Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

Like every breed, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is not the right fit for every home. Based on the breed’s typical traits:

• Keep sessions varied and give them "jobs" to do, such as retrieving or scent games.
• Teach a "settle" so they learn to relax as well as work.
• As with all retrievers, train them to happily swap items in return for a reward.
• Consider activities such as agility, flyball, tracking or obedience to channel their energy.

• Children

  Usually better with older, calmer children.

• Other dogs

  Can be selective about other dogs.

• Cats and small pets

  Varies with the individual dog.

• Flats and smaller homes

  Usually happier in a house.

• Garden

  A secure garden is strongly advised.

• Being left alone

  Usually copes only with short periods alone.

• First-time owners

  Some dog experience helps.

Not yet reviewed by a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice: speak to your vet about your own dog’s health.

• Degenerative myelopathy (DM)

  A condition that causes progressive paralysis of the hind legs. The Royal Kennel Club strongly recommends a DNA test before breeding.

• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)

  An inherited disorder in which part of the eye degenerates, which can lead to blindness. A DNA test for prcd-PRA is available, and the Royal Kennel Club strongly recommends it before breeding.

• Collie eye anomaly (CEA/CH)

  An inherited condition in which the eye does not develop properly, which can lead to blindness. A DNA test is part of the Royal Kennel Club's best-practice testing, alongside eye testing under the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme.

• Degenerative encephalopathy (DE)

  A disorder in which part of the brain degenerates, which can cause loss of coordination and changes in behaviour. A DNA test is available.

• Juvenile Addison's disease (JADD)

  An inherited disease in which the adrenal glands stop producing normal amounts of natural steroid. A DNA test is available.

• Hip and elbow dysplasia

  Problems with the development of the hip and elbow joints. Breeding dogs can be screened under the BVA/KC Hip Dysplasia and Elbow Dysplasia Schemes.

Responsible breeders and rescues are happy to talk about health, and any pressure to decide quickly is a reason to walk away. Before taking a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever home, it is reasonable to ask about:

• Health testing of the parents. Ask which health tests the parents have had for conditions known in the breed, and to see the results.
• Veterinary and vaccination records. Puppies should have had a first vaccination and a vet check, with records you can take home.
• Microchip information. In England, Scotland and Wales puppies must be microchipped and registered by eight weeks old. Ask who the chip is registered to and how the transfer works.
• Registration paperwork. Registration papers, where they apply, record pedigree. They do not by themselves prove health or how a puppy was raised.

There are two costs: bringing a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever home, and looking after one well. Puppy prices depend on the breeder, health testing and demand; the adverts below show what sellers are asking today.

Ongoing costs are the ones new owners most often underestimate: food, insurance (which usually rises with age), routine vet care, vaccinations and parasite treatment, dental care, grooming, training, bedding and equipment, and boarding or a sitter for holidays. Budget for the whole of the dog’s life, typically up to 10 years, not just the first year.

If you have decided the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever suits your life, take the same care choosing where your dog comes from. Meet the puppy in person, see it with its mother, and look at how the litter is raised.

• Check who you are dealing with: every Mypetzilla advert shows the seller type and what we have checked.
• Ask about health testing, vaccinations and the microchip before you commit.
• Take your time. Do not be rushed by deposits or "last one left" stories.
• Meet in person before paying anything, and keep conversations on Mypetzilla.

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers do come up for adoption, through rescue organisations, breed rescues and private rehoming, often because an owner’s circumstances have changed rather than any fault of the dog. An adult dog arrives as a known quantity: its size, coat and character are already on show.

Rescues will usually talk you through the dog’s history, any medical care, and the home it needs, including children, other animals and time alone. Be honest about your circumstances: a good rescue would rather place a dog once, well.