St. John's Water Dog vs Harrier - Breed Comparison

St. John's Water Dog vs Harrier - Breed ComparisonHarrier is originated from United Kingdom but St. John's Water Dog is originated from Canada. Both Harrier and St. John's Water Dog are having almost same height. Harrier may weigh 14 kg / 30 pounds lesser than St. John's Water Dog. Harrier may live 4 years more than St. John's Water Dog. Both Harrier and St. John's Water Dog has almost same litter size. Harrier requires Moderate Maintenance. But St. John's Water Dog requires Low Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Working dog
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United Kingdom
Canada
Height Male:
48 - 50 cm
18 - 20 inches
48 - 53 cm
18 - 21 inches
Height Female:
45 - 48 cm
17 - 19 inches
47 - 52 cm
18 - 21 inches
Weight Male:
18 - 27 kg
39 - 60 pounds
25 - 41 kg
55 - 91 pounds
Weight Female:
16 - 25 kg
35 - 56 pounds
16 - 35 kg
35 - 78 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 16 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 4
4 - 6
Size:
Medium
Large
Other Names:
Harehound
St. Johns Dog, Lesser Newfoundland, St. John’s Newfoundland
Colors Available:
black, but a few come in an unusual mottled blue pattern. , white and tan
black
Coat:
short, glossy coat
short, thick coats
Shedding:
Moderate
Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Energetic, Friendly, Lively, Loving, Stubborn
Intelligent, Loving, Responsive
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

harrierDeveloped in Great Britain, the Harrier is another hunting dog – a hound that primarily hunts hares and small prey. The breed itself is medium sized - smaller than an English Foxhound and larger than a Beagle. Although the definitive origins of the Harrier are not set, it is believed that he is a cross of the Basset Hound, Talbot Hound and Bloodhound. Others believe the breed is a cross of the Greyhound and the English Foxhound. The Harrier looks like a smaller version of the English Foxhound.

The Harrier is a pack dog and in 1260, Sir Elias de Midhope established the first pack in England. From there the breed spread to Wales and Western England, most used in Ireland where they hunt fox as well as hares. However, hunting hares is the specialty of the breed and even gave the breed its name. In 1885 they were recognized by the American Kennel Club in the Hound Group. Yet despite this and despite the number of Harriers working in England, they are not recognized by the UKC.

st john s water dogThe 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.

Description

harrier puppy - descriptionThe Harrier is a typical hound dog much like the English Foxhound. The breed is a little smaller than the Foxhound but is muscular and large boned like his cousin. They have short hard hair that sheds and ears that hang. The Harrier is a large boned breed built for strength and stamina in the race with hares. They have broad skulls, strong muzzles, with hazel or brown eyes. They also have a black, wide nose and a high, medium length tail.

They say he has a ‘courtly grin’ on an expressive face. Being pack dogs, they must be sturdy, able to cover any type of terrain, for as long as the hare runs. It is critical that their scenting and running tools are exceptional. He is blue or yellow-pied. His feet are cat like and the chest is dropped low. He is an extremely well-proportioned dog

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.

Characteristics

Children friendliness

harrier dog - characteristicsYes, they are good with children but are very rambunctious and should be supervised with young children.

Special talents

Scenting ability and wonderful personality

Adaptability

This breed is very adaptable as long as it gets enough exercise. He can live in the country or she can live in the city with an outlet for exercise.

Learning ability

Smart but stubborn at times. Therefore, his learning ability is moderate.

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

Health Problems

Health Problems

harrier puppies - health problemsIt seems the only real health issue other than hunting accidents or foot and toe incidents due to hunting.is:

Hip Dysplasia

This abnormality in the hip socket can cause arthritis and lameness that is very painful. This is the most severe form. The Harrier can have a milder form that does not progress to this level. Hip dysplasia has a genetic component, but the environment plays a role as well and active hunting dogs are especially prone to this.

Ear Infections

Floppy ears that hang down are always susceptible to ear infections. Check them often and clean them at least weekly.

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.

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Caring The Pet

Feeding the puppy

harrier dogs - caringFeed a high nutrition puppy food dry food made for an energetic breed. Feed 3 times a day ½-3/4 cup each time.

Feeding the adult

Again feed a high nutrition adult food for an active breed. Feed twice a day 1-11/2 cups each time.

Points for Good Health

Outstanding health unless in a hunting accident.

Games and Exercises

The Harrier is an energetic, hunting breed that needs a lot of exercise on a daily basis. Long walks and jogging or running is good for the Harrier. If they are not working, hunting dogs they need more exercise. A fenced yard for playing is good. If this intense breed does not get enough exercise and mental stimulation, he needs there could be issues with destructive behavior and obesity. Flyball, tracking, agility, coursing, rally and hunting are great activities for this breed of dog. In addition, they are pack animals and do better in a family that has more than one dog.

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.

Comparison with other breeds

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  26. Harrier vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
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  30. Harrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Harrier vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Harrier vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Harrier vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Harrier vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Harrier vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Harrier vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Harrier vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Harrier vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Harrier vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Harrier vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Harrier vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Harrier vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Harrier vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Harrier vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Harrier vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Harrier vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Harrier vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Harrier vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Harrier vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Harrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison