Do Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers shed a lot?

I am interested in getting another dog, and I like the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers, but I am interested in knowing how much they shed.

I decided to take a look and see what I could find out about this breed earlier today.  Here is what I learned.

Do Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers shed a lot?

Yes, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers shed a lot of their water-repelling double fur coat of medium to long hair.  They shed seasonally in Spring and Fall-like other dogs do but do not need a lot of grooming daily any additional time of year.   During the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers high shedding season, they will shed a lot of hair due to their double coat, and potential pet parents must be prepared to do extra cleaning and more extensive grooming.   

Having the right tools can make all the difference for the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers’ pet parents that shed a lot.  The right tools can make cleaning and grooming easier and more efficient for the pet parent and the dog. 

Compared to other dogs, they shed moderately, not so much as some but more than others.  Beyond that, their fur coat is pretty much washed and wear, needing only occasional baths as they get dirty or other rooming like teeth and nails. 

Like any other dog, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers can shed a lot more when they suffer from stress or health issues that can be mild or moderate to severe.  Inner health often reveals itself through the dogs’ appearance, including their coat of fur.    They are a highly trainable breed which makes it easy to teach them that grooming, brushing, and bathing is all a necessary part of their lives.

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers can shed a lot like other dogs with medium to long hair that is a double coat.   They tend to shed a lot more during certain seasons like other dogs, including the Spring and Fall season.

During the Spring and Fall seasons, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers will need to be groomed more often.  This grooming will include brushing to remove the excess hair falling out, so it doesn’t get tangled, knotted, or end up everywhere.

The other two seasons of the year, Summer and Winter, will still have the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers shedding but not excessively.

Pet parents should be prepared for lengthier house cleaning sessions when a dog like this is in the house and more grooming sessions.  Having the right set of tools can make all the difference, whether the pet parent is brushing their dog or cleaning up the house of their fur.

While this dog breed does shed a lot, they are not high shedders like some dogs.  They are moderate shedders, shedding more than some and less than others.  Thankfully they are a wash-and-wear kind of dog, not requiring much fuss like other dogs in the area of grooming.  If they are clean and brushed, all is well.

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers should only be bathed as necessary, a few times per year or when they become extra dirty.

This rare breed can shed more excessively at certain times if they are under stress or suffering from some health issues.  If suddenly they begin shedding more than is usual, a consultation with their veterinarian is necessary.

As a highly trainable dog breed, they can quickly learn that grooming, bathing, and brushing, as well as other care, are a necessary part of their lives.

What is a double coat of fur?

A double coat of fur is two layers of fur, one on top of the outside, one on the bottom of the inside.  These two fur combined coats provided added insulation and protection from outdoor elements in dogs that typically spend more time outside or in diverse climates.

The inside coat of fur is often denser and softer, while the fur’s outer coat is longer.  The inside jacket of fur protects and acts as an insulator for temperature changes. The outer coat is water repelling and can help prevent dirt and debris from making contact with the dogs’ skin, further protecting.

Why do some dogs have a double coat of fur while others do not?

Some dogs have a double coat of fur, while others do not base their breed background and history or what they were bred to do.  A double coat is a two-layer coat of fur, while some dogs have a single coat of fur, which is just as the name implies, one layer of fur.

Working dogs or dogs that have historically spent a great deal of time outdoors, like hunting dogs, need added protection.

These breeds have historically been bred to have certain qualities that make them better for the tasks or jobs, including spending time outdoors.  Not to mention that dogs bred in colder climates would be bred to withstand the colder weather.  Qualities like a thicker or longer coat or even a double coat can enhance their health and create a more resilient dog for owners in these climates.

Today in our modern world, often, these traits are not as much of a factor.  Dogs who enjoy spending extended amounts of time outdoors but are not equipped with a double coat of fur can wear a dog coat.  Dogs that were bred for outdoor life and to spend much of their time outdoors can go inside with their loved ones in the comfortable air conditioning and relax.

Times have changed, but historically a single or double coat of fur for a dog came down to what they were bred for or to do.  Companion animals might spend most of their time with their human companions and possibly less time outdoors or in diverse weather conditions.  Situations such as these can mean they have little need for a double coat of fur.

Today dogs can be as diverse and versatile as we humans often are.

What makes the Spring and Fall season different from the Summer and Winter seasons when it comes to dogs shedding?

What makes the Spring and Fall season different from the Summer and Winter seasons when it comes to dogs shedding is the weather patterns and changes.

During the Spring and Fall seasons, the earth and its weather go through various changes in preparation for hotter weather in Summer and colder weather in Winter.  For a dog to be prepared for these seasonal changes, its fur must adapt to the changes.

In the Fall, a dog’s fur will give way to a thicker, denser, and more warm coat in response to the earth’s changes.  These changes are signaled by cooler breezes and less light that comes with this seasonal change.  In the Spring, a dog’s fur will thin out in response to the earth’s changes.  These changes are signaled by warmer air and more sunlight.

All dogs adapt to these changes to a certain degree, whether they spend lots of time outdoors or only a little.  Dogs that spend much of their time outdoors or who were historically equipped for outdoor life will see more significant amounts of shedding.  Dogs that were not will not see large amounts of shedding.

Is there a way to minimize or eliminate a dog’s shedding during any season?

Yes, there are a few ways to minimize or eliminate a dog’s shedding during any season, including having proper grooming in place and ensuring that they are getting enough nutritious food to eat and have a minimum amount of stress.

Besides that, making sure that they are healthy and well-rested can promote an all-around healthy dog.  When a dog is healthy, their body adapts more accessible to changes whether they are a natural part of their life, like shedding, or a new pet in their home territory.

While shedding can never be eliminated, healthy, well-rounded life can help them adapt and even reduce shedding.

Are there other things that can cause a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever to shed more?

Yes, more than a few things can cause a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever or another dog to shed more.

Health issues would be a top reason for their shedding as what is going on, on the inside of their body will reveal itself outside of their body.

Aside from that, stress can cause a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever to shed more.  Stress can be healthy sometimes for everyone as long as it is in small doses and manageable.   Dogs that suffer from the daily stress that is continual or more than they can handle can suffer from excess shedding or other problems.

Promoting a healthy lifestyle includes many areas of life, stress, sleep, diet, exercise, environment, socialization, and healthy relationships, even for a dog.

Closing Points

All dogs shed sometimes.  While the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a moderate shedder, they are a beautiful and rare dog breed that has a lot to offer potential pet parents.

Having a ritual for managing their shedding can make life easier and less stressful regardless of the season.

When this is combined with a good set of tools and the right mindset, life can be carefree for a pet parent, at least some of the time anyway!