Labrador Retriever vs Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

Side-by-side comparison of two popular breeds — temperament, exercise, grooming, lifespan and common health issues. Use it to decide which breed fits your home.

Labrador Retriever vs Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever — at a glance

The Labrador Retriever (25–36 kg, 10–14 years) and the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever (16–23 kg, 12–14 years) sit in different — or sometimes overlapping — corners of dog ownership. Here's how they really compare for an everyday Irish or UK family.

Both breeds have similar energy demands — Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever tips slightly higher but neither is a couch dog.

Both have manageable grooming routines — the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever demands slightly more, but neither needs daily fuss.

Insurance premiums for breeds with brachycephalic, joint or cancer predispositions run 20–40% above average — check before you commit. We have a free quote calculator here.

	Labrador Retriever	Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Group	Sporting	Sporting
Origin	Newfoundland, Canada	Canada (Nova Scotia)
Weight	25–36 kg	16–23 kg
Height	54–62 cm	43–53 cm
Lifespan	10–14 years	12–14 years
Energy level
Trainability
Grooming needs
Good with kids
Good with other pets
Hypoallergenic
Watchdog instinct
Novice-owner OK

Labrador Retriever

Temperament

Outgoing, even-tempered and gentle. Labs are people-oriented to the point of being terrible guard dogs — they tend to greet strangers like long-lost friends. They're known for their patience with children, tolerance of other dogs and "puppy-like" exuberance well into their adult years.

Exercise

Labs need 60–90 minutes of vigorous daily exercise as adults — running, swimming, fetch and scent work all suit them. Without enough activity they gain weight quickly (Labs are genetically predisposed to obesity) and develop destructive boredom. Two walks plus 20 minutes of off-lead play is a good baseline.

Grooming

A short, dense double coat that sheds year-round and "blows" twice a year. Weekly brushing keeps it manageable; daily during shedding seasons. Labs only need bathing every 8–12 weeks. Don't shave a Lab — the undercoat insulates against both cold and heat.

Health

Common issues: hip and elbow dysplasia (always check parental hip scores), exercise-induced collapse (genetic test available), progressive retinal atrophy (PRA-prcd test), bloat / GDV in deep-chested dogs, and obesity-related arthritis. Lifespan averages 10–14 years; lean, active Labs can reach 15+.

Full Labrador Retriever profile →