It was their aptitude for aquatics, though, that most distinguished the St. John's dogs. Bred for functionBecause St. John's dogs were bred for function instead of form, their appearance could vary. Before the Newfoundland dog and Labrador retriever, the St. John's Water Dog was a mainstay of rural and outport life. As a result, some St. John's dogs were bred to a larger size so they could help with hauling wood and pulling sleighs. Despite their popularity elsewhere, in Newfoundland and Labrador itself the St. John's dog gradually went into decline.

Source: CBC News August 02, 2020 11:26 UTC