How often should a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever be groomed?
The Toller’s medium-length double coat sheds heavily during spring and fall, demanding regular upkeep to keep shedding under control. Brush your dog at least three times a week, increasing frequency during heavy shedding seasons. Use an undercoat rake to remove loose fur effectively and prevent matting. Bathing every 4 to 6 weeks helps maintain coat health; follow with blow-drying to loosen dead hair and speed up de-shedding. Pay attention to white markings, which can stain easily; spot-clean these areas as needed to keep them bright. • Brush 3× weekly; daily during heavy shedding • Use undercoat rake for dead hair • Bathe every 4–6 weeks, then blow-dry • Spot-clean white markings to prevent stains Pro tip: Regular blow-drying after baths not only dries the coat faster but also helps lift dead undercoat, reducing seasonal shedding bursts.
About the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, often called the Toller, is the smallest retriever breed, weighing between 35 and 50 pounds. Originating in southwestern Nova Scotia, Canada, this medium-sized gundog was bred to lure and retrieve waterfowl by playing along shorelines, a behavior known as tolling. Their dense double coat, combining a soft undercoat with a harsh outer layer, repels water effectively, making them ideal for aquatic environments. Tollers display a striking coat in shades of buff, red, or red gold, often accented with white markings. This breed thrives in active households that enjoy outdoor adventures like hiking, swimming, and camping. They have a strong retrieving instinct and a playful nature but can be reserved with strangers, so early socialization is key. Their intelligence and eagerness to please make training rewarding, but they require consistent mental and physical stimulation to stay balanced.