There are some distinctions between the Border Collie and the Nova Scotia Duck Toller, which by the way are two famous dog breeds. Nova Scotia is known for their hunting prowess and their ability to attract ducks, while Border Collies are renowned for their brains and herding prowess. Nova Scotia Tollers are renowned for their outgoing and friendly personalities, while Border Collies are more active and need more exercise. Both dog types respond well to training and would make excellent companions for energetic households.
However, in the end it is up to you to decide which of these types you want. Choose one that is practical for your everyday living and routine.
Characteristics of Border Collie versus Nova Scotia Duck Tollers
Border Collies are a popular breed of canine because of their smarts, agility, and boundless energy. They look attentive and ready to go, and their bodies are strong and agile. The breed originated from British Isles and is renowned for its sense of smell.
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a Canadian sporting canine of medium size with distinctively bright red fur. They need a lot of exercise, particularly fetching and swimming, because they are high-energy, playful, quick-moving, and agile dogs. Doing things like advanced obedience, agility, tracking, and fieldwork are just as essential as physical exercise. They have delightful dispositions and are extremely affectionate, clever, and loving.
| Characteristics/Breed | Border Collie | Nova Scotia |
|---|---|---|
| Affectionate | High | High |
| Friendliness | High | High |
| Kid-Friendly | High | Medium to High |
| Pet-Friendly | Medium | High |
| Exercise Requirements | High | High |
| Playfulness | High | High |
| Energy | High | Medium to High |
| Trainability | High | High |
| Intelligence | High | Medium to High |
| Tendency to Bark | High | High |
| Shedding | Medium | High |
History of Duck Tollers and Border Collies
Border Collies are a popular breed of canine because of their smarts, agility, and boundless energy. They look attentive and ready to go, and their bodies are strong and agile. The breed originated from British Isles and is renowned for its sense of smell.
The history of the Border Collie can be traced back to the beginnings of livestock farming as well as the wool trade in the United Kingdom and its colonies. These days, Border Collies are typically employed to herd sheep and other animals.
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, a popular hunting dog breed, has its origins in Little River Harbour, Yarmouth County, Nova Scotia. Originally called the Little River duck dog or Yarmouth toller, this breed dates back to the early 19th century when an archaic hunting technique called tolling was employed to attract waterfowl to the hunter. The MicMac Indian Dog, which also used this technique, served as inspiration for the development of the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. Notably, Henry Albert Patterson Hap Smith, a prominent breeder and advocate of the breed, played a significant role in its establishment and promotion between 1885 and 1920.
These days, dog organizations all over the world recognize the Toller as a breed worthy of praise for its hunting prowess.
Appearance Comparison
Border Collies are powerful, quick, and medium-sized canines. Black and white, red and white, black and gray, all black, and tri-color variations are just some of the color schemes available. The fur on some Border Collies is approximately three inches long and rough, while the coat on others is about an inch long and smooth. Border Collies with longer hair tend to have a full beard and tail.
Alternatively, a Nova Scotia Duck Toller is a medium-sized sporting dog that is compact in build, has almond-shaped eyes, and has a distinctive crimson color that can be anywhere from golden red to dark coppery with white markings. Their long, floppy ears and thick, double covering make them waterproof.
Size of Border Collie versus Duck Tollers
Puppies of the Border Collie breed typically reach half their final adult size by 6 months of age, and then their growth rates significantly slow down until they hit a plateau between 12 and 18 months of age. Most Border Collie puppies will measure over 20 pounds at six months of age, with males weighing 20 to 25 pounds and females 18 to 22 pounds.
The dimension of a Border Collie is determined by both sexes and genetics. Males are 19 to 22 inches tall and weigh 35 to 55 pounds, while females are 18 to 21 inches tall and weigh 30 to 45 pounds, as stated by the American Kennel Club.
The average weight for a male Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is 35 to 50 pounds, and the average height for a male is 18 to 21 inches and a female is 17 to 20 inches. Experts say that this breed of canine can weigh anywhere from 35 to 52 pounds and stand anywhere from 17 to 21 inches tall. Because they sprint as well as swim when “tolling,” tollers are smaller and more agile than other retrievers.
Coats & Colors
There is a wide range of colors and coat varieties that can be found in Border Collies. The black and white Border Collie coat, which is the classic appearance for these dogs, is by far the most popular variety of the breed’s coat. The next most popular coat style for Border Collies is the tricolored variety, which typically has a combination of black, white, and tan coloring. Other popular colors include:
- Red and white
- Black and gray
- All black
- Bi-color
- Tri-color
- Merle
- Sable
The coat of the Nova Scotia Duck Toller is a distinctive shade of red that can range from bright coppery red to dark golden red, and it is marked with white. Tollers have a double coat that is both watertight and medium in length. The exterior coat is rough, and the undercoat is fluffy and soft.
Personality & Temperament of Duck Tollers versus Border Collies
Two well-liked dog types, the Border Collie and the Nova Scotia Duck Toller, each have their own unique characteristics. In Canada, Border Collies were trained to herd livestock, and Tollers were developed to retrieve ducks. Both breeds are intelligent, energetic, and playful.
Both breeds are friendly to kids and would make wonderful companions, but younger children might tire of their high energy and intense personalities too quickly. Training and socialization can help them feel at ease around both people and other creatures. However, if they aren’t taught and exercised regularly, they can develop behavioral problems like any other breed.
We’ll examine common behavioral problems in Border Collies and Tollers, as well as their interactions with humans, dogs, and other animals.
Family Interaction
Both Border Collies and Nova Scotia Duck Tollers have high amounts of energy and require regular exercise. They are also trainable and have a loving disposition toward their families. Some similarities exist between the two breeds in terms of these characteristics. On the other hand, each one of them possesses singular qualities that set them apart from the others. It is essential to keep in mind that each breed has its own unique set of characteristics and qualities that distinguish them from other dogs and make them unique.
Border Collies
Border Collies are highly intelligent dogs that are also very active and energetic. They do best in homes where they can get plenty of play and exercise, either with people or other dogs. Border Collies are known for their fierce loyalty to their families as well as their territories, making them excellent watchdogs. They are very easy to teach and are receptive to being praised.
As a result of their natural instinct to herd, they may display behavior typical of herders, such as prodding and biting people and other animals. Because they are energetic working dogs, they do best in rural settings and require plenty of opportunities to get plenty of exercise. These canines are prone to destructive behavior if they are confined and denied the opportunity for exercise and social interaction.
Nova Scotia
The Nova Scotia Duck Toller is a variety of dog that is known for being outgoing, lively, and affectionate. They adore spending time with their families. They are renowned for their calm demeanor and keen sense of awareness, qualities that make them ideal playmates for younger children. Tollers are high-energy dogs that, in order to avoid becoming bored, need a great deal of physical activity as well as cerebral stimulation.
They can be trained quickly and make excellent companion animals for active households. Tollers have a double coat that is completely waterproof, making them ideally suitable for water activities such as swimming. Because Tollers do not like to spend extended amounts of time by themselves, they are not a good choice of pet for owners who are unable to provide them with sufficient attention and exercise.
Kids
Although some Border Collies are great with kids, it really just relies on the kid(s) and the family. Border Collies are renowned for their intellect and work ethic, but their intensity and stubbornness can make them unsuitable for households with young children. Border Collies can get along with children if they are properly socialized and trained in behavior as puppies.
If raised and taught correctly, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers make great family pets. They get along great with other dogs and kids and can even tolerate cats if exposed to them in the right way.
The American Kennel Club, however, does not advise getting one if you have small children. This breed is full of energy and requires regular physical and mental stimulation through activities like advanced obedience, agility, tracking, and field work. It is important to educate children how to behave around dogs of all breeds and to supervise their interactions with dogs.
Whether or not these two canines are suitable for a household with children is, ultimately, a matter of temperament and context. Border Collies are devoted and make excellent role models, but their intelligence and work ethic can make them too intense for homes with young children. However, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever benefits from socialization, training, and exercise, and is excellent with both children and other pets. To be child-friendly, both types of dogs should be socialized and trained as puppies.
Other People
Though most Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers are friendly toward strangers, they might not always react with enthusiasm. They are a smart, loving, and obedient bunch. However, not all dogs can be a guard dog or security dog. If you want your Toller to be more aggressive or a watch dog, you might be disappointed. Expert dog trainers do not suggest this breed to be used for such purpose.
Because they were bred to herd livestock, Border Collies may be wary of strangers. Adolescent stage from these dogs can bring on a period of increased anxiety around new people. They are not, however, known to be particularly hostile toward unknown people. Border Collies can be hyperactive and easily overwhelmed by too much stimulation, so it’s essential to monitor their interactions with new people. A Border Collie may growl or bark at an intruder to warn them to back off if they feel intimidated.
Dogs & Other Animals
If properly trained and socialized, Border Collies can get along well with other pets and canines. Dog conflicts and injuries are common among these two breeds because of their penchant for nipping and roughhousing. Keeping one step ahead of this species is essential, and most homes are not up to the challenge.
Nova Scotia Duck Tollers are friendly to both humans and canine companions. They have a well-deserved reputation for having a pleasant demeanor and getting along well with other canine companions. They are perceptive without being overactive, and they have a high degree of flexibility. Young Tollers, despite being sweet and mild, can be a bit rowdy. They get along well with people of all ages and with other animals. Tollers may be wary of newcomers at first, but they usually warm up to them fast.
Behaviour Issues
Dogs are wonderful pets that enrich the lives of their owners with companionship and fun, but they can also display challenging behavioral problems. Any breed, including the Border Collie and the Nova Scotia Duck Toller, is susceptible to problems like separation anxiety, destructive behavior, and aggression towards people and other animals.
Border Collie
Border Collies frequently exhibit the following behaviors:
- Chasing
- Aggression
- Attention-seeking
- Biting
- Nipping
- Gripping
- Dominance
- Excessive barking, chewing, energy and digging
- Separation anxiety
If the dog does not get enough exercise, mental stimulation, or socialization, it may develop these problems.
Nova Scotia
Destructive behavior, nuisance barking, and chewing are common in Nova Scotia Duck Tollers who don’t get enough movement and mental stimulation. Without appropriate training, a Toller’s high prey drive may lead him to chase after small animals. If left alone for too long, they may get anxious and noisy.
Addressing these problems and enhancing the well-being of both the dog and the owner can be accomplished by means of understanding the root causes of these behaviors and implementing a suitable training and behavior modification techniques.
Training & Exercise of Border Collie versus Nova Scotia Duck Tollers
It takes time and effort to train a Border Collie. Check out the following to help you out:
- Do your homework on the breed to learn how to best interact with them
- Use positive reinforcement and a wide variety of training activities to keep their focus;
- Start training using simple commands such as sit, stay and come
- Reward good behavior with treats and praise
- Gradually introduce your Collie with other people and dogs
- Give him or her plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior
There must be patience and constancy when training a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. Some tips to help you are:
- Be patient and consistent with training, as Tollers can be stubborn
- Start with basic obedience training like housebreaking
- Use treats, praise and other positive reinforcement techniques you know in rewarding good behavior
- Socialize your Toller with other dogs and people to prevent shyness or aggression
- Give your Toller plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior
- Groom your Toller regularly
Taking Care & Maintenance Comparison between Border Collie and Duck Tollers
Grooming and exercise are necessities for dogs like Border Collies and Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers. Border Collies require routine care, including bathing, nail trimming, and eye examinations. Daily exercise, a high-protein and high-fat food, regular grooming and training, and veterinary care are all necessities for a healthy dog.
Border Collie
It is essential to keep a Border Collie neat and tidy as part of their maintenance. To reduce shedding, brush your canine before giving him a bath. In addition to keeping their eyes clean and free of debris and dirt, you should check their eyes on a regular basis for signs of redness or clouding of the pupil and carefully wipe the area around their eyes with a damp wool cloth. Border Collies are energetic dogs that need regular playtime and cerebral challenges to thrive.
Nova Scotia
A Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever needs at least an hour of daily activity and a high-protein, high-fat diet in order to thrive. Excess hair must be trimmed regularly, especially in the area in between the paws. Training and veterinary care, including routine checkups and vaccinations, are essential. Being aware of potential health problems, such as allergies, and acting accordingly, is crucial. If you observe these standards, your dog will live a long and happy life.
Grooming the Dogs
Grooming your dog is essential for a number of reasons. Grooming on a regular basis will not only keep it looking and smelling great, but will also reduce the risk of skin irritation and other health problems. Inspecting your canine for fleas, ticks, and other problems is another important part of grooming. This activity can also strengthen the bond between you and your pet and teach it to be more relaxed around people. Grooming sessions should be scheduled on a regular basis to ensure your dog’s health and happiness, though their duration will vary based on variables like the dog’s breed and fur type.
Shedding
For various causes, Border Collies have an exceptionally high shedding rate. To begin with, they experience significant shedding in the spring and autumn because of the double coat that helps them adapt to extremes in temperature. Second, hormonal imbalances brought on by bacterial infections, fungal infections, infestations, or similar diseases can cause increased shedding.
Shedding can be controlled which can yield to a healthy, glossy coat maintained through routine grooming and brushing, as well as a high-quality nutrition.
Experts say that Nova Scotia sheds moderately most of the time, with the exception of the spring and autumn when they shed heavily. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers require frequent grooming to control their shedding.
It’s best to brush once or twice a week, but more often if it’s shedding season. The amount of hair that falls out of them can be reduced with regular cleaning, sweeping, and vacuuming. The quantity of hair in your house can be reduced through regular grooming. Pet owners of Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers, who typically lose quite a bit, can benefit greatly from investing in the appropriate equipment.
Health of Border Collie and Duck Tollers
A dog’s nutrition, exercise routine, and medical care must all be considered when working to keep them in tiptop shape. Choosing a food that is tailored to your dog’s specific requirements is essential to ensuring its long and healthy life. Dogs need regular exercise for their physical and emotional well-being, and it can also aid in the prevention of obesity and other health problems.
Regarding canine health concerns, owners of Border Collies and Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers should be aware of and take measures to avoid or manage specific conditions. Taking your canine in for regular checkups at the vet will help you spot any potential health problems early so you can treat him right away.
Life Span
Border Collies have a lifetime of 10 to 15 years on average, with a median age of 12 years. Some Border Collies, however, may remain with their owners by a good decade. Border Collies typically pass away from cancer, old age, or cerebrovascular disease.
A Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever can expect to live between 12 and 14 years. Physical traits, environmental requirements, and health problems are all variables that influence this dog’s lifespan.
Diet & Nutrition of Border Collie and Duck Tollers
A Border Collie’s optimal diet should include lean protein sources, healthy fats, and complex carbs. Chicken, beef, seafood, and lamb are all good examples of animal proteins to use. Chicken fat, flaxseed oil, and fish oil are all good sources of healthy fats. Vegetables, fruits, and whole cereals are all good sources of complex carbohydrates.
Your Border Collie should not be given foods that are rich in fat, sugar, or salt, or any foods that are known to be toxic to dogs similar to chocolate, grapes, and onions. You should talk to your vet about your Border Collie’s unique nutritional requirements, which can change with his or her age, size, and level of exercise.
To maintain good health, a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever’s food should include breed-specific proteins, fats, ground bones, and vegetables rich in vitamins and minerals. Tollers that engage in strenuous daily activity may benefit from feeding them high-quality dog food with a healthy protein mentioned as the first ingredient.
This breed can also consume some brands of dog food that are grain-, soy-, and gluten-free and that features a healthy dose of fresh produce.
Health Issues of Border Collie and Duck Tollers
Although Border Collies are usually healthy, they are susceptible to a few different conditions. Border Collies often suffer from the following health problems:
- Hip dysplasia
- Collie eye anomaly
- Epilepsy
- Dental problems
- Allergies
Also, Border Collies may suffer from other health conditions similar to Patent Ductus Arteriosus, Malignant Hyperthermia, and Osteochondritis Dissecans. Regular veterinary examinations for your Border Collie are essential, and so is keeping an eye out for any warning symptoms of illness.
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is susceptible to the same health problems that affect other canine breeds. Hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy or simply PRA, thyroid difficulties, Addison’s disease, cleft palate, idiopathic epilepsy, and aseptic meningitis are just some of the health concerns that commonly affect this breed. The most common and potentially blinding eye disease in Tollers is progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). But a DNA test can tell you whether or not your dog has the illness or is a carrier.
Hip dysplasia is a problem that affects Border Collies and Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers alike, and both breeds are also at risk for developing certain eye illnesses and epilepsy. Maintaining the health of both breeds requires regular visits to the doctor and an understanding of any issues that may arise.
Cost of Border Collie and Duck Tollers
The idea of welcoming a furry friend into your house can be one that is both exciting and rewarding. However, it is essential to have a good understanding of the expenses involved in having a dog as a pet.
In addition to the costs of food, toys, and other supplies, there are also the initial costs to be considered, such as the fees associated with adoption or the cost of purchasing a puppy from a breeder.
Puppies
There are a number of variables that can affect the price of a Border Collie puppy, including the puppy’s age, gender, pedigree, and the location of the breeder. The cost of a Border Collie pup can range anywhere from $300 to $3,500, as stated by several sources. The price ranges from $500 to $800 on average. On the other hand, the cost of a top-quality or a show-quality puppy may be significantly greater. It is essential to track down a reputable breeder if one wishes to guarantee the physical and mental health of the puppy.
There is a wide range of possible prices for a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever puppy because the price is determined by the breeder, the location, and the dog’s bloodline. There are a variety of sources that can give you a price range for a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever puppy which can be somewhere between $1,800 and $2,500 on average. On the other hand, the cost can stretch anywhere from $1,800 to $3,500.
Breeders & Centers
Whether you get your dog from a breeder or a center, there are a few things you need to bear in mind before making your purchase. It is essential to look for a breeder who is both respected and responsible. You can accomplish this goal by conducting research online, speaking with local breed clubs, asking for recommendations from trusted friends or family members, or consulting your veterinarian.
After you have located a possible breeder, you should spend some time getting to know them and ask questions about the breeding methods they use. You must make an effort to know about the health of their dogs, and their level of experience.
It is essential to make a personal trip to the kennel or rescue center where the dogs are being bred to observe the living conditions in which the dogs are being kept and to have direct contact with the dogs. Before you move your new dog into the house, you need to make certain that you have obtained all of the essential paperwork and documentation, such as health certificates and registration papers.
Border Collie and Duck Toller Mix
Due to the fact that they are a hybrid, Border Collies and Nova Scotia Duck Tollers can have a wide range of traits. Both dogs are well-known for their outgoing personalities. But one thing is for sure, the offspring of this mix could be independent and curious.
All canines, regardless of breed, require human attention and prefer not to be left alone. To bring out the best in any canine, early socialization, and training are essential.
Conclusion: Which Is Better For Me, Duck Tollers or Border Collie?
Dogs like Border Collies and Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers need a lot of physical and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Border Collies were bred to manage sheep, and Tollers were bred to retrieve ducks, making these breeds active, smart, and athletic.
Both breeds are highly intelligent and affectionate, so they make great companions, but younger children may be too much for them. These dogs need early and consistent training and socialization to feel safe around people and other animals. Regular exercise, grooming, and veterinarian checkups are necessities for the health and happiness of either breed.
Whether you get a Border Collie or a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever depends on your lifestyle and your ability to give the dog the care, exercise, and training it needs to be happy and healthy.
