dog is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can St. John's water dog be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a St. John's water dog be an emotional support animal?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

St. John's water dog is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can St. John's water dog be a sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

St. John's water dog is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can St. John's water dog be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The St. John's water dog is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can St. John's water dog be a boat dog?

Yes

St. John's water dog breed usually likes being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, as a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can St. John's water dog be a drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

St. John's water dog is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where St. John's water dog dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

St. John's water dog Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is a St. John's water dog pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the St. John's water dog breed is pregnant?

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female St. John's water dog: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the St. John's water dog have in a litter? How many puppies can the St. John's water dog breed have for the first time? How many puppies does a St. John's water dog have? How many puppies can a St. John's water dog give birth to?
5-10 puppies

St. John's water dog Recognition

AKC Group
Is St. John's water dog recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Group
Is St. John's water dog recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Not recognized by FCI.

St. John's water dog Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Intelligent Rank: Very smart: St.
  • Trainability: St.
  • Grooming: Effortless: The St.
  • Adaptability: St.
  • Child Friendly: St.
  • Dog Friendly: St.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: St.
  • Good For First Time Owners: St.
  • Boat and Sailor Dog: St.
Cons
  • Hypoallergenic: St.
  • Apartment Friendly: Not an apartment-friendly dog the St.
  • Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity: Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the St.
  • Mouthiness: St.
  • Tolerates Being Left Alone: St.
  • Office Friendly: St.

St. John's water dog History

The St. John’s water dog is thought to have developed in the 16th century along with the fishing industry in Newfoundland. This type of dog’s origin is unspecified but according to researches, it was evolved out of more than one working breed such as English, Irish, and Portuguese. European settlers tried to create a different type of breed which would feel as much at home in the water as on land. The St. John’s water dog became the favorite of the fishermen with excellent temperament and good working behavior. Moreover, they could paddle in the water with a high speed, helping to pull fishing lines. Several authors mentioned and described their talent, for example, H.D. Richardson who had the chance to see this breed while working in Dublin and said; "which dived repeatedly to the bottom of the canal, between the locks, when full of water, and fetched up such stones, &c., as were thrown in”.

Furthermore, as the St. John’s dog was bred for different functions instead of form, their appearance could vary. Overall they were medium-sized with long or short fur, smooth or feathered in almost any color but later they were recognized especially by the so-called “tuxedo” which was a huge white mark on their black chest. It is also thought that many other breeds are descending from them, for example, the Labrador, the Golder Retriever, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, and most importantly it is also the founding breed of a large, strong lifesaving dog (water rescue) that we know today as the Newfoundland.  

However, according to researchers, in the early 20th century the Newfoundland government actually passed a law which put high taxes on all of the dogs that were not used in the production of sheep as they wanted to encourage people to raise sheep and because of this many people got rid of their water dogs. This was basically one of the major factors that contributed greatly to the extinction of this breed. Another factor could be that England imposed a quarantine on all animals coming to the countries to get rid of rabies. Unfortunately, all attempts that tried to save the breed failed and the last two St. John’s water dogs were seen in the 1980s.

Latest St. John's water dog Compares

Rate The St. John's water dog Breed

St. John's water dog Comments, Reviews and Questions

  • bailey

    May 26, 2021, 7:27:19 PM:

    nice