The Nova Scotia Retriever is very popular with many dog lovers. This breed can be called universal, suitable for home maintenance as a favorite of the family, and as a great helper on the hunt.
Description
Nova Scotia retriever looks like a fox - the same wedge-shaped head, fluffy tail and expressive amber-colored eyes. This is a medium-sized dog, whose height at the withers is from 45 to 51 cm, and weight does not exceed 23 kg. The physique is powerful, quite compact, with well-developed muscular chest. Hanging ears, having a triangular shape, set high.
The color of these dogs can be red, reddish or even orange. At the tips of the paws, tail, chest and forehead, the presence of one or more white marks is permissible. The tail and hind limbs of the dog are covered with beautiful hairs. The ears and neck are also adorned with large curls. The Nova Scotia Retriever (Toller, as it is also called) has a waterproof wavy coat with a thick and soft undercoat. The color of the nose and lips should match the color of the animal. The tail, wide at the base, is located at a slight angle to the dog’s croup.
Breed history
The birthplace of these dogs is Nova Scotia, which is eloquently indicated by the name of the breed. It began more than two centuries ago. Many dog breeds took part in the breeding of tollers - English Spaniel, Sheltie, Collie, Golden Retriever, Irish Setter.
The result of this selection was the appearance of a dog, indispensable in the hunt for waterfowl. She is able to lure the bird with her playful behavior and bring the shot prey to the owner. In 1945, the breed Nova Scotia Retriever was officially registered in Canada.
Character and temperament
Tollers are very energetic, endurance. They are mobile, playful, have a high need for aporting, which is a very important quality for a hunting dog. They are also great swimmers.
The developed protective instinct of these dogs makes them very wary of strangers. But a good watchman is rarely obtained from them. As soon as the toler realizes that the person in front of him is not dangerous, he begins to flirt with him and caress. Aggressive behavior is completely unusual for him.
A family that decides to have a dog of this breed will acquire a fun and very friendly household. The Nova Scotia retriever gets along well with children, has a good disposition, and knows how to keep company in outdoor games. A small child can be left with such a dog without any fear. But she suffers separation from her family very painfully, suffering from a lack of communication with those whom she loves so much.
Content Features
Dogs of this breed are able to feel good in cool weather and in hot weather. They easily adapt to different living conditions. But keeping them in a city apartment is not the most suitable option, because these hyperactive dogs (especially at a young age) need movement, physical activity and plenty of free space. In the absence of training exercises, they can become uncontrollable.
This breed is perfect for people leading an active lifestyle. A frisky dog with a good disposition will be an excellent companion in various activities and walks in the fresh air.
The Nova Scotia retriever (a description of his appearance is given at the beginning of the article) has a coat that, thanks to its water-repellent properties, perfectly protects it from any weather. It does not require special care, it is only enough to periodically comb the fur coat and sometimes (no more than once a month) to wash with special shampoo. The coat for the retriever is his pride, so good care of it gives the dog a luxurious and well-groomed appearance. Water procedures give Toller great pleasure, so they can be performed daily (without using shampoo).
About once in a month and a half it is necessary to cut the claws. Vaccinations are a prerequisite for the maintenance of this breed. Excessive curiosity of tollers and the desire to communicate with other dogs can lead to infection of any infection.
These dogs are in good health and have virtually no serious hereditary diseases. Hip displacement and retinal atrophy can sometimes occur. Therefore, it is recommended to regularly examine the dog's eyes and joints at the veterinarian. With good care, the life expectancy of toller can be 11-12 years.
Parenting and training
The Nova Scotia Retriever is a dog with a fairly developed intellect. She is very understandable, fairly easy to learn and requires not only physical, but also mental stress. But at the same time, the animal quickly becomes tired and can be stubborn. Pursuing the education and training of toller, it is necessary to have patience, persistently and demandingly achieving the execution of commands. Training in the form of a game is usually more effective. Great success is achieved by these dogs in various sports (agility, flyball).
Puppies of the Nova Scotia retriever need to be raised from a very young age. They are very mobile and playful, so they can ruin things that are in their way.
The main purpose is hunting
Due to its peculiarity to attract ducks in the process of hunting, these dogs were first called “duck retriever”. The hunter, throwing a stick into the reed thickets, sends a dog after it. She, running from one place to another, attracts the attention of ducks. Out of curiosity, they swim up to the distance of the shot, after which the dog brings the shot game. The Nova Scotia retriever (photos of dogs posted in this article) has such a thick and waterproof coat that makes it possible to hunt with him at any time of the year.