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Bloodhound vs Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

Side-by-side comparison across all 14 AKC trait ratings, with a clear verdict on which breed fits which kind of household.

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The bottom line

Bloodhound vs Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

You don’t see these two compared often, but when you do, it’s usually someone drawn to both the Bloodhound’s soulful intensity and the Toller’s fox-like spark. two dogs with big personalities but wildly different rhythms. People lump them together because both are working breeds with noses like lie detectors, but that’s where the trail splits. The Bloodhound is your weekend-long tracking partner. They’re built for one thing: following a scent no matter what. You’ll need a yard. fenced, high, and escape-proof. because if they catch a whiff, they’re gone. They’re not stubborn, just single-minded. You’ll get drool on your jeans and baying at 6 a.m., but also a deeply loyal, gentle giant who melts when you scratch behind those velvety ears. They’re not great with little kids on accident, and they won’t thrive in a condo. This isn’t a dog for casual ownership. The Toller, though? They’re the dog that wants to play fetch until you collapse. Compact, energetic, and startlingly smart, they live to work with you. agility, dock diving, hiking, anything. They’re quieter, more adaptable, and genuinely love kids and family chaos. They bond hard, but they won’t track a stranger across three counties unless you ask nicely. Here’s the real difference: Bloodhounds follow instinct first, people second. Tollers want your approval in everything. If you’re looking for a purpose-driven dog and have space and patience, go Bloodhound. If you want a tireless adventure buddy who thrives on connection and routine, the Toller’s your match. And here’s the thing no one says: Tollers get bored fast, and a bored Toller will reorganize your sock drawer. Bloodhounds just nap after their nose gives up.

Bloodhound
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
23–27 in
Height
17–21 in
80–110 lb
Weight
35–50 lb
10–12 yr
Lifespan
12–14 yr
$1.0–2.5k
Puppy price
$2.0–4.0k
#49
AKC popularity
#83

Trait-by-trait

Higher bar = more of that trait. Shedding, barking, drooling, grooming flipped for readability.
Affectionate w/ Family
Good with Young Children
Good with Other Dogs
Shedding Level
Coat Grooming
Drooling Level
Good with Strangers
Playfulness
Watchdog / Protective
Adaptability
Trainability
Energy Level
Barking Level
Mental Stimulation Needs
AffectionGood w/ KidsGood w/ DogsShedding LevelGroomingDrooling LevelGood w/ StrangersPlayfulnessProtectiveAdaptabilityTrainabilityEnergy LevelBarking LevelMental Stim.
Bloodhound Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Overlay

Where they diverge

Drooling Level
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever drools less (3-point difference)
Nova
Barking Level
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever barks less (3-point difference)
Nova
Good with Young Children
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is better with kids (2-point difference)
Nova
Playfulness
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is more playful (2-point difference)
Nova
Energy Level
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever has more energy (2-point difference)
Nova
The verdict

Choose the Bloodhound if…

  • Active people
  • Rural homes
  • Hunters
  • You value drooling levelBloodhound scores noticeably higher.

Choose the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever if…

  • Active families
  • Outdoor and water enthusiasts
  • Dog sport enthusiasts
  • You value good with young childrenNova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever scores higher here.
Bloodhound Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Bloodhound home.
Breed variants, breeder red flags, and what to ask
First-week checklist and daily schedules by age
Training timeline from 8 weeks to adulthood
Health screenings, emergency card, and feeding portions
Grooming schedule, first-year costs, and what nobody tells you
Get Your Guide
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever home.
Breed variants, breeder red flags, and what to ask
First-week checklist and daily schedules by age
Training timeline from 8 weeks to adulthood
Health screenings, emergency card, and feeding portions
Grooming schedule, first-year costs, and what nobody tells you
Get Your Guide

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