Havanese vs Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
A side-by-side comparison to help you find the right breed for your lifestyle.
Havanese
Also known as: Havana Silk Dog, Bichon Havanais, Cuban Bichon
The Havanese is a small, sturdy dog breed known for its friendly and affectionate nature, as well as its distinctive silky coat. Originating from Cuba, this breed is highly sociable and adaptable, making it a popular choice for families and urban dwellers alike.
Extra Small
Medium
14-16 yrs
23-28 cm
3.2-5.9 kg
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
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.
Medium
High
10-12 yrs
N/A
Quick Comparison
| Trait | Havanese | Nova 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 |
| Detail | Havanese | Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Extra Small | Medium |
| Energy Level | Medium | High |
| Grooming | High | Medium |
| Trainability | Easy | Easy |
| Barking Level | Medium | High |
| Shedding Level | Low | High |
| Chew strength | Light | Moderate |
| Housing | Apartment | Yard |
Owner Fit & Decision Guide
Owner Match
| Trait | Havanese | Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever |
|---|---|---|
| Experience Level | Beginner | Beginner |
| First-Time Owner | ||
| Ideal Owner | Someone who works from home or has flexible schedule. Willing to commit to grooming maintenance. Patient with housebreaking challenges. Looking for affectionate companion who wants to be with them 24/7. | Active individual or family who can provide adequate exercise and training for a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. |
Havanese Dealbreakers
- Work 8+ hours away from home daily
- Want a dog that lives outside
- Cannot afford professional grooming ($800+/year)
- Want a dog that is instantly potty trained
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Dealbreakers
- Cannot meet 60-90 min daily exercise
- Cannot tolerate heavy shedding
Surrender Risk
| Factor | Havanese | Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever |
|---|---|---|
| Risk Level | Low | Medium |
| Primary Reasons | Owner lifestyle change (divorce, moving, death), Housebreaking failure - people underestimate potty training commitment | Underestimated exercise needs, Behavioral challenges, Cost of care |
Temperament & Personality
Behavior Comparison
| Trait | Havanese | Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever |
|---|---|---|
| Prey Drive | ||
| Watchdog Ability | ||
| Stranger Friendly | ||
| Drool Level | ||
| Wanderlust |
Vocalization
| Trait | Havanese | Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever |
|---|---|---|
| Barking Level | Medium | High |
| Howling Tendency | ||
| Whining Tendency | Medium | Low |
| Separation Vocalization |
Safety & Reliability
| Trait | Havanese | Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever |
|---|---|---|
| Escape Artist | ||
| Dog Park Suitable | ||
| Off-Leash Reliable | ||
| Small Animal Safe | ||
| Leash Reactivity | ||
| Resource Guarding Risk | Low | Low |
Havanese Social Traits
Low
Low - generally loves other dogs
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Social Traits
Low
Generally friendly
Training
Havanese
- Use their high food drive and social drive for training
- Sensitivity means harsh corrections cause shutdown or submissive urination
- Consistency is key - don't let them get away with bad behavior just because they're small
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
- ** Use shaping and positive reinforcement. Keep sessions short (5 minutes) and high-energy.
Havanese Considerations
Bred for centuries solely as companions to Cuban aristocracy - genetically wired to be with humans. Leaving them alone 8+ hours results in destructive chewing, excessive barking, and house soiling.
Notoriously slow to potty train. Small bladders and 'sneaky soiling' means they may not be fully reliable until 6-8 months old, sometimes older. Requires consistent positive reinforcement.
Excellent watchdogs who announce every delivery truck, neighbor, and squirrel. In apartments with thin walls, this requires dedicated training to manage.
Unless you learn to groom yourself, expect $60-100 every 4-6 weeks for professional grooming. That's $700-1,200 annually just for haircuts.
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Considerations
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.
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.
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
| Species | Havanese | Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever |
|---|---|---|
| With Cats | Excellent - generally great with cats | Generally safe with proper introduction |
| Small Mammals | Safe - low prey drive makes them one of safest breeds for rabbits and guinea pigs | Supervision required |
| Birds / Reptiles | Safe - generally lacks drive to harm, though always supervise | Caution advised |
Advanced Behavior
| Trait | Havanese | Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever |
|---|---|---|
| Predatory Sequence Risk | Arrested | Medium |
| Biddability | High | High |
| Noise Sensitivity | Medium | Low |
| Territorial Barking | ||
| Same-Sex Aggression Onset | N/A | 18 months |
Havanese: May 'Eye' and 'Chase' for play but 'Grab-Bite' and 'Kill-Bite' largely absent. Safe with hamsters and birds if supervised. High biddability but can learn bad habits fast (like barking for attention).
First Year & Life Stages
First Year Challenges
| Challenge | Havanese | Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Difficulty | ||
| Destructive Phase | 4-12 | 6-18 |
| House Training | Hard | Moderate |
| Crate Training | Medium | Medium |
| Adolescent Regression |
Havanese: Sweet and generally non-destructive compared to larger breeds. Main challenge is housebreaking frustration - their 'tell' (sign they need to go) is subtle. Adolescent regression at 6-10 months coincides with 'blowing coat' phase where grooming becomes a nightmare.
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever: Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever puppies require consistent training and patience.
