St. John's Water Dog vs English Shepherd - Breed Comparison

St. John's Water Dog vs English Shepherd - Breed ComparisonSt. John's Water Dog is originated from Canada but English Shepherd is originated from United States. Both St. John's Water Dog and English Shepherd are having almost same height. St. John's Water Dog may weigh 13 kg / 29 pounds more than English Shepherd. St. John's Water Dog may live 3 years less than English Shepherd. Both St. John's Water Dog and English Shepherd has almost same litter size. Both St. John's Water Dog and English Shepherd 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.

english shepherd - historyThe English Shepherd is another dog with an English name that was developed in the United States. They developed from British farm dogs that were brought to the United States in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries by the Scottish and English as they settled in the New World. Tracing their line through working dogs and collies in Scotland and northern England, the settlers bred them with local dogs and each other. These working farm dogs were called English Shepherds, Scotch Collies, barnyard collie, farm shepherd, the cow dog, and the old fashioned shepherd.

The English Shepherd was appreciated by the settlers and farmers because he was a versatile dog that could herd their flocks and protect their homes as well. They appreciated his intelligence and ability to hunt vermin and be a companion for their children. English Shepherds were bred to work with a variety of livestock such as pigs, cattle, goats, sheep and fowl. They were used to hunt as well and were known to track racoons and squirrels and tree them. There wasn’t a more popular dog in the American Midwest and East in the 1800’s and 1900’s.

The breed is trustworthy, alert and independent. As the small family farms were replaced by large agricultural enterprises the English Shepherd’s numbers dwindled as well until he fell into the category of a rare breed. There were no clubs to support it and not AKC recognition. The UKC had a different dog registered as a farm shepherd.

Today’s English Shepherd is still a farm dog, but he also hunts, is a therapy dog, competes in AKC trials, and performs search and rescue duties. As a farm dog, they are still the most desirable due to their versatility in working with different livestock, guarding the home and caring for the children. They do these things in a gentle way if possible but can be tough if needed. They have great empathy for the livestock and for their human family. This makes him a great dog for the family. The English Shepherd has remained a farm dog, working dog more than a show dog, over all these years.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Herding dogs
Origin:
Canada
United States
Height Male:
48 - 53 cm
18 - 21 inches
46 - 58 cm
18 - 23 inches
Height Female:
47 - 52 cm
18 - 21 inches
44 - 54 cm
17 - 22 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 41 kg
55 - 91 pounds
21 - 28 kg
46 - 62 pounds
Weight Female:
16 - 35 kg
35 - 78 pounds
18 - 23 kg
39 - 51 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
13 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
5 - 8
Size:
Large dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
St. Johns Dog, Lesser Newfoundland, St. John’s Newfoundland
old fashioed collie, old fashioned shepherd, Scotch Collie, old time collie, farm collie
Colors Available:
black
black and white, sable and white, and tri-color. , black and tan
Coat:
short, thick coats
double, silky
Shedding:
Seasonal
Constant
Temperament:
Intelligent, Loving, Responsive
Affectionate, Alert, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Protective, Social, Stubborn, Sweet
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

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.

english shepherd puppy - descriptionThe American bred English Shepherd is a medium sized dog that looks somewhat like an Australian Shepherd or Border Collie. They have tails, never come in merle coloring and their head is not as rounded as the Australian Shepherd. A working dog, its proportionally very well balanced. Because the English Shepherd is so popular across the country, doing a wide variety of jobs, there is some regional differences in the dogs.

The coat can be curly or straight with feathering around the tail, ears and legs. Their heads are slightly rounded but broad and the muzzle is also broad with a solid black nose except for the clear sable dogs whose nose is brown. The eyes show you how intelligent and strong this breed is, and they should be round, brown and oblique. The ears are close to the head and wide apart.

With a strong, muscular back and shoulders the English Shepherd can do almost anything you ask him to. His legs are strong and straight, and his hind legs are muscular. His feet are compact, oval and well padded.

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

english shepherd dog - characteristicsIt may seem strange to talk about kindness in a working dog, but it is one of the defining traits of the English Shepherd, along with intelligence. The breed is extremely kind to everyone he lives with animals and people. Once he is secure in his job and takes in his children or his herd, he is one of the best caretakers around. He is an independent thinker, is easily trained, and highly affectionate. However, he does see himself as the boss and unless you establish yourself in that alpha role you could have problems.

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.

-

english shepherd puppies - health problemsLike many other herding breeds, it has been found that about 15% of English Shepherds had a gene mutation called MDR1. This means they have adverse reaction and high sensitivity to many common drugs for dogs. This condition could be life-threatening so test your dog for it and know what you are up against.

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

english shepherd dogs - caringRemember the English Shepherd is a hard working dog. But if you don’t work him don’t overfeed him. Twice a day, he needs about one half cup of a good quality dry food made with an active, medium sized dog in mind.

Health issues

In addition to the health concern listed above, the English Shepherd is also prone to:

Dysplasia

Both elbow and hip dysplasia can plaque the English Shepherd as it does almost any active breed. Have your puppy tested as it can cause lameness and arthritis.

Exercise and games

This is a herding breed and they need exercise. They need a job. They are intelligent and work oriented so make sure they have something to do. Take them to herding trails and have their herding instinct tested. Put them to work in flyball, agility, frisbee, tracking, obedience, rally, herding and showmanship events. Just make sure your English Shepherd has enough to keep his mind and body stimulated at a high rate every day.

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 English Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  27. English Shepherd vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. English Shepherd vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  29. English Shepherd vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  30. English Shepherd vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  31. English Shepherd vs Collie - Breed Comparison
  32. English Shepherd vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  33. English Shepherd vs Dutch Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  34. English Shepherd vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  35. English Shepherd vs Australian Collie - Breed Comparison
  36. English Shepherd vs Catahoula Cur - Breed Comparison
  37. English Shepherd vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  38. English Shepherd vs Catalan Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  39. English Shepherd vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  40. English Shepherd vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  41. English Shepherd vs Appenzell Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  42. English Shepherd vs Bohemian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  43. English Shepherd vs Croatian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  44. English Shepherd vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) - Breed Comparison
  45. English Shepherd vs Blue Lacy - Breed Comparison
  46. English Shepherd vs Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. English Shepherd vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  48. English Shepherd vs Black Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  49. English Shepherd vs Cao da Serra de Aires - Breed Comparison
  50. Pyrenean Shepherd vs English Shepherd - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds