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Bloodhound vs Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

A side-by-side comparison to help you find the right breed for your lifestyle.

Bloodhound breed photo

Bloodhound

AKCFCIKC

The Bloodhound is a large scent hound renowned for its extraordinary sense of smell and tracking abilities, often used in search and rescue operations. With its distinctive droopy ears and wrinkled skin, this gentle and affectionate breed is also known for its friendly and patient demeanor.

Size

Extra Large

Energy

High

Lifespan

8-12 years yrs

Height

N/A

VS
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever breed photo

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

AKCFCIKC

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, often referred to as a \\\"Toller,\\\" is a medium-sized, intelligent, and energetic breed known for its distinctive reddish coat and unique ability to lure and retrieve waterfowl. Originating from Nova Scotia, Canada, these dogs are highly valued for their playful demeanor, versatility, and strong work ethic in both hunting and family settings.

Size

Medium

Energy

High

Lifespan

10-12 yrs

Height

N/A

Quick Comparison

TraitBloodhoundNova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Energy
Trainability
Grooming Needs
Family Friendly
Independence

Key Characteristics

Good with Kids
Good with Dogs
Good with Cats
Hypoallergenic
Apartment Friendly
First-Time Owner OK
DetailBloodhoundNova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
SizeExtra LargeMedium
Energy LevelHighHigh
GroomingHighMedium
TrainabilitychallengingEasy
Barking LevelHighHigh
Shedding LevelHighHigh
Chew strengthHardModerate
HousingYardYard

Owner Fit & Decision Guide

Owner Match

TraitBloodhoundNova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Experience LevelExperiencedBeginner
First-Time Owner
Ideal OwnerActive individual or family who can provide adequate exercise and training for a Bloodhound.Active individual or family who can provide adequate exercise and training for a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever.

Bloodhound Dealbreakers

  • Cannot meet 60-90 min daily exercise
  • Cannot tolerate heavy shedding

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Dealbreakers

  • Cannot meet 60-90 min daily exercise
  • Cannot tolerate heavy shedding

Surrender Risk

FactorBloodhoundNova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Risk LevelMediumMedium
Primary ReasonsUnderestimated exercise needs, Behavioral challenges, Cost of careUnderestimated exercise needs, Behavioral challenges, Cost of care

Temperament & Personality

Behavior Comparison

TraitBloodhoundNova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Prey Drive
Watchdog Ability
Stranger Friendly
Drool Level
Wanderlust

Vocalization

TraitBloodhoundNova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Barking LevelHighHigh
Howling Tendency
Whining TendencyLowLow
Separation Vocalization
Bloodhound bark triggers
StrangersDoorbellsOther dogs
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever bark triggers
StrangersDoorbellsOther dogs

Safety & Reliability

TraitBloodhoundNova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Escape Artist
Dog Park Suitable
Off-Leash Reliable
Small Animal Safe
Leash Reactivity
Resource Guarding RiskLowLow

Bloodhound Social Traits

Velcro Dog
One Person Dog
Handling ToleranceMedium
Stranger Wariness

Moderate

With Other Dogs

Generally friendly

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Social Traits

Velcro Dog
One Person Dog
Handling ToleranceMedium
Stranger Wariness

Low

With Other Dogs

Generally friendly

Training

Bloodhound

MethodPositive reinforcement
Challenges
** Repetition bores them. Do not drill "sit" 20 times; they will walk away after the third time.
Tips
  • ** Positive reinforcement is the *only* option. Harsh methods cause them to shut down or become defensive.

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

MethodPositive reinforcement
Challenges
** They are sensitive. Harsh corrections can cause them to shut down or become defensive.
Tips
  • ** Use shaping and positive reinforcement. Keep sessions short (5 minutes) and high-energy.

Bloodhound Considerations

challengeThe "Deafness" of Scent

When a Bloodhound catches a scent, their ears literally close (the heavy flaps block the ear canal) and their brain filters out all auditory input. They are not ignoring you out of malice; they genuinely cannot process your commands while tracking. This makes .

challengeStubbornness vs. Independence

They score near the bottom of obedience intelligence rankings not because they are stupid, but because they are bred to work independently of human direction. They solve problems (finding trails) without help, which translates to opening fridges, doors, and gates in the home.

challengeSensory Overload

The combination of (slingers that reach ceilings), (caused by yeast in skin folds and oily coats), and makes them unsuitable for fastidious housekeepers or those with sensory sensitivities.

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Considerations

challengeThe "Toller Scream"

This is not a myth. When excited, frustrated, or anticipating work (like a ball throw), Tollers emit a high-pitched, piercing shriek that sounds like a banshee. It is startling to neighbors and can be difficult to train out because it is an involuntary expression of arousal.

challengeThe "Off-Switch" Struggle

Unlike many show-line Golden Retrievers who are happy to lounge after a walk, a Toller often requires relaxation. Without a "job" or rigorous mental stimulation, they can become neurotic, pacing, whining, and destructive.

challengeStranger Reserve

Tollers are not "everyone's best friend." They are typically aloof with strangers, ignoring them to focus on their owner or a ball. This can be disappointing for owners expecting the social butterfly personality of a Lab or Golden.

Multi-Species Compatibility

SpeciesBloodhoundNova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
With CatsGenerally safe with proper introductionGenerally safe with proper introduction
Small MammalsSupervision requiredSupervision required
Birds / ReptilesCaution advisedCaution advised

Advanced Behavior

TraitBloodhoundNova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Predatory Sequence RiskMediumMedium
BiddabilityLowHigh
Noise SensitivityLowLow
Territorial Barking
Same-Sex Aggression Onset18 months18 months

First Year & Life Stages

First Year Challenges

ChallengeBloodhoundNova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Puppy Difficulty
Destructive Phase6-186-18
House TrainingChallengingModerate
Crate TrainingMediumMedium
Adolescent Regression

Bloodhound: Bloodhound puppies require consistent training and patience.

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever: Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever puppies require consistent training and patience.

Life Stages Timeline

StageBloodhoundNova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Puppy Phase12 months12 months
Adolescence6-186-18
Adult Years2-82-8
Senior Onset~8 years~8 years
Peak Energy Age1-3 years1-3 years

Size & Physical Characteristics

Physical Stats

MeasurementBloodhoundNova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
HeightN/AN/A
WeightNot enough data yetNot enough data yet
Size CategoryExtra LargeMedium
Lifespan

8–12 years

10–12 years

Litter Size4-84-8

Bloodhound Coat

Type double
Length Medium
Texture straight
Colors
Various

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Coat

Type double
Length Medium
Texture straight
Colors
Various

Lineage & Origin

DetailBloodhoundNova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Original Purposeheavier wrinkle, longer ears, and massive boneDeveloped in Little River, Nova Scotia, in the 19th century, they were originally called the Little
Origineye and skin issues due to exaggerationN/A

Breeding Details

DetailBloodhoundNova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
C-Section RateVariesVaries
Whelping DifficultyMediumMedium
Puppy Mortality RateLowLow

Physical Risks

RiskBloodhoundNova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Bloat / GDV RiskLowLow
Slippery Floor RiskLowLow
Min Fence Height1.5m1.5m
Dig / Escape RiskLowLow

Health & Common Conditions

Bloodhound Health Issues

Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat): High risk; a leading cause of death.
Otitis Externa (Ear Infections): Weekly (or daily) cleaning is mandatory for life.
Hip & Elbow Dysplasia: BVA/KC mean hip score is around 20, which is relatively high.
Ectropion/Entropion: Often requires surgical correction.
Skin Fold Dermatitis: Daily wiping and drying of folds.

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Health Issues

Addison's Disease (Hypoadrenocorticism): ~1.4%
Steroid-Responsive Meningitis-Arteritis (SRMA): ~3.5%
Immune-Mediated Rheumatic Disease (IMRD): ~3.0%
Hip Dysplasia:6.4% dysplastic
Progressive Retinal AtrophyPRA

Bloodhound Suggested Tests

  • Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) testing
  • Prophylactic gastropexy

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Suggested Tests

  • JADD
  • CP1 (Cleft Palate)
  • CLPS (Cleft Lip/Palate)
  • DM
  • PRA
  • CEA
  • CDDY

Health Risk Overview

Risk FactorBloodhoundNova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Cancer RiskMediumMedium
Cardiac RiskLowLow
Neurological RiskLowLow
CCL/ACL Tear RiskLowLow
Vet Burden TierMediumMedium

Sensitivities & Allergies

SensitivityBloodhoundNova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Skin Allergies
Environmental Allergies
Stomach SensitivityLowLow
Food Allergies

Health Maintenance

Care ItemBloodhoundNova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Nail Growth RateNormalNormal
Eye Care NeedsLowLow
Anal Gland IssuesOccasionalOccasional

Senior Care & Aging

Bloodhound Senior Care

Common Senior Issues

  • Arthritis
  • Vision decline
  • Cognitive changes
Mobility Aid LikelihoodMedium
QoL Decline Age~10 years
End of Life ComplexityMedium

Senior care varies by individual health.

