Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Also known as Retriever de la Nouvelle-Écosse, Toller
- Height at the withers
- 45 to 51 cm
- Weight
- 17 to 23 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 14 years
- Daily activity
- 90 minutes
- Origin
- Nova Scotia, Canada
- FCI group
- 8 · Retrievers, flushing dogs and water dogs
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with children
- a sporty owner: running, hiking, canicross
Less suited to
- an apartment: it needs space
- a sedentary life: plan on 90 minutes of activity a day
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
- allergy sufferers: it sheds a lot
Overview
The smallest of the retrievers, this athletic and energetic hunting dog is recognizable by its red coat with white markings. It was bred to lure waterfowl, then retrieve them.
History and origins
Developed in Nova Scotia, Canada, in the 19th century. It lured ducks by playing on the shore (“tolling”), then retrieved them once they had been shot. Recognized by the Canadian Kennel Club in 1945, then by the FCI.
Health
Life expectancy is 12 to 14 years, and its hardiness is average. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis
- Autoimmune diseases (lupus, Addison’s disease)
- Hypothyroidism
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Hip dysplasia
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Medium-length double coat. Heavy shedding, average coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- Boundless, 5 out of 5
- Apartment
- Difficult, 2 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With cats
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With strangers
- Polite, 3 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Easy, 4 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Possible, 3 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Strong, 4 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Shedding
- Heavy, 4 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Average, 3 out of 5
In our lists
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever FAQ
How big does the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever get?
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever stands 45 to 51 cm at the withers and weighs 17 to 23 kg. It is a medium-sized dog.
Does the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever shed a lot?
It sheds heavily and its coat needs average care. Plan on brushing several times a week, and more during the spring and fall shedding seasons.
Can the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever live in an apartment?
It is difficult: it needs space and activity, and a home with a yard suits it better.
How much exercise does the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever need each day?
Allow about 90 minutes of activity a day: its energy is boundless. Add games and training exercises to keep its mind busy too.
Is the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever good with children?
Yes, it gets along well with children who respect it. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever live?
Life expectancy is 12 to 14 years, and its hardiness is average. The main health problems to watch for are steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis and autoimmune diseases.
