Golden Retriever vs Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

Side-by-side comparison — size, temperament, traits, costs, and health

Golden Retriever
Category
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

📏 Physical Stats

55 - 75
Weight (lbs)
35 - 50
21.5 - 24
Height (inches)
17 - 21
10 - 12 years
Life Expectancy
12 - 14 years
Sporting
Breed Group
Sporting
Scotland
Origin
Canada
Retrieving
Bred For

⚡ Temperament & Traits

Scores are 1–5 from breed data. Higher = more of that trait. Barking: lower is quieter.

4/5
Energy Level
4/5
5/5
Better
Trainability
3/5
5/5
Good with Children
5/5
5/5
Good with Other Dogs
5/5
5/5
Grooming Needs
5/5

💰 Cost of Ownership

Based on breed-specific cost data at a moderate care level — quality food, routine vet, occasional grooming, standard insurance. Actual costs vary by location and provider.

Annual Cost
$2,844
Golden Retriever
vs
Annual Cost
$2,511
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Golden Retriever
Expense
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
$2,844
Annual Cost
$2,511
Lower ✓
$3,564
First Year
$3,231
Lower ✓
$32,004
Lower ✓
Lifetime Total
$33,363
$780
Food (annual)
$552
Lower ✓
$735
Vet Care (annual)
$630
Lower ✓
$440
Grooming (annual)
$440
$864
Insurance (annual)
$864
$72
Insurance (monthly)
$72

Over their lifetimes, a Golden Retriever (~11 yrs) costs approximately $1,359 less than a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever (~13 yrs) in total.

🏥 Health Considerations

Health conditions listed are common concerns for these breeds or breed groups. Not every dog will develop these conditions. Regular vet check-ups are the best prevention.

🐾 Temperament

Golden Retriever

Intelligent, Kind, Reliable, Friendly, Trustworthy, Confident, Affectionate, Curious, Gentle, Playful, Quiet, Loyal

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

Outgoing, Alert, Patient, Intelligent, Loving, Affectionate, Friendly, Playful, Curious, Gentle, Independent, Brave