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Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Complete Breed Guide

I cast a spell on people... and ducks!

Last updated: August 2026

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Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever breed photo

Quick Facts About Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers

Breed Group
Sporting
Adult Weight
35–50 lbs
Adult Height
17–21 in
Hypoallergenic
No

Characteristics at a Glance

Ratings are on a scale of 1–5, based on breed standards and typical temperament.

Energy Level
Grooming Needs
Trainability

Overview

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a medium-sized dog with a beautiful red coat. They get their name from their special talent of “tolling” or dancing to attract ducks to hunters. They are very smart and can learn to do many things, but they can be stubborn and require lots of patience.

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a medium-sized, high-energy dog whose name comes from a special talent. They have a special ability to attract ducks toward hunters by “tolling” or doing a funny little dance on the shore to draw in ducks that are too curious for their own good. They were originally bred for the purpose of hunting but can be trained to play dog sports and enjoy staying active and mentally challenged. Even though they can learn to do many things, you should know that Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers are smart, independent thinkers who like to do things their own way. If they’re not happy, they may bark or make lots of noise, so make sure you plan to spend plenty of time being active with your dog.

Characteristics

Lifestyle & Living Conditions

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers can live in many different environments, as long as they get their daily quota of exercise. They typically get along well with other pets and make fast friends with children. Plan on having your Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever live in your house with you, or you’ll find that they’ll get unhappy when they are away from you for too long. Patient owners who plan on providing daily exercise and training opportunities usually have the best success with this breed.

Exercise & Activity

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers will typically need about an hour of exercise every day. The older they get, the more mellow they become, but you’ll still want to plan on giving them plenty of exercise. They love hunting for ducks and can learn to excel in doggie sports. You should plan on daily training sessions to keep their minds challenged; a bored Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever will not be happy and will likely start misbehaving.

Temperament and Behavior

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers love to play in water and make water retrievals. You’ll never grow tired of watching them run up and down the shoreline and dancing around to attract ducks. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers are generally friendly toward strangers, unless they sense that their owners are unhappy with someone. They tend to take on the attitudes of the people they trust and often learn best by mimicking your behavior. Sometimes, especially if they’re young or unhappy, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers can be prone to barking and making noise.

Coat & Grooming

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers have a beautiful, reddish coat that repels water. You’ll want to brush them at least once a week to get rid of any dead hair and prevent tangles. During periods of heavy shedding, you can brush them more often to cut back on the amount of hair you find in your furniture. They typically won’t need more than a couple baths every year, unless they roll in something stinky or get a little too curious about a skunk.

Source: puppies.comVersion: 2026-08-31Updated: August 2026

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever FAQs

Is a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever hypoallergenic?

No. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers are not considered hypoallergenic, so allergy-sensitive households should spend time with the breed before deciding.

How big does a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever get?

Adult Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers typically fall in this range: weighing 35–50 lbs standing 17–21 in at the shoulder

Breed descriptions and health information are provided for educational purposes only and should not replace consultation with a licensed veterinarian. Individual dogs may vary in temperament and health.

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