Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Grooming

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, commonly called a Toller, is a hunting dog with a slightly wavy, double-layered, medium-length coat that's water-resistant to keep it dry and warm in the fields. Overall, Tollers' coats don't require too much care--but if the dog hunts (or spends time outdoors) regularly, it'll need frequent baths. See below for further details on maintaining the Toller's coat.

These dogs' medium-length, double-layered coats don't require much maintenance unless they get particularly dirty (which, if your Toller is used as a hunting dog, it likely will), so Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever grooming is not too time-consuming overall. While Tollers shed lightly year-round, they shed profusely during the twice-yearly shedding seasons, so they'll normally need brushing only once or twice per week (but daily brushing is necessary during shedding season). Baths are only needed as necessary--but again, if the Toller regularly goes duck hunting, "necessary" will mean after every hunt. Haircuts aren't required at all.

To brush a Toller: a pin brush works best on these dogs' coats, and a good 2-in-1 comb for working through mats and tangles is handy to have as well. Brush the coat section by section, moving in the direction of hair growth. If you encounter a tangle or mat, first try working through it with your fingers, then continue working it out with the comb. Your Toller will only need weekly brushing unless it's blowing its coat in the spring or fall, in which case you'll need to brush daily to reduce the amount of shed hairs from the undercoat.

To bathe: make sure to give the Toller a thorough brushing beforehand. You can use either a bathtub or an outdoor kiddie pool and a garden hose; be sure to also use canine shampoo, as the kind made for humans will irritate the dog's skin. Thoroughly wet the coat, then apply a quarter-sized amount of shampoo to the Toller's back. Lather well, working downward as you go--and don't forget the legs! Finish with the neck and head, making sure you avoid getting soap in the dog's eyes. Rinse until the water runs clear, towel-dry, then give the coat another quick brush-through to make it look clean and neat.