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

St. John's Water Dog vs Russian Spaniel - Breed ComparisonSt. John's Water Dog is originated from Canada but Russian Spaniel is originated from Russia. St. John's Water Dog may grow 8 cm / 4 inches higher than Russian Spaniel. St. John's Water Dog may weigh 25 kg / 56 pounds more than Russian Spaniel. Both St. John's Water Dog and Russian Spaniel has almost same life span. Both St. John's Water Dog and Russian Spaniel has almost same litter size. St. John's Water Dog requires Low maintenance. But Russian 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.

russian spaniel - historyThe Russian Spaniel is a gun dog which has originated from the English Cocker Spaniel and the English Springer Spaniel. Today while he is a gun dog he is more of a companion dog.

The Russian Spaniel has been spoken about since 1891. Different Spaniel breeds were imported to Russia to be used for hunting but some of the smaller spaniels weren't suited to the weather conditions.

At the beginning of the 20th century, breeding programs got underway for longer legged spaniels, and by the late 1930's there were a variety of different spaniels in Moscow.

After World War II, more purposeful breeding got underway and this led to the the Russian Spaniel standard in 1951. The popularity of the dog has increased and in 2002 the Russian Spaniel Club was set up in the United States. The dog isn’t recognised by any major kennel clubs.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Gun dog
Origin:
Canada
Russia
Height Male:
48 - 53 cm
18 - 21 inches
38 - 45 cm
14 - 18 inches
Height Female:
47 - 52 cm
18 - 21 inches
38 - 45 cm
14 - 18 inches
Weight Male:
25 - 41 kg
55 - 91 pounds
9 - 16 kg
19 - 36 pounds
Weight Female:
16 - 35 kg
35 - 78 pounds
9 - 16 kg
19 - 36 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
10 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
2 - 8
Size:
Large dog
Small dog
Other Names:
St. Johns Dog, Lesser Newfoundland, St. John’s Newfoundland
Rosyjski Spaniel
Colors Available:
black
eddish brown and white with freckles to black and white with freckles.
Coat:
short, thick coats
Shortish and silky
Shedding:
Seasonal
Moderate
Temperament:
Intelligent, Loving, Responsive
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
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.

russian spaniel puppy - descriptionThe attractive little Russian Spaniel stands at 38 – 45cm in height ad weighs between 9 and 16kg. He is such a sturdy little dog too, looking very similar to the English Cocker Spaniel.

The coat is short and silky with quite a bit of feathering around the legs and ears. Colors of the coat can be anything from reddish brown and white with freckles to black and white with freckles.

Temperament:

Aside from the Russian Spaniels' hunting abilities, they make great family pets and are playful with children.They’re devoted to their human families and become particularly attached to one person in the family.

Such devotion leads them to being a bit cool around strangers, not liking anyone unfamiliar to get too close to any of his family members.

He is intelligent and can be easily trained to obey simple commands such as sit, stay, lie down and come.

The Russian Spaniel can be happy in the suburbs, on a farm or in the city so long as he gets lots of attention and enough exercise.

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

russian spaniel dog - characteristicsThe Russian Spaniel is such an energetic, dog, full of life ad with the joys of being alive.

Although he was a gun dog, today he is loved for his companionship. He makes a splendid family pet and loves to be involved with the games of children.

He is easy-going and social, and just wants to spend as much time as he can with his human family. Give him all the love you have and you'll see his tail never stops wagging.

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.

-

russian spaniel puppies - health problemsWith very few health problems, the feisty Russian Spaniel can get to 12-14 years of age. Nonetheless, there are always some of the more common health issues to look out for.

Ear Infections:

Russian Spaniels are prone to developing ear infections. Ear infections can be terribly frustrating for a dog and they are quite difficult to clear up. It is advised that dog owners use ear cleaners before infection sets in. The vet can advise you on this as you have to be careful not to damage the inside of the ear.

Skin Allergies:

Itchy skin can be another terrible frustration for a dog. Allergies often cause terrible itching, and your dog will go mad trying to gnaw and bite at the itch. Finding the specific cause of a skin allergy can be very challenging. Blood tests might be required. It is imperative to feed your dog some raw meat occasionally to avoid these terrible skin infections.

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.

Exercise:

russian spaniel dogs - caringThis dog was raised to be a gun dog, and is used to having plenty of exercise. Most imperative for him will be a couple of walks each day plus lots of chase-the-ball games. These dogs just never seem to get tired as they are playful and will never let the chance of a game pass them by.

Grooming:

Spaniel ears require quite a bit of upkeep as the hair can become extremely matted, forming balls of knotted hair. The inside of the ears must be constantly checked for infection. The spaniel’s coat will need to be brushed regularly and he can even go to the groomers and get a short Spaniel cut.

Diet:

Contribute to your pet’s good health by providing him with top notch food. A good nutritious diet for the Russian Spaniel will give your dog less of a chance to get sick. Always go for the best quality commercially manufactured dog foods.

To provide your dog with just a bit of variety in his diet, some home-made food added into the dry kibble from time to time will delight your pet. No need to make preparing the food a huge issue either. Boil brown rice and chicken in a pot and add in sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach. Chop all this up, and as a treat, add smaller portions of it into the dry kibble.To avoid skin infections, try to include some raw meat into his diet occasionally.

Never leave your pet without a constant source of fresh, cool water

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Scottish Terrier vs Russian Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  2. Schipperke vs Russian Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  3. Schweenie vs Russian Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  4. Schnorkie vs Russian Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  5. Sealyham Terrier vs Russian Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  6. Russian Spaniel vs Pomeranian - Breed Comparison
  7. Russian Spaniel vs Maltese - Breed Comparison
  8. Russian Spaniel vs Pug - Breed Comparison
  9. Russian Spaniel vs Boston Terrier - Breed Comparison
  10. Russian Spaniel vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  11. Russian Spaniel vs Maltipoo - Breed Comparison
  12. Russian Spaniel vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  13. Russian Spaniel vs Bichon Frise - Breed Comparison
  14. Russian Spaniel vs Dachshund - Breed Comparison
  15. Russian Spaniel vs Jack Russell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  16. Russian Spaniel vs Cockapoo - Breed Comparison
  17. Russian Spaniel vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  18. Russian Spaniel vs Cavapoo - Breed Comparison
  19. Russian Spaniel vs Corgi - Breed Comparison
  20. Russian Spaniel vs Miniature Schnauzer - Breed Comparison
  21. Russian Spaniel vs Cavachon - Breed Comparison
  22. Russian Spaniel vs Mal-Shi - Breed Comparison
  23. Russian Spaniel vs American Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  24. Russian Spaniel vs Papillon - Breed Comparison
  25. Russian Spaniel vs Miniature Australian Shepherd - 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