The St. John's water dog, also known as the St. John's dog or the lesser Newfoundland, is an extinct landrace of domestic dog from Newfoundland. Little is known of the types that went into its genetic makeup, although it was probably a random-bred mix of old English, Irish and Portuguese working dogs. They were favourite dogs of fishermen because they had extraordinary qualities like good temperament and working behaviour. The number of St. John's water dogs started declining by the beginning of the 20th century. By the early 1980s, the landrace was extinct.
Originally found in Newfoundland, used by fishermen in coastal areas.
The St. John's water dog was a versatile and hardworking breed, valued for its retrieval abilities and excellent swimming skills. It served as a foundation breed for the development of the modern Labrador Retriever. Although extinct, its legacy lives on in several popular retriever breeds today.
Modern-day Labrador Retriever mixes, such as this one from Atlantic Canada, may show their genetic ancestry through the manifestation of the tuxedo coat pattern of the St. John's water dog.
Bewick's "Newfoundland" was based on a single dog in Eslington. It may have been a St. John's dog or Newfoundland interbred with other dogs before coming to England; it may also have been an accurate representation of the Newfoundland landrace. Some debate what the naturally occurring colours of the Newfoundlands were on the island and how well early accounts differentiated the two breeds.
Trainability
Responsiveness to training: —/5