What is a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever?

I am interested in this new dog breed I encountered at the park yesterday.  The person I met told me their name is a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever.  I want to learn more about this breed as I enjoyed the dog’s spunk and enthusiasm.

On a break today, I took a few minutes to gather information about this breed. Here is what I found out.

What is a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever?

A Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a dog breed from Yarmouth County in Nova Scotia, Canada.  Originally, they were bred as hunting dogs by a sportsman of this area.  While they are a rare dog breed, they have a unique quality related to their occupation in hunting and retrieving.  This breed is known for looking like a fox which waterfowl are intrigued by, and they also move like a fox.  This adds to their superior qualities when hunting waterfowl. 

They will stand at the water’s edge and attract the waterfowl with their appearance and mannerisms.  Once the duck or waterfowl is drawn, they will hunt and retrieve them gently to their hunting companion.  The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a compact sporting dog breed that boasts a high level of energetic enthusiasm for life, which can be seen in everyday life. 

Compared with other retrievers, they are smaller but have agility and strength that makes them hard to beat.  Like other retrievers, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever loves the water and being active.  They need a good amount of exercise daily and are not for those pet parents who don’t have the time to devote to their pet’s lifestyle.  Intelligent and fun-loving, they can get bored quickly, and when they do, like other dogs, they will display negative traits like barking and chewing. 

They love being a part of a family but can be wary of strangers.  Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers are good with kids, other dogs, and sometimes cats.  They have a high prey drive, so the pet parents should be prepared for the possibility of a game of chase if there is a house cat. 

They don’t need a lot in the way of grooming except perhaps when they have decided to romp and roll around in anything filthy, which they like to do.  Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers make a great furry family member for anyone who can deal with a little bit of high maintenance and a whole lot of love and zest for life.

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a unique and rare dog breed. Initially bred for hunting, today, they can make a great companion for anyone prepared to have a furry companion by their side during any activity.

With an incomparable zest for life, they maintain their enthusiasm from one activity to the next.  From sleeping on the couch to running around the yard and anything in between, life is their bounty, and they love living it.

It should be noted that they love doing anything with those they love, so be prepared for companionship and do a few of their activities.  Except maybe rolling around in that muddy puddle in the yard, unless you’re up for it, that is!

How much activity should the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever have, and what type?

The amount of activity a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever should have will vary from one dog to the next.

Generally speaking, they should have at least an hour of physical activity per day.  This can be divided into different activities or lumped into one depending on the pet parent and dog pair.

However, this breed is known for being versatile and getting bored at times, so being creative is vital.  A ten-minute round of tossing the ball, a good walk on a hiking trail for half an hour, and some playtime with the kids can easily provide what is needed.

Any type of activity that the family and dog enjoy is good for their exercise.  However, this breed does like water, which is characteristic of retrievers, not to mention they are good at it.  Providing water play is a great way to spend time with them doing something that the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever will enjoy while bonding.

Does the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever suffer from separation anxiety?

Yes, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever can suffer from separation anxiety.  Any dog can suffer from separation anxiety depending on its personality and temperament.

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is not a companion animal. Still, they were bred to be a sporting dog that requires them to work alongside their human companion, so they often form close bonds with at least one person in a household.

Depending on how strong this bond is that they form with their loved one will determine if they suffer from separation anxiety and, if so, how much.

In truth, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers can be left alone for a regular workday provided they have been exercised and are in a safe and comfortable home environment.  There should be some treats or food and of course plenty of fresh water for them to drink.

For those Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers who suffer from separation anxiety, much can be done to make them more comfortable while their loved one is away.

Having a set ritual for before leaving and returning that is repeated each time the loved one departs and returns can help, as well as having toys and a piece of scented clothing from their loved one can make them more accepting tolerating of the separation.

Is the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever easy to train?

Yes, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers are easy to train, but that depends on the trainer.  This can be either a professional handler or their pet parent and loving family.

Skilled professional trainers will have no problem training this dog breed as they are highly intelligent and receptive to learning.  They have an eagerness about them that comes from their enthusiastic outlook on life. This can make training easy as they will enjoy it provided it doesn’t get boring.

Those pet parents who undertake training their Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever themselves must know before beginning that they must maintain control all the time.

This includes not only control of the training but of themselves.  They must have a no-nonsense attitude about training and who is in charge.  This leaves no room for negotiating.  However, they must be firm with this training in a loving and gentle manner.  Kindness must be a priority since this breed does not respond well to harshness, as no dog should.

Maintaining a level head and that the pet parent is in control is paramount as this dog breed can be strong-willed at times.  If at any moment they think that the pet parent doesn’t believe they are in charge, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever will have no problem taking control and running the household.

Beyond that, patience is a must, as any training takes time.  The pet parent must also be prepared for periodic reviews as we all forget ourselves sometimes, regardless of age and how long ago the training happened.

Does the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever need extensive grooming?

No, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever doesn’t require extensive grooming.

While they do require extra bathing as needed, which usually comes after they have decided to roll around and romp in smelly, dirty stuff, they don’t need much in the way of daily brushing or fancy grooming to keep their coat of fur looking a certain way.

With a double coat of fur, they were bred for the outdoors. Their coat of fur is pretty much wash and wear with only the need of occasional grooming sessions.  Their fur is medium length which is best suited for hunting and outdoor adventures. This makes them easier to keep looking good.

What is a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

If the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is energetic, how much sleep do they need?

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is energetic and has a zest for life and will need anywhere from twelve to fifteen hours.  This can vary from dog to dog, as each of unique.

Exercise and activity during the day can affect their sleep habits, with some dogs requiring more than others if they have had a busy day.

If they have exercised a lot that day, it may also be necessary to provide them with extra food and water to ensure their continued good health.

In Conclusion

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a beautiful yet rare dog breed.  As a dog initially bred for hunting, many people may be confused about whether they would make a good family dog.

With an energetic, full-of-life personality, a compact size, and being great with kids, other dogs, and even the occasional cat, they are perfect for everyone who shares their enthusiasm for life!

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