How to Identify a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

The Nova Scotia duck tolling retriever is an intelligent breed and is always ready for action but not hyperactive or nervous. It loves its family members and is good with children. It is the smallest of all the retrievers and was first bred in the early 19th century for luring and retrieving waterfowl. It loves to chase sticks or balls and loves water. The Nova Scotia duck tolling retriever should have a job to keep it busy, or they may become depressed. A good walk every day plus some game playing will keep this breed happy.

Things You'll Need

  • Breed standard book
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Instructions

    • 1

      Look at the general appearance of the Nova Scotia duck tolling retriever. It is a medium-sized retriever breed that is very compact and balanced with great agility. The males are 18 to 21 inches at the shoulders, with the ideal height at 19 inches. The females are 17 to 20 inches at the shoulders, with the ideal height at 18 inches.

    • 2

      Make sure the head is clean cut. The skull is broad and should be only slightly rounded. The length of the muzzle is a bit shorter than the length of the skull as measured from the occiput to the stop. The face should show a friendly but alert expression. The oblique eyes are set far apart and the color blends with or is darker than the coat. The eye rims, nose and lips are either black or self-colored. The triangular ears have rounded tips and are held in a dropped position. They are farther back on the skull, and the bottom of the ear is held up. The broad nose has wide nostrils that taper at the tip.

    • 3

      Check that the medium-length neck has strong muscles and no throatiness. It leads to a deep chest and strong, muscular shoulders. The shoulders are angulated. The slightly oval feet are webbed and have arched toes protected by thick pads. The muscular rear is strong and has a square look to it. The angulation should be in balance with the front angulation. The thighs are muscular, and the upper and lower thigh are equal in length. There should be no rear dewclaws. The well-feathered tail should reach the hock and is usually carried low, except when the dog is alert, when it is carried in a high curve.

    • 4

      Pet the water-repellant coat. It is a double coat with medium length and softness, and is usually straight. The back may show a bit of a wave, but there should be no waves elsewhere. Its color can be any shade of red. There may be white markings on the feet, chest and tip of the tail.