Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever

Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever (NSDTR) originated in Nova Scotia and was bred to attract ducks until they were in range for the hunter, and to collect them once they were down. They are thought to be a mixture of the Labrador, Irish Setter, Flat Coated Retriever, Cocker Spaniel and Chesapeake Bay retriever! The variety of hunting and sporting breeds combined into this dog make the NSDTR excellent at their job and gives them a high prey drive.

This breed has a compact, athletic body with toned, thin legs. They have a long, slender muzzle and medium sized floppy ears that are pricked upwards. The NSDTR has large curious eyes and a long bushy tail that is used as a rudder when retrieving game that has landed in water.

The NSDTR is a lively, loving breed that will make a great working partner as well as a great family dog because they adore children, dogs and smaller pets. This breed is friendly, outgoing and affectionate and will be a simpler dog to train, but their owners will experience their stubbornness at times! NSDTR's thrive on the attention and praise they get from their owners because they need to know that they are needed!

Color

The NSDTR will only be a reddish colour but can come in different shades of the red. White patches or markings on their paws, tail, and chest are permitted but they must not be large.

Coat

This breed has a wavy, smooth textured double layered coat. The outer layer is a bit more coarse and long but the under layer is plushy and thick. The NSDTR will not need extensive grooming but weekly brushing and monthly bathes should be perfect!

Personality

The NSDTR is an active, smart and energetic breed that will need a large amount of exercise to keep them happy. Despite their small size, this breed should have at least 1-2 hours of physical activity per day. This breed is outgoing and friendly with family and friends but when it comes to people they've never met, they tend to be more weary until they are introduced. NSDTR's have an unusually strong bond with their owners and they literally thrive on the affection they get from them. 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.

Care

The NSDTR will need a minimal amount of grooming maintenance to upkeep their coat. Brushing 1-2 times per week and bathing every 2 months will be great! 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!

Training

These dogs are incredibly clever and will just need a gentle owner who can be firm while teaching them. Shorter lessons that take place multiple times per day will be much more effective as it will give the dogs more repetition and time for the information to sink in. NSDTR's are not a difficult breed to train because they have such a high motivation to please their owners.

Activity

The NSDTR will need at least 1-2 hours of exercise per day to tire them out. This can be done running at an off-leash park or swimming in a lake. These dogs don't really care what sort of activities they do but as long as they and their owners are having fun, that's all that matters! They will be well off in an apartment as long as they are taken out every day and a backyard is not needed but access to one would be a bonus.