Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever - Breed Comparison

Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever - Breed ComparisonRhodesian Ridgeback is originated from Zimbabwe but Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever is originated from Canada. Rhodesian Ridgeback may grow 15 cm / 6 inches higher than Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever. Rhodesian Ridgeback may weigh 18 kg / 40 pounds more than Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever. Both Rhodesian Ridgeback and Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever has same life span. Both Rhodesian Ridgeback and Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever has same litter size. Rhodesian Ridgeback requires Low maintenance. But Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever requires Moderate maintenance

History

rhodesian ridgeback - historyKnown as the African Lion Dog, the courageous Rhodesian Ridgeback hails from Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe.

He was bred essentially to be a hunter as well as a home guardian. These dogs were crossed with European dogs, with the original breed standard being drafted by F.R. Barnes By the 1860s, European colonisers had imported certain European dog breeds to the area such as Greyhound, Terriers, Bloodhounds as well as other breeds. These were mixed with the indigenous African dogs.

The Ridgeback Club was also founded. It was in 1955 that the American Kennel Club recognized the dog as a member of the Hound group.

nova scotia duck tolling retriever - historyThe Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever dog was bred in the 19th-century in Nova Scotia, Eastern Canada.

They were used as hunting dogs. Known as the ‘Toller’, the dog was at first referred to as the Little River Duck Dog but it was in 1945 that it became officially recognized by the Canadian Kennel Club as a pure breed.

The dog is a mix of retriever, setter, spaniel and possibly a farm collie mix breed. It was in 1980 that the breed gained national recognition, being declared the provincial dog of Nova Scotia in 1995.

Description

rhodesian ridgeback puppy - descriptionPerhaps the most noticeable thing with this large, handsome formidable looking dog is the ridge of hair that runs along his back and gives him his name. The rest of the coat is short and smooth and can be a reddish tan color or wheaten shade.

He is a slender, athletic dog with an alert, intelligent face. The ears of the dog are floppy and carried close to the head, being broad and then narrowing to a rounded ear. The tail is long,broad at the base and tapers. He is a large dog that stands at between 61 and 69cm and weighs between 29 and 41kg.

Temperament:

In spite of his athletic build, he isn’t an overly active dog like many other breeds but will require a walk ever day as well as ball- and rope games.

He is a quiet, gentle dog, strong and confident, while also being strong willed and independent. He is tolerant around children, but isn’t the kind of dog that relishes being around little kids who try to climb over him.

He is smart and can be easily trained. Training and socialization turn him into an awesome pet.

nova scotia duck tolling retriever puppy - descriptionThe Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a medium-sized gundog. Both male and female stand at about 42 to 54cm in height and they weigh anything from 17 to 23kg.

This beautiful dog is looked upon as the smallest of the retriever dogs. He has a remarkable medium-length, feathery red, copper or golden coat with some white markings and a long feathery tail with medium length, floppy ears. The coat will need brushing twice a week.

He is a powerful dog and also agile with a somewhat worried expression on his face. The expression becomes bright and animated when he is busy working and you’ll notice that the feathery tail is held high with confidence and delight when he is busy working or doing some activity he loves.

Temperament:

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is an intelligent, alert dog who is eager to please its owners.

They are affectionate dogs too, making a splendid family pet. If you’ve got kids in the home, you can trust this dog to get on well with them.

He is energetic, thriving on both physical and mental stimulation. He’ll love a walk every day as this will give him the chance to get out and sniff around. He won’t be content though with just a walk and will want ball games, walks in the park, hikes and swimming. This dog loves water and is well equipped for it with his double coat and webbed paws.

Characteristics

rhodesian ridgeback dog - characteristicsYour Ridgeback is a dignified dog who is devoted to his human family, being aloof around strangers.

He is a territorial dog and takes his job as guard dog seriously. He is confident and independent, and with his good looks, his loyalty and devotion, he is guaranteed to make you a most splendid pet and companion.

nova scotia duck tolling retriever dog - characteristicsYour Toller is a high energy dog, and with the right family he is going to be an absolute joy to have. Give him lots of activities to stimulate him physically and mentally as he is an intelligent dog.

