NOVA SCOTIA DUCK TOLLING RETRIEVER
APPEARANCE
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is athletic, well-muscled, compact, medium boned, balanced and powerful. His silky coat is close fitting and long, and he has a wavy, lustrous undercoat. The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever has webbed feet, and the coloring of the coat comes in shades of orange or red, often with white markings. The weight of the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is around 35-50 pounds, and he is around 17-22 inches in height.
PERSONALITY
The Toller is highly intelligent, alert, outgoing, and ready for action. These dogs make great companions and pets, and are well suited to the more inexperienced dog owner as well as those with experience. The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever has a mild manner and a gentle nature. These dogs are in a constant mind of play and usually find things to keep them entertained. They love to explore and are high spirited dogs making friends everywhere they go! This cheerful breed will do best with an active owner or family that enjoys outdoor sports or events.
TRAINING
He is an intelligent dog and quick to learn, but boredom and distraction can sometimes make training a challenge - owners need to be confident and assertive, whilst always using positive reward-based training methods for best results. Being so high energy, this breed requires fun and games, and consistent training. Varying methods of training work best with this breed to keep his attention. Does very well in retrieving and is fairly good in obedience.
EXERCISE
These are active dogs and they need something to keep them busy. Always wanting you to throw things at them, this is not a dog who is content sitting around all the time. The ideal family for them is one who likes to do a lot of camping, hiking or taking trips to the lake, a family that is going to give enough outlets for the dog’s energy.
SOCIALIZATION
This is a sociable and friendly breed, and gets along well with gentle children, as well as with other pets. Most will be a little wary of strangers at first. The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever will bark, and this means that he can be an effective watchdog, but he is too gentle and good natured to make it as a guard dog. These dogs will fare well with a family that is active and has plenty of time to dedicate to a pet.
LIVING CONDITIONS
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever could live in all weather conditions, be it the very southern, humid atmosphere, the desert areas or heavy winter areas. They could live in cities and out in the country.
GROOMING
The double coat on the Toller should be brushed all the way down to the undercoat to ensure a healthy and smooth coat. Dry shampooing works best on the coat of this breed, and should not be bathed regularly as this removes the oils from the skin and coat, which gives it the ability to be water resistant. The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a moderate shedder, and sheds all year round, so he is not best suited to those with allergies.
HEALTH ISSUES
The life expectancy of the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is around 12-14 years. These dogs are prone to hip dysplasia, eye ailments such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy and possibly thyroid problems. For the most part, this breed is generally quite healthy!
HISTORY
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever originates from Canada, and was bred to help hunt duck in the water by baiting them into the range of the gun. The breed is thought to go back over a century, and was registered with the AKC in 2001.