Life Stages Timeline
| Stage | Havanese | Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Phase | 12 months | 12 months |
| Adolescence | 6-18 | 6-18 |
| Adult Years | 2-9 | 2-8 |
| Senior Onset | ~10 years | ~8 years |
| Peak Energy Age | 1-3 years | 1-3 years |
Size & Physical Characteristics
Physical Stats
| Measurement | Havanese | Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 23-28 cm | N/A |
| Weight | Not enough data yet | Not enough data yet |
| Size Category | Extra Small | Medium |
| Lifespan | 14–16 years | 10–12 years |
| Litter Size | 4-6 | 4-8 |
Havanese Coat
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Coat
Lineage & Origin
| Detail | Havanese | Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever |
|---|---|---|
| Original Purpose | Companion dog for Cuban aristocracy - bred to sit on laps, act as bed warmers, and entertain | Developed in Little River, Nova Scotia, in the 19th century, they were originally called the Little |
| Origin | Cuba, 18th-19th century (descended from Blanquito de la Habana and Bichon Tenerife) | N/A |
Breeding Details
| Detail | Havanese | Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever |
|---|---|---|
| C-Section Rate | Low | Varies |
| Whelping Difficulty | Easy | Medium |
| Puppy Mortality Rate | Low | Low |
Physical Risks
| Risk | Havanese | Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever |
|---|---|---|
| Bloat / GDV Risk | Low | Low |
| Slippery Floor Risk | Low | Low |
| Min Fence Height | 1m | 1.5m |
| Dig / Escape Risk | Low | Low |
Health & Common Conditions
Havanese Health Issues
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Health Issues
Havanese Suggested Tests
- Hip Evaluation (OFA)
- Patella Evaluation
- Ophthalmologist Evaluation (CAER)
- BAER Hearing Test
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Suggested Tests
- JADD
- CP1 (Cleft Palate)
- CLPS (Cleft Lip/Palate)
- DM
- PRA
- CEA
- CDDY
Health Risk Overview
| Risk Factor | Havanese | Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever |
|---|---|---|
| Cancer Risk | Low | Medium |
| Cardiac Risk | Medium | Low |
| Neurological Risk | Low | Low |
| CCL/ACL Tear Risk | Low | Low |
| Vet Burden Tier | Medium | Medium |
Sensitivities & Allergies
| Sensitivity | Havanese | Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever |
|---|---|---|
| Skin Allergies | ||
| Environmental Allergies | ||
| Stomach Sensitivity | Low | Low |
| Food Allergies |
Health Maintenance
| Care Item | Havanese | Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever |
|---|---|---|
| Nail Growth Rate | Normal | Normal |
| Eye Care Needs | High | Low |
| Anal Gland Issues | Occasional | Occasional |
Senior Care & Aging
Havanese Senior Care
Common Senior Issues
- Cataracts
- Heart murmurs (Mitral Valve Disease)
- Hearing loss
- Arthritis
Generally stay sharp mentally. Ramps for furniture recommended to protect backs and joints in senior years.
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Senior Care
Common Senior Issues
- Arthritis
- Vision decline
- Cognitive changes
Senior care varies by individual health.
Grooming & Care
Havanese
high maintenanceNova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
medium maintenanceLifestyle Compatibility
Havanese Daily Life
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Daily Life
Housing & Legal Restrictions
| Restriction | Havanese | Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever |
|---|---|---|
| BSL Restricted | ||
| Common Rental Ban | ||
| Insurance Blacklist | ||
| Weight Category | Under 25lbs | Under 50lbs |
Climate Tolerance
| Climate | Havanese | Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Tolerance | ||
| Cold Tolerance | ||
| Water Affinity | Medium | Medium |
Travel Compatibility
| Activity | Havanese | Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever |
|---|---|---|
| Car Travel | Excellent | Good |
| Camping | ||
| Beach Friendly | ||
| Hiking Rating | ||
| Cabin Flight Eligible | ||
| Hotel Friendly Size |
Niche Suitability
| Role | Havanese | Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever |
|---|---|---|
| Service Dog | Medium | High |
| Therapy Dog | High | Low |
| Deep Pressure Therapy | ||
| Canicross / Bikejoring | ||
| Apartment Adaptable | ||
| Tactile / Sensory Friendly | ||
| Livestock Guardian | ||
| Medical Alert | Low | Low |
Costs & Expenses
Upfront Costs
| Cost | Havanese | Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $1,500-3,500+ | N/A |
| Initial Cost Range | $1,500–$3,500 | $1,000–$2,500 |
| Cost Tier |
Ongoing Costs
| Cost | Havanese | Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Range | $100–$200 | $160–$290 |
| Yearly Range | $1,500–$2,500 | $1,920–$3,480 |
| Food / Month | $20-40 | $60-90 |
| Insurance / Month | $30-50 | $100-200 |
| Grooming / Session | $60-100 | N/A |
| Vet Routine / Year | $300-500 | N/A |
| Monthly Cost Tier |
Havanese Lifetime Cost
$20,000-35,000
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Lifetime Cost
N/A
Quirks & Fun Facts
Daily Quirks
| Quirk | Havanese | Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever |
|---|---|---|
| Snoring | ||
| Flatulence | Rare | Occasional |
| Slobber Level | None | Low |
| Smell When Wet | Mild | Moderate |
| Zoomies Frequency | Daily | Occasional |
| Counter Surfing | ||
| Digging Tendency | None | Low |
Havanese Quirks
Paper Shredding
Many Havanese love to shred tissues, toilet paper, and napkins - it's a common breed quirk
Perching Like a Cat
Often sit on backs of sofas or look out windows from high vantage points
Run Like Hell (RLH)
The Havanese version of zoomies - they tuck their butts and sprint in circles at high speed
Shadow Dog
Will follow you to the bathroom - they are true velcro dogs
Frequently Asked Questions
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