Once you've seen a Nova Scotia duck tolling retriever, they're hard to resist. Between their compact size, striking golden-red fur, and their legendary talent for duck tolling (an uncommon treatment for luring ducks to the shore with a dance), they seem like the perfect dog. And for many, they are.
However, "tollers," as they are also known, are not for everyone. Here are a few things gun dog breeders want buyers to know before getting a Nova Scotia duck tolling retriever:
- If you don't have an active lifestyle, this dog is not for you. Tollers require a lot of exercise. Even if you're an active hunter, if you take it easy during the offseason, a Nova Scotia duck tolling retriever might not have her activity needs met unless you have a large fenced-in outdoor area.
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- If you have respiratory allergies, a Nova Scotia duck tolling retriever is not a good choice for you. Tollers shed seasonally, leaving dog hair all over. Proper grooming can minimize the amount of hair in the house, but it will still be there.
- For the same reason, if you're upset by the idea of dog hair on the couch and carpet, a toller probably isn't for you.
- Nova Scotia duck tolling retrievers scream when they're excited. Loudly. It's not a common dog sound. If you have close neighbors or are easily annoyed by loud high-pitched noises, a toller isn't for you.
- Tollers love to please their owners and are highly responsive and communicative. If you're looking for a pet that doesn’t require a lot of interaction, a toller isn't for you.
- The proper care and feeding if a Nova Scotia duck tolling retriever is on the high side.
- Tollers are prone to certain diseases and should not be bred at home. If you want to breed your toller, you should use a reputable breeder that requires a battery of preliminary tests.
If you're still reading, you might be a good fit with a Nova Scotia duck tolling retriever. If these things aren't deal breakers, you'll enjoy a dog that is easy to train, loyal, friendly, and a real workhorse when you want it to be.
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