Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
The smallest retriever, bred in Nova Scotia to lure and retrieve waterfowl. Intelligent, energetic and affectionate, but needs lots of exercise and can be reserved with strangers.
Overview
The smallest retriever, bred in Nova Scotia to lure and retrieve waterfowl. Intelligent, energetic and affectionate, but needs lots of exercise and can be reserved with strangers.
Good to know — a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is needs plenty of space and manageable for committed beginners. Every dog is an individual, so meet a few and chat to a good breeder or rescue before deciding.
Temperament & family fit
In general, a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is good with children and sociable with other dogs. They tend to be a moderate barker, and as a guide they are manageable for committed beginners. Early socialisation, reward-based training and supervision around young children make all the difference.
- Families with children of all ages
- Owners ready for consistent training
- Active homes with plenty of space
Exercise needs
A healthy adult Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever typically needs 2 hours or more, plus a job to do a day (roughly 120–180 minutes), split across walks, play and a little training. Higher-energy dogs also need their brains tired — sniffy walks, training games and puzzle feeding go a long way. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need adjusted amounts — check with your vet.
Grooming & coat
Coat upkeep is regular brushing and shedding is high. Brush regularly (a few times a week) to keep the coat healthy and remove loose hair.
- Brush several times a week
- Bathe every few weeks or as needed
- Check ears, nails and teeth weekly
Feeding considerations
Like any dog, a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever should get most of its nutrition from a complete, balanced dog food suited to its size and life stage. Portions scale with body weight and activity, so a medium breed will eat a moderate amount compared with other breeds — follow the food’s feeding guide and your vet’s advice, and weigh portions to avoid creeping weight gain. Treats should make up no more than about 10% of daily calories.
Pros & cons
The good bits
- Highly intelligent and trainable
- Affectionate, playful family gundog
Things to consider
- Very high exercise and stimulation needs
- Can be sensitive and reserved with strangers
Similar breeds
Border Collie
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Cocker Spaniel
A merry, affectionate gundog that loves people and activity — happiest with a job and regular grooming.
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English Springer Spaniel
A tireless, enthusiastic working gundog that needs serious daily exercise and mental stimulation.
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Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Affectionately known as the "nanny dog" — devoted, people-loving and famously gentle with children.
View breed guide →Frequently asked questions
Are Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers good with children?
Good with children. As a general guide, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers tend to be patient and tolerant. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.
How much exercise does a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever need?
As a healthy adult, a typical Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever needs 2 hours or more, plus a job to do of exercise a day (120–180 minutes), split across walks plus play. Higher-energy dogs also need mental stimulation — sniffing, training games and puzzle feeders — to stay settled. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.
Do Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers shed a lot?
High shedding. Coat upkeep is regular brushing — brush regularly to keep the coat in good condition.
Are Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers easy to train and good for first-time owners?
Manageable for committed beginners. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers are best for owners ready to commit to consistent training and plenty of activity. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.
Do Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers bark a lot?
Moderate barker. They are usually fairly easy-going about barking, though any dog will bark if bored or under-exercised.
Are Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers good with other dogs?
Sociable with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.
Do Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers suit flats or smaller homes?
Needs plenty of space. A Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever really needs plenty of space and a lot of daily activity — not ideal for a small flat.
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Every dog is an individual — temperament and needs vary. Please research thoroughly, meet dogs in person, and consider adopting from a rescue. This is general guidance, not a substitute for advice from your vet or a qualified trainer.