Shetland Sheepdog vs Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Size Category
Small
Ideal For
Families, Multi-pet Homes
Maintenance Level
High
Size Category
Small
Ideal For
Families, Multi-pet Homes
Maintenance Level
High
Decision Helper
Quick Decision Guide
Shetland Sheepdog might be better if you:
- Want a dog great with children
- Have other pets at home
- Want an easily trainable dog
- Lead an active lifestyle
- Want a smaller dog that's easy to carry
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever might be better if you:
- Want a dog great with children
- Have other pets at home
- Want an easily trainable dog
- Lead an active lifestyle
- Prefer low-maintenance grooming
- Live in an apartment or prefer quiet dogs
- Want a smaller dog that's easy to carry
Find Your Match
Quick Match Quiz
Question 1 of 7
What best describes your lifestyle?
Breed Overview
Shetland Sheepdog
The Shetland Sheepdog, often referred to as the 'Sheltie,' is a small to medium-sized herding dog known for its intelligence, agility, and loyalty. With a graceful and elegant appearance, they possess a long, flowing double coat that comes in a variety of colors, including sable, black, and blue merle. Shelties are known for their keen expression and are often mistaken for miniature Rough Collies. They are highly trainable and excel in obedience, agility, and herding tasks. Their affectionate nature makes them excellent family pets, and they are known to be gentle with children and other animals. Shetland Sheepdogs are also known for their strong protective instincts, making them good watchdogs, but they can be reserved around strangers.
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, often referred to as the Toller, is a medium-sized, energetic dog breed known for its intelligence and playful nature. They have a distinctive, water-repellent double coat that is typically a shade of orange or red, often with white markings. These dogs are known for their agility, keen sense of smell, and ability to toll or lure waterfowl within shooting range. Their friendly disposition makes them excellent family pets, and they thrive on human interaction. Tollers are highly trainable, eager to please, and require regular exercise to channel their energy positively. They are known for their playful antics, sometimes described as clownish, which adds to their appeal as companions.
Key Statistics
Life Expectancy
Height (Male)
Weight (Male)
Breed Characteristics
Good with Children
Excellent with children
Excellent with children
Good with Other Dogs
Very social with other dogs
Very social with other dogs
Shedding
Moderate shedding level
Moderate shedding level
Grooming Needs
Moderate grooming needs
Low grooming needs
Trainability
Highly trainable
Highly trainable
Energy Level
Very energetic breed
Very energetic breed
Barking Tendency
Frequent barking tendency
Minimal barking tendency
Care Requirements
Care Requirements
Shetland Sheepdog
Exercise Needs
Regular exercise needed
Grooming
Brush their coat at least once a week to prevent matting and reduce shedding.
Feeding
Ensure a balanced diet suitable for their age, size, and energy level.
Health Care
Provide fresh water daily and monitor their food intake to maintain a healthy weight.
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Exercise Needs
Provide a balanced diet with high-quality dog food tailored to their age and activity level.
Grooming
Regular grooming to manage shedding and maintain coat health.
Feeding
Provide a balanced diet with high-quality dog food tailored to their age and activity level.
Health Care
Regular grooming to manage shedding and maintain coat health.
Exercise Needs
Regular exercise needed
Exercise Needs
Provide a balanced diet with high-quality dog food tailored to their age and activity level.
Grooming
Brush their coat at least once a week to prevent matting and reduce shedding.
Grooming
Regular grooming to manage shedding and maintain coat health.
Feeding
Ensure a balanced diet suitable for their age, size, and energy level.
Feeding
Provide a balanced diet with high-quality dog food tailored to their age and activity level.
Health Care
Provide fresh water daily and monitor their food intake to maintain a healthy weight.
Health Care
Regular grooming to manage shedding and maintain coat health.
Additional Care Notes
Shetland Sheepdog
- •Check their ears regularly for dirt and debris and clean them as needed.
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
- •Routine check-ups with a veterinarian for vaccinations and health monitoring.
Training & Exercise
Training & Exercise Guide
Shetland Sheepdog
Shetland Sheepdogs are intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train. Start with basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and down. Use positive reinforcement techniques, such as treats and praise, to encourage desired behaviors. Consistency is key, as is socialization with other dogs and people to ensure a well-rounded temperament.
Training Challenges
- •herding instincts may lead to chasing smaller animals
- •sensitivity to harsh training methods
- •tendency to bark excessively if not properly trained
- •can be stubborn if not adequately stimulated
- •separation anxiety if left alone for long periods
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers require consistent and positive reinforcement training methods. Start with basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and heel. Socialization is crucial, so expose them to various environments, people, and other animals. Short, engaging training sessions work best due to their energetic nature. Use treats and praise to motivate them, and ensure training is fun to keep their interest.
Training Challenges
- •stubbornness
- •high energy levels
- •distraction during training
- •tendency to chase small animals
- •independence in decision making
Shetland Sheepdog
Shetland Sheepdogs are intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train. Start with basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and down. Use positive reinforcement techniques, such as treats and praise, to encourage desired behaviors. Consistency is key, as is socialization with other dogs and people to ensure a well-rounded temperament.
Training Challenges
- •herding instincts may lead to chasing smaller animals
- •sensitivity to harsh training methods
- •tendency to bark excessively if not properly trained
- •can be stubborn if not adequately stimulated
- •separation anxiety if left alone for long periods
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers require consistent and positive reinforcement training methods. Start with basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and heel. Socialization is crucial, so expose them to various environments, people, and other animals. Short, engaging training sessions work best due to their energetic nature. Use treats and praise to motivate them, and ensure training is fun to keep their interest.
Training Challenges
- •stubbornness
- •high energy levels
- •distraction during training
- •tendency to chase small animals
- •independence in decision making
Training Resources
Shetland Sheepdog Training Guide
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Training Guide
Find Breeders
Find Shetland Sheepdog Breeders
Find Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Breeders
Local Search Tips
When looking for a reputable breeder in your area, consider these approaches:
- 1.
Contact local veterinarians for breeder recommendations - They often know reputable breeders who prioritize health testing and proper care.
- 2.
Join breed-specific clubs in your area - These communities can provide valuable connections and insights about responsible breeders.
- 3.
Attend local dog shows to meet breeders - This gives you the opportunity to see their dogs and discuss breeding practices in person.