Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

Lifestyle Needs

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, originating from Canada, worked alongside the hunters of water fowl.  He has webbed feet which help him to swim well.  He will eagerly jump into water to retrieve.  He is typically an intelligent dog, easy to train and needs to be given challenges, both physical and mental.  Agility type activities would suit him well.  Ideally he needs a house with a garden, preferably within easy proximity to the open countryside (and some water).  He is medium sized with a fine, glossy coat which will need regular attention.

Genetic Diversity
(Known as Coefficient of Inbreeding: 'COI'. It should be as low as possible.)

The UK Kennel Club breed average COI is 2.4% - See 'A Beginners Guide to COI'

Gene Pool Size
(Known as Effective Population Size: 'EPS')

Not provided. This breed has a very small gene pool.

EPS is a measure of how many individuals are contributing genetically to a breed population. It is a measure of the size of the gene pool in a breed. Lower than 100 is considered critical by conservationists and below 50 brings a breed close to extinction. For more information see the Kennel Club article.

Health and Welfare Problems due to Conformation
(Body shape and physical characteristics)

None known

BVA/KC Health Schemes: www.bva.co.uk/chs

  • Hip dysplasia: breed 5 year mean score 10.84 (parents should be lower)
  • Elbow dysplasia:  score ideally O:O
  • Eye Disease:  Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) (annual testing); Collie eye anomaly (CEA) (litter screening)
  • BVA/KC Heart Scheme

Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) : No EBVs are currently available for this breed
www.thekennelclub.org.uk/about-ebvs

DNA Tests Available
DogWellNet and IPFD Harmonisation of Genetic Testing for Dogs (HGTD)
www.dogwellnet.com/breeds

  •  Progressive Retinal Atrophy (prcd– PRA)
  • CEA/CH Collie Eye Anomaly
  • Degenerative Encephalopathy
  • Choroidal Hypoplasia
  • Juvenile Addisons Disease (JADD)

Availability of a DNA test does not mean that it is always necessary or even desirable for breeders to use this test.

Other Breed-Specific Health Screening Schemes

  • Bitches under 2 years not to produce a litter
  • Bitches not to produce more than one litter within a twelve month period
  • Dogs under 2 years not to be used at stud

Ask the breeder to show you the certificates for the above tests/screening for both parents. If any of the above tests have not been considered necessary by the breeder (and there may be good reasons), ask her to explain why.

Other Diseases Reported
(For which there are currently no genetic or screening tests for sire or dam)

  • Systemic Lupus Erythamatosus (Toller disease)
  • Juvenile Addisons Disease JADD
  • Auto Immune Diseases
  • Distichiasis
  • Chondrodystrophy and Intervertebral Disc Disease (CDDY and IVDD)
  • Cardiac Laminopathy CLAM

Ask the breeder about the medical history of the parents, grandparents and great grandparents. Consider carefully whether to purchase a puppy if some of these or other diseases are in the family line.

Ask about the breeder’s policy in cases of serious genetic diseases occurring to your puppy in later life. Good breeders will request to be informed of such events in order to improve future breeding decisions.

You are strongly advised to buy from a breeder who uses (or is prepared to use) the AWF Puppy Contract and Puppy Information Pack (PIP):  www.puppycontract.org.uk

The breeder should also be familiar with the CFSG/DBRG Code of Practice for Dog Breeding

Or the Kennel Club’s Assured Breeders Scheme Standard and Guidance:
Standard PDF | Guidance PDF

Breed Health Information