What Happened to The St John's Dog Breed?

The St John’s dog, a foundational breed for many modern retrievers, is now extinct, with the last known individuals found in the late 1970s in Newfoundland, as featured in Richard Wolters’s book. Understanding their history and influence can enrich our appreciation for the breeds we cherish today, discover more rare dog breeds on johnchen.net. Dive into the story of this remarkable canine and its lasting legacy.

1. What Is a St John’s Dog?

A St John’s dog, also known as the St John’s Water Dog or the Lesser Newfoundland, was a landrace dog from Newfoundland, Canada. These dogs were integral to the island’s fishing industry and played a crucial role in the development of modern retriever breeds.

The St John’s Dog was a medium-sized, sturdy canine known for its intelligence, trainability, and exceptional swimming abilities. They typically had a black coat, sometimes with white markings on the chest, face, or feet. Their physical attributes and temperament made them ideal for assisting fishermen in various tasks, such as retrieving ropes, nets, and even fish that escaped the nets.

Their value extended beyond their working capabilities. St John’s Dogs were also cherished companions, known for their loyalty, gentleness, and affection towards their families. These traits made them popular pets among the Newfoundland population.

1.1. Role in Newfoundland’s Fishing Industry

The St John’s Dog was an indispensable asset to Newfoundland’s fishing industry. Their primary role was to assist fishermen in their daily tasks, which included retrieving fishing gear, hauling ropes, and even rescuing drowning sailors. Their strong swimming abilities, combined with their intelligence and trainability, made them perfectly suited for these demanding tasks.

Here are some specific ways in which St John’s Dogs contributed to the fishing industry:

Retrieving Fishing Gear: They were trained to retrieve nets, ropes, and other equipment that fell into the water. Their strong jaws and gentle grip allowed them to retrieve these items without damaging them.
Hauling Ropes: St John’s Dogs were often used to haul ropes attached to fishing nets. Their strength and stamina enabled them to pull heavy loads through the water, making the task easier for fishermen.
Rescuing Drowning Sailors: In emergency situations, St John’s Dogs were known to rescue drowning sailors. Their natural swimming abilities and willingness to help made them invaluable in saving lives.
Guarding Fish: They were also used to guard fish that had been caught, preventing them from escaping or being stolen. Their presence deterred predators and kept the catch secure.

1.2. Connection to Modern Retriever Breeds

The St John’s Dog is considered a foundational breed for many modern retriever breeds, including the Labrador Retriever, the Flat-Coated Retriever, and the Chesapeake Bay Retriever. Their genetic contributions have shaped the characteristics and abilities of these popular breeds.

Labrador Retriever: The Labrador Retriever is perhaps the most well-known descendant of the St John’s Dog. The Labrador shares many of the St John’s Dog’s traits, including its intelligence, trainability, and love for water.
Flat-Coated Retriever: The Flat-Coated Retriever also owes its ancestry to the St John’s Dog. This breed is known for its cheerful disposition, retrieving abilities, and distinctive flat coat.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever: The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is another breed that traces its origins back to the St John’s Dog. This breed is known for its toughness, endurance, and ability to retrieve waterfowl in harsh conditions.

The St John’s Dog’s genetic legacy lives on in these modern retriever breeds.

St John Water Dog retrieving catch, showcases its vital role in the Newfoundland’s fishing industry

2. What Led to the Extinction of the St John’s Dog?

The extinction of the St John’s Dog is attributed to a combination of factors, including government regulations, economic changes, and crossbreeding. These factors gradually eroded the population of St John’s Dogs, leading to their eventual disappearance.

2.1. Government Regulations and Restrictions

In the 19th century, the Newfoundland government implemented regulations that negatively impacted the St John’s Dog population. These regulations were primarily aimed at promoting sheep farming, which was seen as a more economically viable industry.

One of the most detrimental regulations was a heavy tax imposed on dog owners who did not use their dogs for sheep farming. This tax made it expensive for fishermen and other residents to keep St John’s Dogs, leading many to abandon or sell their animals.

Additionally, restrictions were placed on dog ownership, limiting the number of dogs that a household could own. These restrictions further reduced the St John’s Dog population, as families were forced to choose between keeping their working dogs and complying with the regulations.

2.2. Economic Changes in Newfoundland

Economic changes in Newfoundland also contributed to the decline of the St John’s Dog population. As the fishing industry modernized, the need for working dogs decreased.

New technologies, such as motorized boats and mechanical winches, replaced many of the tasks that St John’s Dogs had traditionally performed. As a result, fishermen no longer relied on these dogs as heavily as they once did.

Furthermore, the decline of the cod fishing industry in the 20th century had a devastating impact on Newfoundland’s economy. Many fishing communities were forced to close down, and residents migrated to other areas in search of work. As people left Newfoundland, they often left their St John’s Dogs behind, further diminishing the breed’s population.

2.3. Crossbreeding With Other Breeds

Crossbreeding with other breeds also played a significant role in the extinction of the St John’s Dog. As the breed’s population dwindled, breeders began to cross St John’s Dogs with other breeds in an attempt to preserve their desirable traits.

While crossbreeding may have helped to maintain some of the St John’s Dog’s characteristics, it also diluted the breed’s unique genetic makeup. Over time, the St John’s Dog became increasingly hybridized, losing its distinct identity.

Some of the breeds that were commonly used in crossbreeding with St John’s Dogs included:

English Pointer: English Pointers were sometimes crossed with St John’s Dogs to improve their hunting abilities.
Irish Setter: Irish Setters were also used in crossbreeding to enhance the St John’s Dog’s retrieving skills.
Labrador Retriever: Labrador Retrievers were occasionally crossed with St John’s Dogs, further blurring the lines between the two breeds.

These crossbreeding practices, combined with government regulations and economic changes, ultimately led to the extinction of the St John’s Dog.

3. When Did the St John’s Dog Go Extinct?

The St John’s Dog is considered to be extinct, with the last known individuals documented in the 1970s.

3.1. Last Documented Sightings

The last documented sightings of St John’s Dogs occurred in remote areas of Newfoundland in the 1970s. These dogs were identified based on their physical characteristics and working abilities, which closely resembled those of the original St John’s Dog.

One of the most notable accounts of these last St John’s Dogs was documented by Richard Wolters in his book The Labrador Retriever…The People…The History…Revisited. Wolters described encountering two elderly male St John’s Dogs in Newfoundland, one of whom was named “Lassie.” These dogs were believed to be among the last surviving members of the breed.

Unfortunately, due to their advanced age and the lack of available females, these dogs were unable to reproduce, and the St John’s Dog lineage came to an end.

3.2. Efforts to Revive the Breed (Unsuccessful)

Despite the St John’s Dog’s extinction, there have been occasional efforts to revive the breed. These efforts typically involve identifying dogs with St John’s Dog-like characteristics and attempting to breed them together.

However, these efforts have been largely unsuccessful due to the lack of purebred St John’s Dogs. Without a viable breeding population, it is impossible to recreate the breed in its original form.

Furthermore, the genetic diversity of modern retriever breeds has made it difficult to isolate and selectively breed for St John’s Dog traits. The St John’s Dog’s genetic legacy has been diluted over time, making it challenging to distinguish St John’s Dog descendants from other retriever breeds.

4. What Did the St John’s Dog Look Like?

The St John’s Dog was a medium-sized, sturdy dog with a distinctive appearance. Their physical characteristics were well-suited for their working roles in Newfoundland’s fishing industry.

4.1. Physical Characteristics

The St John’s Dog typically stood between 19 and 21 inches tall and weighed between 55 and 75 pounds. They had a muscular build and a deep chest, which gave them strength and stamina.

Their coat was short, dense, and water-resistant, providing protection from the cold and wet conditions of Newfoundland. The most common coat color was black, but some dogs also had white markings on their chest, face, or feet.

Other notable physical characteristics of the St John’s Dog included:

Head: The St John’s Dog had a broad head with a moderate stop (the indentation between the eyes).
Muzzle: Their muzzle was of medium length and slightly tapered.
Eyes: Their eyes were typically brown or hazel and had an intelligent and alert expression.
Ears: Their ears were medium-sized and triangular, hanging close to the head.
Tail: Their tail was of medium length and carried level with the back.

4.2. Temperament and Personality

The St John’s Dog was known for its intelligence, trainability, and gentle disposition. They were highly valued for their working abilities and their companionship.

Some of the key temperament traits of the St John’s Dog included:

Intelligence: They were quick learners and eager to please, making them easy to train.
Trainability: They responded well to positive reinforcement and were capable of mastering a wide range of tasks.
Loyalty: They were devoted to their families and formed strong bonds with their owners.
Gentleness: They were known for their gentle nature, especially towards children and other animals.
Courage: They were courageous and willing to face challenges, making them reliable working dogs.
Swimming Ability: They were natural swimmers and loved to retrieve objects from the water.

The St John’s Dog’s temperament and personality made them ideal working dogs and cherished companions.

5. What Was the St John’s Dog Used For?

The St John’s Dog was primarily used as a working dog in Newfoundland’s fishing industry. Their physical attributes and temperament made them well-suited for a variety of tasks related to fishing and water retrieval.

5.1. Retrieving Fishing Nets and Gear

One of the St John’s Dog’s primary roles was to retrieve fishing nets and gear that had fallen into the water. Their strong swimming abilities and gentle grip allowed them to retrieve these items without damaging them.

Fishermen relied on St John’s Dogs to retrieve nets that had drifted away from their boats, saving them time and effort. They were also used to retrieve ropes, buoys, and other equipment that were essential to the fishing operation.

5.2. Hauling Ropes and Lines

St John’s Dogs were often used to haul ropes and lines attached to fishing nets. Their strength and stamina enabled them to pull heavy loads through the water, making the task easier for fishermen.

They would be harnessed to the ropes and encouraged to pull, effectively acting as a canine winch. This was particularly useful in situations where the nets were heavy or the currents were strong.

5.3. Water Rescue

In emergency situations, St John’s Dogs were known to rescue drowning sailors and passengers. Their natural swimming abilities and willingness to help made them invaluable in saving lives.

They would instinctively swim towards people in distress and attempt to bring them back to shore. Their strong jaws and gentle grip allowed them to tow people to safety without causing injury.

5.4. General Farm Work

In addition to their roles in the fishing industry, St John’s Dogs were also used for general farm work. Their versatility and trainability made them useful for a variety of tasks around the farm.

They would be used to herd livestock, guard property, and even pull carts. Their willingness to work and their loyalty to their owners made them valuable assets to farmers in Newfoundland.

6. How Did the St John’s Dog Influence Modern Dog Breeds?

The St John’s Dog has had a profound influence on modern dog breeds, particularly retriever breeds. Their genetic contributions have shaped the characteristics and abilities of many popular breeds that we know and love today.

6.1. Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever is perhaps the most well-known descendant of the St John’s Dog. The Labrador shares many of the St John’s Dog’s traits, including its intelligence, trainability, and love for water.

Labradors inherited their retrieving abilities, their strong swimming skills, and their gentle disposition from the St John’s Dog. These traits have made Labradors one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, excelling as both working dogs and family companions.

The Labrador’s thick, water-resistant coat, which is ideal for swimming in cold water, is also a trait inherited from the St John’s Dog.

6.2. Flat-Coated Retriever

The Flat-Coated Retriever also owes its ancestry to the St John’s Dog. This breed is known for its cheerful disposition, retrieving abilities, and distinctive flat coat.

Flat-Coated Retrievers inherited their retrieving instincts, their love for water, and their friendly personalities from the St John’s Dog. These traits have made them popular as both hunting dogs and family pets.

The Flat-Coated Retriever’s intelligence and trainability are also traits that can be traced back to the St John’s Dog.

6.3. Chesapeake Bay Retriever

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is another breed that traces its origins back to the St John’s Dog. This breed is known for its toughness, endurance, and ability to retrieve waterfowl in harsh conditions.

Chesapeake Bay Retrievers inherited their strong swimming abilities, their dense, oily coat, and their determination from the St John’s Dog. These traits have made them ideal for retrieving waterfowl in the cold and choppy waters of the Chesapeake Bay.

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever’s courage and willingness to face challenges are also traits that can be attributed to the St John’s Dog.

6.4. Other Retriever Breeds

In addition to the Labrador Retriever, Flat-Coated Retriever, and Chesapeake Bay Retriever, the St John’s Dog has also influenced other retriever breeds, such as the Golden Retriever and the American Water Spaniel.

