St. John's Water Dog vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison

St. John's Water Dog vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed ComparisonSt. John's Water Dog is originated from Canada but American Cocker Spaniel is originated from United States. St. John's Water Dog may grow 13 cm / 6 inches higher than American Cocker Spaniel. St. John's Water Dog may weigh 27 kg / 60 pounds more than American Cocker Spaniel. St. John's Water Dog may live 3 years less than American Cocker Spaniel. Both St. John's Water Dog and American Cocker Spaniel has almost same litter size. St. John's Water Dog requires Low maintenance. But American Cocker Spaniel requires Moderate 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.

american cocker spaniel - historyDescended from the English Cocker Spaniel when the latter were brought to the United States in the late 1800s. American hunters wanted a smaller dog for bird hunting, so they crossed them with smaller spaniel breeds. The English and the American Cockers were considered the same breed until 1935 when the American Kennel Club officially separated them into 2 distinct breeds. After this the American Cocker’s popularity increased dramatically. To this day they are one of the most popular breeds in the U.S. Recently their popularity has spread back to England. The American Cocker Spaniel has evolved from a hunting dog life to a very popular family pet.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Gun dog
Origin:
Canada
United States
Height Male:
48 - 53 cm
18 - 21 inches
38 - 40 cm
14 - 16 inches
Height Female:
47 - 52 cm
18 - 21 inches
34 - 38 cm
13 - 15 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 41 kg
55 - 91 pounds
11 - 14 kg
24 - 31 pounds
Weight Female:
16 - 35 kg
35 - 78 pounds
7 - 12 kg
15 - 27 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
1 - 7
Size:
Large dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
St. Johns Dog, Lesser Newfoundland, St. John’s Newfoundland
Cocker Spaniel, Cocker
Colors Available:
black
Black, black with tan, merle, buff ASCOB
Coat:
short, thick coats
Long, fine, shiney
Shedding:
Seasonal
Moderate
Temperament:
Intelligent, Loving, Responsive
Affectionate, Cheerful, Friendly, Gentle, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Stubborn
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
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.

american cocker spaniel puppy - descriptionThe American Cocker spaniel is a sturdy dog of medium size. The have a rounded head with a broad and deep muzzle. The jaw is even and square while the teeth have a scissors bite. The American Cocker has round eyes that are almost always dark with the exception of the Merle who can have blue colored eyes. They have long ears and a docked tail in the U.S. Docking is illegal in most of Europe. The American Cocker bred for field hunts have shorter coats than those bred for show. Grooming is essential for this longhaired breed. It is especially important for the eyes and ears to be kept clean.

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

Favored Qualities

american cocker spaniel dog - characteristicsThis is a gentle, happy dog. They are high energy, high spirited, friendly dogs who like people and other animals alike. They are happy to be with you and want to please you. He can find a home in the country and in the city alike. He is inquisitive and easy to train.

Potential Difficulties

But be warned they can be stubborn and hard to housebreak. They can be shy and need a lot of socialization as a pup. They can take over a household if you are not the strong pack leader they need. They have a tendency to urinate when excited and must live inside with the family. They are far too social to be left outside. An unhappy, unstable cocker can be into resource guarding of things, spaces and people. They can bark obsessively or be hyperactive. They must have a loving home with the family.

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.

-

american cocker spaniel puppies - health problemsPerhaps the least of the American Cocker Spaniel’s health concerns are the tendency to overeat and become obese. The more serious concerns include glaucoma, cataracts, dysplasia, allergies, Cherry eye, lip fold pyoderma, liver disease, cardiomyopathy, and congestive heart failure (CHF).

IMHA

The most serious health issue the breed faces is IMHA or Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia which can be deadly. In fact, it is almost always fatal and comes on quickly. With this condition the dog can bleed out internally and there is little that veterinary medicine can do.

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 puppies and adults

american cocker spaniel dogs - caringThe American Cocker Spaniel breed requires attention to detail and making sure your puppy gets enough and your adult doesn’t get too much. Feed the pups twice a day until they reach the age of 4 months and then cut them back to the adult dose of once a day at supper time. Feed from a cup to a cup and a half.

Health Issues

not previously mentioned include Ectropion and Entropion, Prolapse of the nicititans gland, gastric torsion and elbow dysplasia. Have your puppy tested for eye diseases and any issues with the knee and hip. These are social dogs and will not do well alone outside. They need to live inside.

Exercise and games

The American Cockers love to play and need a lot of exercise. Nice long walks, games of fetch or even agility will keep your Cocker happy. have plenty of stamina and need regular exercise. They also enjoy a good hunt.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. English Springer Spaniel vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  2. Brittany vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  3. English Setter vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  4. French Brittany vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  5. Boykin Spaniel vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  6. Pudelpointer vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  7. American Water Spaniel vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  8. Picardy Spaniel vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  9. Braque d'Auvergne vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  10. Barbet vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  11. Ariege Pointer vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  12. Pont-Audemer Spaniel vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  13. Irish Water Spaniel vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  14. Blue Picardy Spaniel vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  15. Canadian Pointer vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  16. Deutsch Drahthaar vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  17. Clumber Spaniel vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  18. Stabyhoun vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  19. Styrian Coarse Haired Hound vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  20. Vizsla vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  21. Large Munsterlander vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  22. Tyrolean Hound vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  23. Cockalier vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  24. Braque du Bourbonnais vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  25. Cesky Fousek vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  26. St. John's Water Dog vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  27. St. John's Water Dog vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  28. St. John's Water Dog vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  29. St. John's Water Dog vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  30. St. John's Water Dog vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  31. St. John's Water Dog vs Samoyed - Breed Comparison
  32. St. John's Water Dog vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  33. St. John's Water Dog vs Bullmastiff - Breed Comparison
  34. St. John's Water Dog vs Great Pyrenees - Breed Comparison
  35. St. John's Water Dog vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  36. St. John's Water Dog vs Presa Canario - Breed Comparison
  37. St. John's Water Dog vs Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  38. St. John's Water Dog vs Labrador Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. St. John's Water Dog vs Argentine Dogo - Breed Comparison
  40. St. John's Water Dog vs Giant Schnauzer - Breed Comparison
  41. St. John's Water Dog vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  42. St. John's Water Dog vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  43. St. John's Water Dog vs Goldador - Breed Comparison
  44. St. John's Water Dog vs Bandog - Breed Comparison
  45. St. John's Water Dog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) - Breed Comparison
  46. St. John's Water Dog vs Dogo Cubano - Breed Comparison
  47. St. John's Water Dog vs Dogo Sardesco - Breed Comparison
  48. St. John's Water Dog vs Beauceron - Breed Comparison
  49. St. John's Water Dog vs Central Asian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  50. St. John's Water Dog vs Mackenzie River Husky - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds