Hovawart vs Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Hovawart
Foundation Stock Service
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Sporting Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Hovawart Overview
Hovawarts are powerful, medium-sized dogs with a noble bearing and distinctive tricolor coat. Their well-proportioned build combines strength with agility, featuring a broad chest and strong limbs. Alert eyes and a confident stance reflect their watchful nature, while their medium-length coat provides protection in various weather conditions.
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Overview
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers showcase a medium-sized, athletic build with distinctive red-gold coats and white markings. Their expressive eyes and alert expression reflect their intelligent nature. Combining the agility of a retriever with the allure of a fox, these dogs feature a water-repellent double coat and muscular frame perfectly suited for their original purpose of luring and retrieving waterfowl.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Hovawarts are less energetic than Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Hovawarts require less grooming attention compared to Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Hovawarts tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers.
- Trainability: Hovawarts may be slightly easier to train due to their Hovawart's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Hovawarts adapt better to apartment living, while Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Hovawart and Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Hovawart | Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 10-14 years | 12-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Foundation Stock Service | Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Hovawart | Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 23-28 inches 58-71 cm | 17-21 inches 43-53 cm |
| Weight | 65-90 lbs 29-41 kg | 35-50 lbs 16-23 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Hovawart | Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Alert, Faithful, Intelligent | Affectionate, Intelligent, Outgoing |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Hovawart | Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Hovawart Temperament
The Hovawart is known for being alert, faithful, intelligent, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Temperament
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is characterized by being affectionate, intelligent, outgoing, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Hovawart and Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Hovawart
Rating: 4/5
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Hovawart
Rating: 4/5
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Rating: 4/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Hovawart
Rating: 3/5
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Rating: 5/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Hovawart
Rating: 2/5
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Hovawart
Rating: 2/5
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Hovawart Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Hovawarts require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Hovawarts require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Hovawart Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Thyroid Issues
- Eye Problems
- Heart Disease
- Bloat
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- PRA
- CEA
- DM
- Addison's Disease
Pros & Cons
Hovawart
Pros
- Loyal and protective
- Intelligent
- Good with family
- Weather-resistant coat
Cons
- Strong-willed
- Needs extensive training
- High exercise needs
- Reserved with strangers
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Pros
- Highly intelligent
- Athletic and versatile
- Good family companion
- Excellent swimming ability
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Regular grooming required
- Can be vocal
- May be reserved with strangers
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Hovawart and Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.