Nova Scotia retriever: a description of the breed and features of the content

A great popularity among many dog lovers enjoys the Nova Scotia retriever. This breed can be called universal, suitable for home maintenance as a pet of the family, and as an excellent helper.

Description

Nova Scotch retrievers outwardly resemble chanterelle - the same wedge-shaped head, fluffy tail and expressive amber-colored eyes. This is a medium-sized dog, whose height at the withers is 45 to 51 cm, and the weight does not exceed 23 kg. The constitution is powerful, rather compact, with well-developed muscular breasts. Hanging ears, having a triangular shape, are planted high.

The color of these dogs can be a red, reddish and even orange hue. On the tips of the paws, tail, on the chest and on the forehead, the presence of one or several white marks is permissible. The tail and hind legs of the dog are covered with beautiful strips. Ears and neck are also decorated with large curls. The Nova Scotia retriever (a toller, as it is also called) has a waterproof wavy coat with a thick and soft undercoat. The color of the nose and lips should match the color of the animal. Wide at the base of the tail is located at a slight angle to the croup of the dog.

History of the breed

The homeland of these dogs is Nova Scotia, as the name of the breed speaks about eloquently. The beginning it was laid more than two centuries ago. Many breeds of dogs took part in the breeding of the tollers: the English spaniel, the sheltie, the collie, the golden retriever, the Irish setter.

The result of this selection was the appearance of a dog, indispensable in the hunt for waterfowl. She is able to lure a bird with her playful behavior and bring the shot down to the owner. In 1945, the breed of the Nova Scotia retriever was officially registered in Canada.

Character and temperament

Tallers are very energetic, endurance. They are mobile, playful, have a high need for porting, which is a very important quality for a hunting dog. In addition, they are great swimmers.

The developed guarding instinct of these dogs makes them very wary of outsiders. But a good watchman is rarely obtained from them. As soon as the toller understands that the person in front of him is not dangerous, he starts to flirt with him and caress. Aggressive behavior is completely uncharacteristic for him.

The family, who decided to have a dog of this breed, will acquire a cheerful and very friendly household. The Nova Scotian retriever perfectly coexists with children, is of a good character and knows how to make a company in moving games. A small child can be left without such fear with such a dog. But she endures separation from her family very painfully, suffering from a lack of communication with those whom she so loves.

Features of the content

Dogs of this breed are able to feel good in cold weather and in hot weather. They easily adapt to different living conditions. But keeping them in a city apartment is not the most suitable option, because These hyperactive dogs (especially at a young age) need movement, exercise and a lot of free space. In the absence of training exercises, they can become uncontrollable.

This breed is perfect for people who lead an active lifestyle. A sharp dog with a good temper will become an excellent companion in various activities and walks in the fresh air.

The Nova Scotia retriever (a description of its appearance given at the beginning of the article) has a wool that, thanks to its water-repellent properties, perfectly protects it from any bad weather. It does not require special care, it is enough only to periodically comb the fur coat and sometimes (not more than once a month) wash it with a special shampoo. Wool for a retriever is the subject of his pride, so good care for her gives the dog a luxurious and well-groomed look. Water procedures deliver great pleasure to the toller, so they can be done daily (without the use of shampoo).

Approximately once a month and a half you need to cut the claws. Vaccinations are a prerequisite for keeping this breed. Excessive curiosity of tollers and the desire to communicate with other dogs can lead to infection with any infection.

These dogs are distinguished by strong health and have virtually no serious hereditary diseases. Sometimes there may be a dislocation of the hip joint and retinal atrophy. Therefore, it is recommended that the veterinarian should regularly examine the eyes and joints of the dog. With good care, the life expectancy of a toller can be 11-12 years.

Education and training

The Nova Scotia retriever is a dog with a fairly developed intellect. She is very intelligent, quite easy to train and requires not only physical but also mental stress. But thus the animal quickly tires and can show obstinacy. While engaged in the education and training of a toller, it is necessary to have patience, persevering and demanding to achieve the fulfillment of commands. Training, conducted as a game, is usually more effective. Great successes are achieved by these dogs in various sports (agility, flyball).

Puppies of the New Zealand retriever need to be educated from an early age. They are very mobile and playful, so they can spoil things that they find themselves on the way.

The main destination - hunting

Due to its peculiarity of attracting ducks in the process of hunting, these dogs were first called "duck retrievers". Hunter, throwing a stick in the reed thickets, sends a dog for her. She, running from one place to another, draws attention to ducks. They swim out of curiosity for the distance of the shot, after which the dog brings the shot game. The Nova Scotian retriever (photo dogs posted in this article) has such a dense and waterproof coat that makes it possible to hunt with it at any time of the year.