Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Energetic, intelligent, and affectionate, this breed thrives on activity and close companionship. Compact yet powerful, it excels in both outdoor adventures and family life.
Breed Characteristics

Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.
HEIGHT
48–51 cm (male)
45–48 cm (female)
WEIGHT
20–23 kg (male)
17–20 kg (female)
LIFE EXPECTANCY
12–14 years
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever: Breed snapshot
Everything you need to know about this beloved breed at a glance

Key Breed Characteristics
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Species
Canis lupus familiaris
Diet
Omnivore
"A Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever isn't just a pet — they're a loyal companion, a playful friend, and a loving family member all in one."
Temperament & personality
Understanding Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever's temperament is key to knowing if they're the right match for your lifestyle.
Personality Overview
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is friendly, alert, and outgoing, often forming strong bonds with family members while remaining reserved with strangers.
Key Personality Traits
Warm and sociable with people and dogs
Quick learner, responds well to training
Highly active, needs ample daily exercise
Loves games, always ready for playtime
Adjusts well to different routines and settings

Strengths
- Highly intelligent and quick to learn commands
- Strong retrieving instinct and drive
- Energetic and playful with families
- Generally friendly with other dogs
- Adaptable to various outdoor activities
Challenges
- Needs extensive daily physical exercise
- Prone to separation anxiety if left alone
- Can be wary of strangers at first
- Requires regular mental stimulation and tasks
- Moderate shedding and regular grooming needed

Protect your Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever are active and energetic, but they can develop hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy. Get peace of mind with PetSecur's comprehensive coverage.
Intelligence & exercise needs
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers are both highly intelligent and energetic, requiring mental and physical stimulation to thrive.
🧠 Intelligence & training
Trainability
Highly trainable
Overall rating
Highly intelligent and eager to please, this breed learns quickly and responds well to consistent, positive training methods, making it suitable for various canine activities.
Trainable Tasks:
🏃 Exercise & energy levels
Daily Exercise
60–90 minutes daily
recommended per day
They have high energy and stamina, requiring daily vigorous exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and content, excelling in activities like fetch, agility, and advanced obedience.
Recommended Activities:
Is this breed right for you?
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers are versatile dogs that adapt well to many lifestyles, but they're not the perfect match for everyone. Here's a quick guide to help you determine if a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever would fit well in your home.
First-time Owner
Intelligent but needs consistent training and exercise, which may be challenging for beginners
Apartment Living
Needs ample space and regular activity, making apartments less suitable
Active Lifestyle
Thrives in active homes with frequent exercise and mental stimulation
Kids
Friendly and playful with children, usually gentle and tolerant
Multiple Pets
Generally sociable with other dogs and pets if socialized early
Being Left Alone
Dislikes being left alone for long periods and may develop separation issues
Breed comparisons
Wondering how Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers compare to other popular breeds? Check out our detailed comparison pages.
Frequently Asked Questions about Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about this breed
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