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

New Guinea Singing Dog vs Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever - Breed ComparisonNew Guinea Singing Dog is originated from Papua New Guinea but Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever is originated from Canada. New Guinea Singing Dog may grow 16 cm / 6 inches shorter than Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever. New Guinea Singing Dog may weigh 8 kg / 17 pounds lesser than Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever. New Guinea Singing Dog may live 6 years more than Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever. New Guinea Singing Dog may have less litter size than Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever. Both New Guinea Singing Dog and Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever requires Moderate maintenance.

History

new guinea singing dog - historyIn 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.

nova scotia duck tolling retriever - historyThe 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.

Basic Information

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

Description

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.

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.

Characteristics

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.

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.

Health Problems

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.

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.

Caring The Pet

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.

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.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Other - Breed Comparison
  2. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Olde English Bulldogge - Breed Comparison
  3. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Aussie Doodles - Breed Comparison
  4. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Indian Pariah Dog - Breed Comparison
  5. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Dingo - Breed Comparison
  6. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  7. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Sapsali - Breed Comparison
  8. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Peruvian Hairless - Breed Comparison
  9. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Lottatore Brindisino - Breed Comparison
  10. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Carolina Dog - Breed Comparison
  11. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Mountain Feist - Breed Comparison
  12. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Jonangi - Breed Comparison
  13. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Kuri - Breed Comparison
  14. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Perro de Presa Mallorquin - Breed Comparison
  15. Spitz vs New Guinea Singing Dog - Breed Comparison
  16. Schnauzer vs New Guinea Singing Dog - Breed Comparison
  17. Schnoodle vs New Guinea Singing Dog - Breed Comparison
  18. New Guinea Singing Dog vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  19. New Guinea Singing Dog vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  20. New Guinea Singing Dog vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Chow Chow - Breed Comparison
  22. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  23. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Pembroke Welsh Corgi - Breed Comparison
  24. New Guinea Singing Dog vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  25. New Guinea Singing Dog vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  26. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs East Siberian Laika - Breed Comparison
  27. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  28. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs French Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  29. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs Flat-Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  31. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs Ariegeois - Breed Comparison
  32. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs Beagador - Breed Comparison
  33. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  34. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs Field Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  35. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs Artois Hound - Breed Comparison
  36. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs Curly Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  37. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs Lagotto Romagnolo - Breed Comparison
  38. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs Braque Francais - Breed Comparison
  39. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs Formosan Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  40. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs Kooikerhondje - Breed Comparison
  41. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  42. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs Braque Saint-Germain - Breed Comparison
  43. Shikoku vs Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever - Breed Comparison
  44. Slovakian Hound vs Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever - Breed Comparison
  45. Small Munsterlander vs Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever - Breed Comparison
  46. Sussex Spaniel vs Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever - Breed Comparison
  47. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever - Breed Comparison
  48. West Siberian Laika vs Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever - Breed Comparison
  49. Wetterhoun vs Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever - Breed Comparison
  50. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds