Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
VS
Irish Water Spaniel
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever vs Irish Water Spaniel
Compare Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever and Irish Water Spaniel side by side and get a clear picture of what sets the breeds apart. Explore differences in size, weight, temperament, activity level, and other key traits to more easily decide which breed best fits your lifestyle and circumstances.
Characteristic
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Irish Water Spaniel
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
45 – 51 cm
51 – 61 cm
Weight
17 – 23 kg
25 – 34 kg
Life expectancy
10 – 14 years
12 – 14 years
Child friendly
3/5
5/5
Energy level
4/5
4/5
Intelligence
4/5
4/5
Trainability
4/5
4/5
Health
4/5
3/5
Grooming needs
2/5
3/5
Shedding
3/5
2/5
Barking level
2/5
0/5
Aggressiveness
3/5
0/5
Characteristics
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
High energy
Super smart
Low grooming
Quiet
Easy to train
Medium
Irish Water Spaniel
Great with kids
High energy
Super smart
Quiet
Easy to train
Large
Summary
About Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Medium, athletic retriever, the smallest of its group, bred in Nova Scotia to lure and retrieve waterfowl. Has a red, foxlike, water‑repellent coat, high intelligence, and emotional sensitivity. Needs substantial daily mental and physical activity and can excel in many dog sports.
About Irish Water Spaniel
Medium–large, athletic gundog with a distinctive curly liver coat, smooth face and tapering “rat tail.” Clever, water‑loving retriever that forms close bonds, often to one person. Needs substantial daily exercise, mental work, regular grooming and kind, consistent training.
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