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Senior Care

Common Senior Issues

  • Arthritis
  • Vision decline
  • Cognitive changes
Mobility Aid LikelihoodMedium
QoL Decline Age~10 years
End of Life ComplexityMedium

Senior care varies by individual health.

Grooming & Care

Bloodhound

high maintenance
Coat Typedouble
Coat Lengthmedium
Coat Texturestraight
Shedding LevelHigh
Seasonal SheddingHigh
Ear Cleaningweekly
Dental RiskMedium
Obesity Prone
Winter Gear Needed
Summer Restrictions
Paw Protection
Odor LevelModerate
Tactile FeelVaries by coat type
Colors
Various

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

medium maintenance
Coat Typedouble
Coat Lengthmedium
Coat Texturestraight
Shedding LevelHigh
Seasonal SheddingHigh
Ear Cleaningweekly
Dental RiskMedium
Obesity Prone
Winter Gear Needed
Summer Restrictions
Paw Protection
Odor LevelModerate
Tactile FeelVaries by coat type
Colors
Various

Lifestyle Compatibility

Bloodhound Daily Life

Exercise Needs60-90 min/day
Alone TimeUp to 4h
Mental StimulationHigh
ApartmentChallenging - needs space
Work from HomeSuitable with adequate exercise
Weekend WarriorSuitable
HousingYard
Barking LevelHigh
First-Time Owner
Exercise Types
WalkingPlayTraining
NighttimeSleeps well when exercised
Food MotivationMedium

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Daily Life

Exercise Needs60-90 min/day
Alone TimeUp to 4h
Mental StimulationHigh
ApartmentChallenging - needs space
Work from HomeSuitable with adequate exercise
Weekend WarriorSuitable
HousingYard
Barking LevelHigh
First-Time Owner
Exercise Types
WalkingPlayTraining
NighttimeSleeps well when exercised
Food MotivationMedium

Housing & Legal Restrictions

RestrictionBloodhoundNova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
BSL Restricted
Common Rental Ban
Insurance Blacklist
Weight CategoryUnder 50lbsUnder 50lbs

Climate Tolerance

ClimateBloodhoundNova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Heat Tolerance
Cold Tolerance
Water AffinityMediumMedium

Travel Compatibility

ActivityBloodhoundNova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Car TravelGoodGood
Camping
Beach Friendly
Hiking Rating
Cabin Flight Eligible
Hotel Friendly Size

Niche Suitability

RoleBloodhoundNova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Service DogLowHigh
Therapy DogLowLow
Deep Pressure Therapy
Canicross / Bikejoring
Apartment Adaptable
Tactile / Sensory Friendly
Livestock Guardian
Medical AlertLowLow

Costs & Expenses

Upfront Costs

CostBloodhoundNova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Purchase PriceN/AN/A
Initial Cost Range$1,000–$2,500$1,000–$2,500
Cost Tier

Ongoing Costs

CostBloodhoundNova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Monthly Range$180–$300$160–$290
Yearly Range$2,160–$3,600$1,920–$3,480
Food / Month$100-150$60-90
Insurance / Month$80-150$100-200
Grooming / SessionN/AN/A
Vet Routine / Year$50-80N/A
Monthly Cost Tier

Bloodhound Lifetime Cost

N/A

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Lifetime Cost

N/A

Quirks & Fun Facts

Daily Quirks

QuirkBloodhoundNova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Snoring
FlatulenceOccasionalOccasional
Slobber LevelLowLow
Smell When WetModerateModerate
Zoomies FrequencyOccasionalOccasional
Counter Surfing
Digging TendencyLowLow

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Bloodhounds can make good family dogs with proper training and socialization. They form strong bonds with their family members.
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Compare with Other Breeds

Based on comprehensive breed research data.

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