PuppyBase

Ibizan Hound 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.

Perfect Puppy Quiz · 5 questions · 90 seconds

Not sure which breed fits your life?

Answer five questions about your home, your schedule, and your tolerance for shedding. We’ll match you to your top three breeds from over 200.

The bottom line

Ibizan Hound vs Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

People compare Ibizan Hounds and Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers because they’re both medium-sized, athletic, and striking in their own way. one like a desert statue come to life, the other a fox-red whirlwind of energy. Both bond tightly with their people and thrive on activity. But that’s where the similarities end. If your ideal dog is a quiet, dignified shadow who watches the world with an almost alien stillness, then the Ibizan might be your match. They’re deeply affectionate but on their terms. polite, not pushy. You’ll need a yard with a fence that’s at least six feet and then some, because when a rabbit-shaped blur crosses their field of vision, instinct takes over. They’re not stubborn, exactly, but training requires patience; they’ll learn, just not always on your schedule. And don’t assume their short coat means low maintenance. those ears need checking, and you’ll want to stay ahead of potential neurological issues. The Toller, by contrast, is a full-throttle family athlete. They live to retrieve, play, and engage. Kids? They’re all in. Training? They’ll ace it. Want a dog that can excel in agility, hunt tests, or just fetch in the surf for hours? This is your breed. But they demand involvement. A bored Toller will invent jobs. usually involving your shoes or the trash can. Here’s the real talk: the Ibizan is a specialist’s dog, best for those who appreciate subtlety and speed. The Toller is a team player, built for families who want a dog that’s always ready for the next adventure. Pick based on whether you want a graceful lone wolf or a joyful teammate.

Ibizan Hound
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
22.5–27.5 in
Height
17–21 in
45–50 lb
Weight
35–50 lb
11–14 yr
Lifespan
12–14 yr
$1.5–3.5k
Puppy price
$2.0–4.0k
#152
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.
Ibizan Hound Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Overlay

Where they diverge

Good with Young Children
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is better with kids (2-point difference)
Nova
Trainability
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is easier to train (2-point difference)
Nova
Good with Other Dogs
Ibizan Hound is better with other dogs (1-point difference)
Ibizan
Shedding Level
Ibizan Hound sheds less (1-point difference)
Ibizan
Coat Grooming
Ibizan Hound needs less grooming (1-point difference)
Ibizan
The verdict

Choose the Ibizan Hound if…

  • Active owners
  • Lure coursing sports
  • Owners with secure fenced yards
  • You value good with other dogsIbizan Hound 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.
Ibizan Hound Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Ibizan Hound 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

Other comparisons people run