He is playful and social and full of life, although he is wary around strangers. Just like with most dogs, he will need training and socialization to round him off, making him obedient and well balanced.

With this good-natured pet, you will have a wonderful family friend and enthusiastic sport companion.

Health Problems

rhodesian ridgeback puppies - health problemsRhodesian Ridgebacks are generally healthy, robust dogs, but like with all breeds, they can also have their share of some of the common dog illnesses there are.

If you’re buying a puppy, make sure it comes from a good breeder.

Hip Dysplasia:

This is a hereditary disease which can become worse because of environmental factors such as rapid growth. The thighbone doesn’t fit properly into the hip joint.

It is sad when you see such a strong dog succumbing to hip dysplasia as it can cause a lot of pain and also make your dog lame. Arthritis can also occur.

Bloat:

For such a life threatening illness with a dog, it is wise to familiarize yourself with an emergency vet in your area. A dog with bloat needs to be rushed to the vet as soon as possible.

That is why it is better to feed your pet smaller meals daily rather than one big meal. Bloat is an ailment where there is rapid accumulation of gas in the stomach.

Dogs with deep chests are at a greater risk of bloat. Typical symptoms of bloat include restlessness, a swollen, hard stomach and trying to vomit.

Canine bloat or gastric dilatation and volvulus is a killer with dogs, with the gas accumulation causing the stomach to twist.

nova scotia duck tolling retriever puppies - health problemsThese dogs are robust, but certain genetic disorders do occur in the breed because of the smallish gene pool. Some of the biggest health problems they face are hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy:

This eye disease is all about a group of degenerative eye disorders that cause blindness in both eyes of the dog.

The first symptom of this disease is night blindness where you see your dog being reluctant to go outside or to go up and down stairs in dim light. The surface of the eyes will get that cloudy, glazed-over look and as the disease progresses, you’ll find your pet bumping into things.

Mercifully it isn’t painful but you will need to get your pet to the vet to manage the condition.

Caring The Pet

Grooming:

rhodesian ridgeback dogs - caringThe Rhodesian Ridgeback only sheds a little so you can keep him looking good with a brush twice a week.The shiny coat can be maintained by wiping him down with a damp cloth. Look out for any unusual lumps you might find.

He has floppy ears so during your grooming session check inside his ears and make sure they aren’t red. You can suspect an ear infection when you see your Ridgeback shaking his head or scratching his ears.

Check inside your Ridgeback’s mouth too as dogs can’t tell you when they’ve got a rotten tooth that is causing terrible pain and also poisoning their entire system.

Trim his nails too if they don’t wear down naturally.

Diet:

Your large Rhodesian Ridgeback will need good food from you if you want to have less visits to the vet because of illness.

If you have a puppy feed him 4 bowls of food a day, but once your dog is one year of age he can have two bowls of food. Two bowls are better than one as with one bowl, your dog becomes ravenous and gobble his food down. This can lead to bloat.

It is always convenient to feed him one of the top quality commercially manufactured dog foods but he will also need some tasty home-made food too. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots are a healthy choice for your pet – plain and simple dog food, just like dogs want.

They don’t want exotic, spicy foods that humans eat as it upsets their stomach. Chop this home-made food up ad put it into his dry kibble twice a week for a treat. Also try to give him a bit of raw meat occasionally. Never leave him without a constant source of fresh, cool water.

Exercise:

nova scotia duck tolling retriever dogs - caringTollers are energetic dogs and you won’t have to extend a second invitation to this dog to join you on your walks, hikes, hunting and swimming. It is perhaps why he is better suited to country living as opposed to living in the city.

Diet:

You want to ensure the best food for your four-legged friend, but the idea is to keep things simple and nutritious for your dog.

Your pet can’t tell you when he’s got a stomach-ache from eating the wrong foods so you have to be careful what you feed him. You want to make sure that the food you give your dog is balanced for the stage of life he or she is in – puppy, young adult, pregnancy, ill dog or senior dog.

You’ve also got to see whether your dog is small or large, active or a couch-potato type of dog, and choose commercially manufactured foods that cater for the kind of dog he is.

It is fine to feed your dog a kibble food or you can mix in some chopped up boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and some vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes and spinach. Some raw meat added in when you can afford it, will also do your pet the world of good.

You can see from this diet, it is uncomplicated, plain, wholesome food and will do your pet good.

Always be careful of bones with your dog and speak to your vet first before you opt to give your dog bones.

Never leave your pet without a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Training and Socialization:

Both dogs and owners benefit when a dog has been trained and socialized. The dog is balanced and obedient and a stronger relationship develops between owner and dog because of the dog being well behaved. The Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever is an intelligent dog so he won’t have any trouble with training.

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Sporting dog
Origin:
Zimbabwe
Canada
Height Male:
61 - 69 cm
24 - 28 inches
42 - 54 cm
16 - 22 inches
Height Female:
61 - 69 cm
24 - 28 inches
42 - 54 cm
16 - 22 inches
Weight Male:
27 - 41 kg
59 - 91 pounds
17 - 23 kg
37 - 51 pounds
Weight Female:
27 - 41 kg
59 - 91 pounds
17 - 23 kg
37 - 51 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 14 Years
10 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
7 - 10
6 - 10
Size:
Large dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
African Lion Dog
Toller
Colors Available:
wheaten, tan, Fawn
Red, golden with some white, copper
Coat:
Short, smooth, glossy
Medium length, double-coat, feathery
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Bloodhound - Breed Comparison
  2. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Greyhound - Breed Comparison
  3. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Francais Blanc et Noir - Breed Comparison
  4. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs American Foxhound - Breed Comparison
  5. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Borzoi - Breed Comparison
  6. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Black and Tan Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  7. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Mountain Cur - Breed Comparison
  8. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Black Mouth Cur - Breed Comparison
  9. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Rajapalayam - Breed Comparison
  10. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs American English Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  11. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Plott Hound - Breed Comparison
  12. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Petit Gascon Saintongeois - Breed Comparison
  13. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Otterhound - Breed Comparison
  14. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Mudhol Hound - Breed Comparison
  15. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Ibizan Hound - Breed Comparison
  16. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Rampur Greyhound - Breed Comparison
  17. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Austrian Black and Tan Hound - Breed Comparison
  18. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Galgo Espanol - Breed Comparison
  19. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Azawakh - Breed Comparison
  20. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Hanover Hound - Breed Comparison
  21. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Majestic Tree Hound - Breed Comparison
  22. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Chart Polski - Breed Comparison
  23. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Polish Hunting Dog - Breed Comparison
  24. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Grand Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  25. Rhodesian Ridgeback vs Hortaya Borzaya - Breed Comparison
  26. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs East Siberian Laika - Breed Comparison
  27. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  28. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs French Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  29. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs Flat-Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  31. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs Ariegeois - Breed Comparison
  32. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs Beagador - Breed Comparison
  33. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  34. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs Field Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  35. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs Artois Hound - Breed Comparison
  36. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs Curly Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  37. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs Lagotto Romagnolo - Breed Comparison
  38. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs Braque Francais - Breed Comparison
  39. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs Formosan Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  40. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs Kooikerhondje - Breed Comparison
  41. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  42. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs Braque Saint-Germain - Breed Comparison
  43. Shikoku vs Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever - Breed Comparison
  44. Slovakian Hound vs Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever - Breed Comparison
  45. Small Munsterlander vs Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever - Breed Comparison
  46. Sussex Spaniel vs Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever - Breed Comparison
  47. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever - Breed Comparison
  48. West Siberian Laika vs Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever - Breed Comparison
  49. Wetterhoun vs Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever - Breed Comparison
  50. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds