Dog breed comparison
Golden Retriever vs Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
How the two compare on size, temperament, training, grooming and health, and which suits your home. The Golden Retriever is the bigger breed, about 10 kg heavier on average. The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever tends to live about 1 year longer.
At a glance
Side by side.
| Trait | Golden Retriever | Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Sporting Dogs | Sporting Dogs |
| Size | Large | Medium |
| Height | 21 to 24 inches | 17 inches to 21 inches |
| Weight | 55 to 75 pounds | 35 to 50 pounds |
| Life span | 10 to 12 years | 10 to 14 years |
| Energy | ||
| Exercise needs | ||
| Easy to train | ||
| Intelligence | ||
| Good with children | ||
| Good with other dogs | ||
| Friendly with strangers | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Easy to groom | ||
| Barking | ||
| Apartment living | ||
| First-time owners | ||
| Copes alone | ||
| Drooling | ||
| General health |
Ratings are 1 to 5, from our breed database. Every pet is an individual.
Background
Where they come from.
The Golden Retriever
Developed in the Scottish Highlands in the mid-1800s by Lord Tweedmouth, who crossed a yellow wavy-coated retriever with the now-extinct Tweed Water Spaniel to retrieve game from water and land.
Cancer is the leading cause of death in Goldens, so regular vet checks matter.
Health to watch
- Hemangiosarcoma and lymphoma
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Subvalvular aortic stenosis
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Hypothyroidism
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Bred in Nova Scotia in the 1800s to lure ducks within shooting range by playing at the shoreline, then retrieve them. It is the smallest retriever.
It makes a high-pitched scream when excited.
Health to watch
- Addison's disease
- Autoimmune disease
- Hip dysplasia
- Collie eye anomaly
- Progressive retinal atrophy
Key differences
Where they differ most.
Easy to groom
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is easier to groom than the Golden Retriever.
Drooling
The Golden Retriever drools more than the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever.
Shedding
The Golden Retriever sheds more than the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever.
General health
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever tends to have fewer health problems than the Golden Retriever.
Easy to train
The Golden Retriever is easier to train than the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever.
Good with other dogs
The Golden Retriever gets on better with other dogs than the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever.
Which to choose
Golden Retriever or Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever?
Choose the Golden Retriever if…
- You want a dog that is easier to train
- You want a dog that gets on better with other dogs
- You have lots of visitors (it is friendlier with strangers)
- You want a dog that barks less
Choose the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever if…
- You want a dog that is easier to groom
- You want a dog that drools less
- You want a dog that sheds less
- You want a dog that tends to have fewer health problems
Questions.
Is the Golden Retriever or the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever bigger, and which lives longer?
The Golden Retriever is the bigger breed, about 10 kg heavier on average. The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever tends to live about 1 year longer. Individual pets vary, so meet the parents or the pet where you can.
Which is easier to train, the Golden Retriever or the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever?
The Golden Retriever is generally easier to train than the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. Short, positive, reward-based sessions work best for both.
Which is better for families, the Golden Retriever or the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever?
Both are usually good with children when well socialised. Always supervise young children with any pet.
Which sheds less?
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever sheds less than the Golden Retriever. No breed is completely hair-free; regular brushing helps with both.
What health problems do the Golden Retriever and Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever have?
The Golden Retriever is prone to hemangiosarcoma and lymphoma, hip and elbow dysplasia, subvalvular aortic stenosis. The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is prone to Addison's disease, autoimmune disease, hip dysplasia. Both share a risk of progressive retinal atrophy. Ask any breeder for the parents' health test results.
