Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

A Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Photo: Cal119 at English Wikipedia, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Sporting Group
AKC RecognizedBest for active families
📏 Size
Medium
⚖️ Weight
16 - 23 kg
🌍 Origin
Canada
🐕 Shedding
Moderate
✂️ Grooming
Every few weeks
Energy Level
high
Exercise: 1.5–2+ hrs a day
A guide for a healthy adult. Puppies, older dogs and flat-faced breeds in the heat need less.

Good to know

  • The "decoy dog": Tollers were bred to play along the shoreline so that curious ducks swim closer, then to retrieve the birds once shot.
  • Lots of energy: they are usually not content without daily exercise and love running, swimming, fetch and dog sports like agility or flyball.
  • Stubborn and soft: they can be a mix of independent and sensitive, so short, fun, reward-based training sessions work best.
  • Coat care: weekly brushing is usually enough, but they shed more in season and the fine hair behind the ears tends to tangle.
  • Best for active homes: they are friendly family dogs for people who can give them plenty of jobs and outdoor time.

Getting out with a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

They need daily exercise beyond a stroll: longer trails, games of fetch and time to run at the park.

Explore more breeds in the Sporting group

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