Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever vs Shiba Inu

Which dog breed is right for you?

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

Size
35–50 lbs, 17–21 in
Lifespan
12–14 years
Exercise
Very High
Grooming
Moderate
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes
Intelligent Energetic Affectionate Outgoing

Shiba Inu

Size
17–23 lbs, 14–17 in
Lifespan
13–16 years
Exercise
Moderate
Grooming
Moderate
Good with Kids
No
Good with Pets
No
Alert Bold Faithful Independent

About the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever — often called the "Toller" — was developed in the early 19th century in Yarmouth County, Nova Scotia, as the only retriever bred specifically to lure waterfowl within gunshot range. They are the smallest of the retriever breeds, standing 17 to 21 inches and weighing 35 to 50 pounds. Their medium-length, water-repellent double coat ranges from golden red to dark coppery red, usually with white markings on the chest, feet, and tail tip.

Temperament & Personality

Tollers are intelligent, outgoing, and tireless — possessing a unique playful style that originally attracted curious ducks to shore. They are affectionate and patient with children, and their moderate size makes them manageable for active families. Tollers can be reserved with strangers and sometimes emit a distinctive high-pitched scream of excitement that surprises first-time owners.

Pros

  • Versatile sporting dog excelling in agility, obedience, and dock diving
  • Smaller and more manageable than other retriever breeds
  • Highly intelligent and food-motivated, making training rewarding
  • Strong swimming ability with natural retrieving instincts

Cons

  • Extremely high exercise demands — needs 60 to 90 minutes of vigorous activity daily
  • Prone to Addison's disease and immune-mediated conditions at higher rates than most breeds
  • Can become destructive and neurotic without adequate mental stimulation
  • Seasonal shedding is significant despite the moderate coat length

Looking for an energetic, uniquely skilled retriever? Find Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers ready for adoption on Puplister.

About the Shiba Inu

The Shiba Inu is Japan's oldest and smallest native breed, originally bred to flush birds and small game in the dense mountain underbrush — "shiba" may refer to brushwood or the breed's red color, while "inu" simply means dog. These compact, agile dogs stand 13.5 to 16.5 inches tall and weigh 17 to 23 pounds, with a fox-like face, small triangular ears, and a curled tail. Their stiff, plush double coat comes in red, sesame, black and tan, or cream, with distinctive "urajiro" (cream to white ventral markings).

Temperament & Personality

Shiba Inus are bold, alert, and fiercely independent — often described as more cat-like than dog-like in their self-possession and fastidious grooming habits. They are loyal to their families but on their own terms, and their strong-willed nature means they do not blindly follow commands. Shibas are known for the infamous "Shiba scream" — a loud, distinctive vocalization produced when displeased or overjoyed — and they can be aloof with strangers and sometimes aggressive toward other dogs.

Pros

  • Naturally clean and almost cat-like — easy to housetrain and self-grooming
  • Compact, manageable size for apartments with adequate exercise
  • Loyal and devoted to their family once trust is established
  • Healthy breed with a long lifespan of 13 to 16 years

Cons

  • Extremely independent and stubborn — not recommended for first-time owners
  • Strong prey drive and unreliable recall make off-leash freedom risky
  • Can be possessive of food, toys, and territory (resource guarding)
  • Prone to allergies, patellar luxation, and hip dysplasia

The Shiba Inu's spirited independence and striking looks have won fans worldwide — discover Shibas on Puplister.

Available for Adoption

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever and a Shiba Inu?
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is 35–50 lbs, 17–21 in sized while the Shiba Inu is 17–23 lbs, 14–17 in sized. They differ in size (35–50 lbs, 17–21 in vs 17–23 lbs, 14–17 in), lifespan (12–14 years vs 13–16 years), and care requirements.
Which breed is better with kids, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever or Shiba Inu?
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is generally good with kids. Shiba Inu is not typically good with kids.
Which breed lives longer, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever or Shiba Inu?
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever has a lifespan of 12–14 years while the Shiba Inu has a lifespan of 13–16 years.

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