St. John's Water Dog vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison

St. John's Water Dog is originated from Canada but Australian Cattle Dog is originated from Australia. Both St. John's Water Dog and Australian Cattle Dog are having almost same height. St. John's Water Dog may weigh 25 kg / 56 pounds more than Australian Cattle Dog. St. John's Water Dog may live 3 years less than Australian Cattle Dog. Both St. John's Water Dog and Australian Cattle Dog has almost same litter size. Both St. John's Water Dog and Australian Cattle Dog 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.

During the 19th century, in the New South Wales, lived a cattle farmer Thomas Hall. He wanted to have a perfect cattle dog so he mixed two breeds: dogs used by stockman with the dingo. The new breed was given an interesting name - Halls Heelers. Heelers was a part of the dog breed because this new breed of the dog inherited the nipping instinct. As time passed, one breed was developing in two breeds: the Australian Cattle Dog and the Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog.

The Australian Cattle dog can be found in two available colours: red and blue. This is how they got their nicknames: Red Heeler and Blue Heeler.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Herding dogs
Origin:
Canada
Australia
Height Male:
48 - 53 cm
18 - 21 inches
45 - 50 cm
17 - 20 inches
Height Female:
47 - 52 cm
18 - 21 inches
43 - 48 cm
16 - 19 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 41 kg
55 - 91 pounds
14 - 16 kg
30 - 36 pounds
Weight Female:
16 - 35 kg
35 - 78 pounds
13 - 15 kg
28 - 34 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
13 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
1 - 7
Size:
Large dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
St. Johns Dog, Lesser Newfoundland, St. John’s Newfoundland
ACD, Cattle Dog, Blue Heeler, Red Heeler, Queensland Heeler
Colors Available:
black
blue (mottled or speckled), red (mottled or speckled)
Coat:
short, thick coats
short double coat
Shedding:
Seasonal
Minimal
Temperament:
Intelligent, Loving, Responsive
Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Territorial
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

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.

The Australian Cattle Dog originally mixed with Australian herding dog that was kept near the cattle to guide them. Medium-sized, with the short coat, this dog is generally easy to groom and maintain. It does require more brushing during the shedding period, but it is still not an everyday need. He is easy to train because he likes challenging games and activities which are. It gets very attached to its owner, and he is always protective of them and their possessions. The most common health problems happen with their ears and eyes, but they are usually very healthy and they have a long life – up to 15 years.

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

Around children

Children and Australian Cattle Dogs can grow up together in harmony. They will have a loyal and protective companion. After you properly train your dog and teach your child how to play with the dog, you will bring the friendship on the safe side. Some of them will have the instinct to nip at heels, so you should pay attention to this while training your pet.

Special talents: cattle dog, service dog, therapy dog, police dogs, drug detection dogs.

Adaptability

Australian Cattle Dogs can survive cool, hot and temperate conditions. They can live in a shelter outdoors, and they do well living indoors. But, be aware – without enough physical activity, this dog will end up being frustrated and unhappy.

Learning ability

They will absorb every new trick so quick that you will be amazed. They love to learn, and if you start with some good trick you will raise a great friend and maybe a great competitor in fetch, swim, bring-a-stick, or run-the-show dog sports.

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.

-

Health Problems: are mostly inherited. You can avoid this by searching for a good breeder that can clear out the hereditary diseases.

Eyes

The Australian Cattle Dog is one of the breeds that can be born with progressive retinal atrophy. Progressive rod-cone degeneration is a disease that causes the rods and cones in the retina of the eye to degenerate. It might lead to blindness.

Ears

The Australian Cattle Dog is one of the rare breeds with recessive piebald alleles. This gene is the reason why they have white colour on their coat. But, unfortunately, this gene can be the reason why congenital hereditary deafness develops.

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.

Feeding the puppy and adult

Herding dog have a history of the joint diseases. That’s why some of the pet suggest feeding a herding dog with meat like chicken, turkey, beef, lamb and fish. Dry dog food, even premium quality, may not be enough for this energetic dogs and their bone structure. But it depends on the dog. The best advice is to always take an advice from your breeder or your wet.

Grooming

You won’t be very busy with grooming your Australian cattle dog. You don’t have to take everyday care of it. Occasional brushing will be more than enough. Bath the dog only when you notice odour problem.

Points for Good Health

The Australian Cattle Dog needs a high level of activity. Like many other herding dog breeds, they love walks, spending time with people, running or doing any athletic sports with them, teaching them tricks since they have above average intelligence. Fetching will be super fun for everyone, agility, competitions or any other challenging activity. They love water and they swim very well so you can take the dog with you to the nearest pool and have a great time.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. St. John's Water Dog vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  2. St. John's Water Dog vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  3. St. John's Water Dog vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  4. St. John's Water Dog vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  5. St. John's Water Dog vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  6. St. John's Water Dog vs Samoyed - Breed Comparison
  7. St. John's Water Dog vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  8. St. John's Water Dog vs Bullmastiff - Breed Comparison
  9. St. John's Water Dog vs Great Pyrenees - Breed Comparison
  10. St. John's Water Dog vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  11. St. John's Water Dog vs Presa Canario - Breed Comparison
  12. St. John's Water Dog vs Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  13. St. John's Water Dog vs Labrador Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. St. John's Water Dog vs Argentine Dogo - Breed Comparison
  15. St. John's Water Dog vs Giant Schnauzer - Breed Comparison
  16. St. John's Water Dog vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  17. St. John's Water Dog vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  18. St. John's Water Dog vs Goldador - Breed Comparison
  19. St. John's Water Dog vs Bandog - Breed Comparison
  20. St. John's Water Dog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) - Breed Comparison
  21. St. John's Water Dog vs Dogo Cubano - Breed Comparison
  22. St. John's Water Dog vs Dogo Sardesco - Breed Comparison
  23. St. John's Water Dog vs Beauceron - Breed Comparison
  24. St. John's Water Dog vs Central Asian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  25. St. John's Water Dog vs Mackenzie River Husky - Breed Comparison
  26. Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  27. Australian Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  28. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  29. Australian Cattle Dog vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  30. Australian Cattle Dog vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  31. Bearded Collie vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  32. Collie vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  33. Dutch Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  34. Blue Healer vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  35. English Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  36. Australian Collie vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  37. Catahoula Cur vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  38. Catalan Sheepdog vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  39. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  40. Bergamasco vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  41. Berger Picard vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  42. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  43. Queensland Heeler vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  44. German Coolie vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  45. Bohemian Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  46. Croatian Sheepdog vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Red Heeler vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  48. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  49. Blue Lacy vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  50. New Zealand Huntaway vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds