New Guinea Singing Dog vs Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever - Breed Comparison

New Guinea Singing Dog vs Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever - Breed ComparisonNova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever is originated from Canada but New Guinea Singing Dog is originated from Papua New Guinea. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever may grow 16 cm / 7 inches higher than New Guinea Singing Dog. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever may weigh 8 kg / 18 pounds more than New Guinea Singing Dog. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever may live 6 years less than New Guinea Singing Dog. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever may have more litter size than New Guinea Singing Dog. Both Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever and New Guinea Singing Dog requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Sporting dog
Miscellaneous dogs
undefined
Canada
Papua New Guinea
Height Male:
42 - 54 cm
16 - 22 inches
35 - 38 cm
13 - 15 inches
Height Female:
42 - 54 cm
16 - 22 inches
32 - 35 cm
12 - 14 inches
Weight Male:
17 - 23 kg
37 - 51 pounds
8 - 15 kg
17 - 34 pounds
Weight Female:
17 - 23 kg
37 - 51 pounds
6 - 10 kg
13 - 23 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 14 Years
15 - 20 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 10
1 - 6
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Toller
Hallstrom Dog, NGSD, New Guinea Highland Dog, New Guinea Dingo, Singer, New Guinea Wild Dog
Colors Available:
Red, golden with some white, copper
Black and tan with white markings, golden red.
Coat:
Medium length, double-coat, feathery
weather resistant coat double coat breed
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Curious, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Stubborn
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
No
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

History

nova scotia duck tolling retrieverThe 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.

new guinea singing dogIn 1957 the New Guinea Singing Dog was “discovered” in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea and he is found no where else. There is a lot of debate among scientists, taxonomists and biologist as to what is really a species and what is a subspecies. When the NGSD was found he was classified as a new canid species then in 2007 they were downgraded to a subspecies.

Today the NGSD is considered to be a wild dog and a primitive dog. They have lived in Papua New Guinea in the Highlands for thousands of years. They are closely related to other wild dogs, such as Australia’s dingo. They are today as they were a thousand years ago – wild. So wild that many counties have them in their zoos.

With the right care and enough socialization, they do very well as companion animals living with people. They are difficult to domesticate however and the person who owns one should be a part of the NGSD community in order to get support, share issues, and learn from others who have lived with these “wild dogs” for many years.

Any New Guinea Singing Dog found in North America or Europe is a direct descendent of two couples that were taken to zoos in China and Australia. The NGSD makes a howling sound that modulates and undulates through a wide series of tones. No other dog makes this musical sound. Rare even in New Guinea today, the Singer is thought to be the rarest of all dogs.

The only organization that recognizes the Singing Dog is the UKC and they are allowed in UKC competition. The NGSD now holds the classification of a domestic dog – a Canis lupus dingo - which is a subspecies of Canis lupus. In 2016 a group of 15 wild dogs were photographed for the first time ever. Prior to this the NGSD were never seen in more than pairs.

It is believed that they do not live and operate in packs, but rather solitary, pairs or family groups where both the parents do the work of raising the pups.

Description

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.

new guinea singing dog puppy - descriptionThe New Guinea Singing Dog is a medium sized dog with short legs and a broad head. They are about average height and they are very limber and flexible. They can rotate their paws and spread their legs at much greater angles than the average canine. Thus, they can easily climb a tree. They can jump like a cat.

They have very reflective eyes that are shaped like almonds and have dark rims. The color of the eye can be dark brown to dark amber. It is also believed that they can see better than other domestic dogs in low light settings. Their pupils let in more light due to pupils that are wider than most other dogs.

The ears of the NGSD are lined with fur, pointed and erect. The are forward laying and can be rotated in order to hear even the farthest and faintest of sounds. There are dark guard hairs on the spine and back of the ears and tail. On young dogs the muzzle is black but by age 7 it is already beginning to turn gray.

Characteristics

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.

Children friendliness

new guinea singing dog dog - characteristicsThey could be, but it must be remembered that this is a wild dog.

Special talents

Varying the pitches when howling

Adaptability

It’s possible but not recommended. Leave them wild.

Learning ability

Highly intelligent but trainability is questionable unless well socialize and attached to their people.

Health Problems

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.

Health Problems

new guinea singing dog puppies - health problemsThough the breed is not extinct – it is so wild and secretive that there is no history or record of any health problems. However, the small number of domestic companion animals have shown health issues in recent years.

Pancreatitis – can be chronic or acute. If chronic it needs to be treated and diet changed. If acute it is usually deadly.

Hip Dysplasia – can cause lameness or arthritis.

Caring The Pet

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.

Feeding the puppy

new guinea singing dog dogs - caringIn the wild both pups and adults are thought to eat small mammals and birds as well as fruits. In homes feed a high protein diet. Because of the tendency toward pancreatitis do not feed raw or under cooked meat. If feeding meet do so in small amounts well cooked, very lean. Stay away from the fat. Feed puppies very small amounts. ¾-1 cup high quality dry puppy food twice a day.

Feeding the adult

Same as the puppy when it comes to meat although you could give the adult a little more. 1 ½ cups od high quality medium breed dog food twice a day.

Points for Good Health

In the wild there is no indication of health issue. A very healthy breed.

Games and Exercises

The NGSD needs a lot of stimulation both mental and physical. They must have a daily walk and somewhere to run. They are escape artist in homes. Remember they can jump like cats and climb trees. If their head can pass through a hole, so can the rest of their body.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. New Guinea Singing Dog vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. New Guinea Singing Dog vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. New Guinea Singing Dog vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. New Guinea Singing Dog vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. New Guinea Singing Dog vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. New Guinea Singing Dog vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison