Comparison: Golden Retriever and Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

Golden Retriever and Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever are marked as similar in our database. The table compares only the data we have on the breeds.

Golden Retriever
Photo: Pete Markham from Loretto, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Photo: Taken by Ralf-W. Seipp uploaded by Caronna, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
Golden RetrieverNova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
FCI group8. Retrievers, flushing dogs and water dogs8. Retrievers, flushing dogs and water dogs
Country of originUnited KingdomCanada
CategoryLargeMedium
Height at withers51–61 cm45–51 cm
Weight25–34 kg17–23 kg
Life span10–12 years–
Recognition features
  • Medium-long golden to cream coat with feathering
  • Gentle head, dark eyes and drop ears
  • Level back and feathered tail
  • Medium-sized, muscular, compact dog in shades of red or orange with lighter feathering
  • White markings on the tail tip, feet, chest or blaze; strongly webbed feet
  • Slightly wedge-shaped head, triangular high-set ears and a heavily feathered tail
CoatMedium-long flat or wavy, water-repellent coat.Water-repellent double coat of medium length and softness with a softer dense undercoat; may have a slight wave on the back, otherwise straight, and winter coats may form a loose curl at the throat. Various shades of red or orange with lighter feathering and underside of tail, usually with at least one white marking.
PurposeDeveloped by Lord Tweedmouth in Scotland in the 19th century as a retriever of waterfowl.A tolling dog that lures waterfowl: by playing along the shoreline it draws curious ducks within gunshot range and then retrieves the dead or wounded birds from water and land.

Breed page: Golden Retriever · Breed page: Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

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The information is indicative. Texts are based on available sources and may contain inaccuracies; for binding details (e.g. for breeding or shows) use the official breed standard.