These breeds share some of the St John’s Dog’s traits, including their retrieving abilities, their love for water, and their intelligence. While the St John’s Dog’s influence may be less direct in these breeds, its genetic contributions are still evident.

The St John’s Dog’s legacy lives on in these modern retriever breeds, which continue to excel as working dogs and family companions.

7. Are There Any St John’s Dogs Alive Today?

No, there are no known St John’s Dogs alive today. The breed is considered to be extinct, with the last documented individuals living in the 1970s.

7.1. Extinction Status

The St John’s Dog is officially classified as extinct by major kennel clubs and canine organizations. There is no viable breeding population of St John’s Dogs, and efforts to revive the breed have been unsuccessful.

While some dogs may resemble the St John’s Dog in appearance or temperament, they are not considered to be purebred St John’s Dogs. These dogs are typically mixed-breed dogs with some St John’s Dog ancestry.

7.2. Misidentification and Claims of Survival

Despite the St John’s Dog’s extinction status, there have been occasional claims of the breed’s survival. These claims often involve misidentification of dogs with St John’s Dog-like characteristics.

Some people may mistakenly believe that their dog is a St John’s Dog because it resembles the breed in appearance or temperament. However, without genetic testing or verifiable documentation, it is impossible to confirm whether a dog is truly a St John’s Dog.

It is important to rely on credible sources of information, such as kennel clubs and canine organizations, when determining the breed of a dog. These organizations have established standards and guidelines for breed identification.

8. Can the St John’s Dog Be Brought Back From Extinction?

Bringing the St John’s Dog back from extinction is a complex and challenging endeavor. While it may be theoretically possible, there are significant obstacles that would need to be overcome.

8.1. De-Extinction Technology

De-extinction technology involves using advanced genetic techniques to recreate extinct species. This technology has been used to bring back some extinct animals, such as the Pyrenean Ibex.

However, de-extinction technology is still in its early stages, and it is not yet applicable to all extinct species. The success of de-extinction depends on the availability of well-preserved genetic material.

In the case of the St John’s Dog, there is limited genetic material available. The last known individuals lived in the 1970s, and their remains were not preserved in a way that would allow for genetic extraction.

8.2. Selective Breeding Programs

Selective breeding programs involve identifying dogs with St John’s Dog-like characteristics and selectively breeding them together to amplify those traits. This approach has been used to recreate some extinct breeds, such as the Heck cattle.

However, selective breeding programs are time-consuming and require a large population of dogs with the desired traits. In the case of the St John’s Dog, there is a limited number of dogs with St John’s Dog-like characteristics, making it difficult to establish a viable breeding program.

8.3. Ethical Considerations

There are also ethical considerations to take into account when considering the de-extinction of the St John’s Dog. Some people argue that it is not ethical to bring back extinct species, as it could have unintended consequences for the environment and other species.

Others argue that it is our responsibility to try to undo the damage that humans have caused to the environment, including the extinction of species.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to attempt to bring back the St John’s Dog from extinction is a complex one with no easy answers.

9. What Lessons Can We Learn From the St John’s Dog’s Extinction?

The extinction of the St John’s Dog provides valuable lessons about the importance of conservation, responsible breeding practices, and the impact of human activities on animal populations.

9.1. Importance of Conservation Efforts

The St John’s Dog’s extinction highlights the importance of conservation efforts to protect endangered species. Without active conservation efforts, many species are at risk of extinction due to habitat loss, climate change, and other factors.

Conservation efforts can include:

Protecting habitats: Preserving natural habitats is essential for ensuring that species have a place to live and thrive.
Controlling invasive species: Invasive species can outcompete native species for resources, leading to their decline.
Combating poaching: Poaching can decimate animal populations, especially those that are already endangered.
Raising awareness: Educating the public about the importance of conservation can help to garner support for conservation efforts.

9.2. Responsible Breeding Practices

The St John’s Dog’s extinction also underscores the importance of responsible breeding practices. Crossbreeding with other breeds can dilute a breed’s unique genetic makeup, leading to its eventual disappearance.

Responsible breeding practices include:

Maintaining breed standards: Breed standards help to preserve the unique characteristics of a breed.
Avoiding crossbreeding: Crossbreeding can dilute a breed’s genetic makeup and lead to the loss of desirable traits.
Health testing: Health testing can help to identify and eliminate genetic diseases from a breed.
Promoting genetic diversity: Maintaining genetic diversity within a breed can help to prevent inbreeding and other genetic problems.

9.3. Impact of Human Activities

The St John’s Dog’s extinction is a reminder of the impact that human activities can have on animal populations. Government regulations, economic changes, and crossbreeding all contributed to the decline of the St John’s Dog.

It is important to be aware of the potential consequences of our actions on the environment and animal populations. By making informed decisions and taking responsible actions, we can help to protect endangered species and prevent future extinctions.

An old drawing of St John Water Dog, resembling the modern Labrador Retriever

10. Where Can I Learn More About the St John’s Dog?

There are many resources available for those who want to learn more about the St John’s Dog. These resources include books, articles, websites, and museums.

10.1. Books and Articles

Several books and articles have been written about the St John’s Dog. These resources provide detailed information about the breed’s history, characteristics, and role in the development of modern retriever breeds.

Some notable books and articles about the St John’s Dog include:

“The Labrador Retriever…The People…The History…Revisited” by Richard Wolters
“The Newfoundland Dog: A Comprehensive Guide” by Maureen Lyon
“The Complete Labrador Retriever” by Helen Warwick

These resources can provide valuable insights into the St John’s Dog and its legacy.

10.2. Websites and Online Resources

Many websites and online resources also provide information about the St John’s Dog. These resources can include articles, images, videos, and forums.

Some reputable websites and online resources about the St John’s Dog include:

The American Kennel Club (AKC)
The United Kennel Club (UKC)
Dog Breed Info Center

These resources can provide a convenient way to learn more about the St John’s Dog from the comfort of your own home.

10.3. Museums and Historical Societies

Some museums and historical societies may have exhibits or collections related to the St John’s Dog. These exhibits may include artifacts, images, and documents that provide insights into the breed’s history and cultural significance.

Visiting a museum or historical society can be a great way to learn more about the St John’s Dog and its place in history.

FAQ About St John’s Dog

1. What was the original purpose of the St John’s Dog?

The St John’s Dog was primarily a working dog in Newfoundland, assisting fishermen by retrieving nets and gear, hauling ropes, and even rescuing people from the water.

2. How did government policies contribute to the St John’s Dog’s extinction?

Government regulations in Newfoundland, aimed at promoting sheep farming, imposed heavy taxes on dog owners who didn’t use their dogs for sheep farming, leading many to abandon their St John’s Dogs.

3. Can you describe the St John’s Dog’s temperament?

They were known for their intelligence, trainability, loyalty, and gentle nature, making them excellent working dogs and family companions.

4. What is de-extinction technology, and could it bring back the St John’s Dog?

De-extinction technology uses advanced genetic techniques to recreate extinct species. While theoretically possible, the limited availability of well-preserved genetic material from St John’s Dogs makes it challenging.

5. Are there any ethical concerns about bringing back extinct species like the St John’s Dog?

Yes, there are concerns about the potential environmental impact and whether it’s right to interfere with natural processes, balanced against the idea of rectifying human-caused extinctions.

6. What physical traits did the St John’s Dog possess?

They were medium-sized with a sturdy build, short dense water-resistant coat (usually black), and strong swimming abilities.

7. How did crossbreeding affect the St John’s Dog population?

Crossbreeding with other breeds diluted the unique genetic makeup of the St John’s Dog, contributing to its eventual extinction as purebred individuals became rare.

8. In what ways did the modernization of the fishing industry impact the St John’s Dog?

As new technologies replaced traditional methods, the need for working dogs decreased, leading to a decline in their value and population.

9. What can we learn from the extinction of the St John’s Dog?

We learn the importance of conservation efforts, responsible breeding practices, and understanding the impact of human activities on animal populations.

10. Where can someone find more information about the St John’s Dog?

Resources include books like Richard Wolters’ “The Labrador Retriever,” websites such as the American Kennel Club, and historical societies with relevant exhibits.

The story of the St John’s Dog is a compelling reminder of the importance of conservation and responsible breeding practices. By learning about this remarkable breed and its legacy, we can gain a greater appreciation for the dogs we love today.

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