The Norwegian Elkhound Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Mix, is a mixed breed dog resulting from breeding the Norwegian Elkhound and the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. Both of these dogs can be friendly but personalities differ, so you never know. The Norwegian Elkhound is known for being playful, hardy, and loyal. All dogs need proper socialization and that will be a big factor in how they interact with others. What does this mixed breed look and act like? Is it more like the Norwegian Elkhound or the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever? Those are the questions we will try and answer below. Continue reading below to see pictures, videos, and learn more about the beautiful Norwegian Elkhound Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Mix.
While we really recommend that you acquire all animals through a rescue, we understand that some people might go through a breeder to get their Norwegian Elkhound Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Mix puppy. That is, if they have any Norwegian Elkhound Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Mix puppies for sale.
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All hybrid or designer dogs are tough to get a good read on as there isn’t much history to them. Breeding specific dogs like this has become common in the last twenty years or so even though I am sure that this mixed breed found it’s share of dogs to the shelter due to accidental breeding. We will take a closer look at the history of both parent breeds below. If you are looking at breeders for new, designer dogs please beware of Puppy Mills. These are places that mass produce puppies, specifically for profit and don’t care at all about the dogs. If you have a few minutes, please sign our petition to stop puppy mills.
Norwegian Elkhound History
The Norwegian Elkhound has also been known by a few different names such as Norse Elghund, Grå Norsk Elghund, Gray Norwegian Elkhound, Small Grey Elk Dog, Norwegian Moose Dog, and Harmaa norjanhirvikoira.
The main name for the breed comes from the direct translation of its original Norwegian name, which is Norsk Elghund, meaning “Norwegian moose dog.”
Being from an ancient breed—spitz-type—the Norwegian Elkhound has a long history preceding it. The Norwegian Elkhound is also the National Dog of Norway, known for its history as a hunter, guardian, herder and defender. The Norwegian Elkhound is a courageous animal that has had other jobs the Norwegian Elkhound has enjoyed included tracking and hunting moose or elk as well as other large game like bears and wolves.
Hailing from Norway, the Norwegian Elkhound can be traced back thousands of years, possibly as far back as 5,000 BCE. Historians don’t know for sure because archaeologists have found skeletons of dogs that match the same description as a Norwegian Elkhound.
In 1877, the Norwegian Elkhound became a breed of interest in the first dog show of the Norwegian Hunters Association. After the show, that was when the Norwegian Elkhound started to become a standard and when records started to be kept.
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever History
The Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever comes from a breed of dog that originates in Canada and has many different names such as Yarmouth Toller, Tolling Retriever, Little Red Duck Dog, Little River Duck Dog. Some common nicknames include Toller, Scotty, and Novie.
Originating in southwestern Nova Scotia, Canada, the Toller was used for “tolling,” which is the luring of waterfowl, as well as for retrieving ducks. The main reason for their name is due to their ability to lure waterfowl within gunshot range of their owners.
Of the different Retrievers, this is the smallest breed. Sometimes the Toller is mistaken for a Golden Retriever, but the Toller is more active mentally and physically.
Starting in the 19th Century, the breed developed in the community of Little River Harbour in Yarmouth County, Nova Scotia. It seems that the Toller may not have exact origins but that they could potentially come from spaniel and setter Pointer-type dogs, retriever-type dogs, and rabbit hounds. At some point there was also a mix with Farm Collies because many Tollers became herding dogs as well as hunting dogs. Now, they are companion dogs as well.
Two Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retrievers were awarded Best in Show at the championship events, and since then have enjoyed national recognition. Originally granted admission into the American Kennel Club in the Miscellaneous Class on June 11, 2001, they officially joined the Sporting Group on July 1, 2003.
Norwegian Elkhound
Height: 19 - 20 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 49 - 55 lb.
Lifespan: 12 - 15 years
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Height: 17 - 21 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 37 - 51 lb.
Lifespan: 10 - 14 years
The Norwegian Elkhound and the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever are known for being courageous and protective. They are also very loving dogs. This dog will require a very strong and firm owner who makes sure to assert that they are the alpha and not the dog. They are cautious, yet non-threatening with strangers, and are affectionate towards family and children. Early socialization helps take care of any bad habits that could develop. She responds well to positive reinforcement, like all dogs. She should be rather affectionate and enjoy spending lots of time with you. Don’t plan on leaving her alone for long periods as he won’t do well alone. She wants to be with the “pack.”
All dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems as all breeds are susceptible to some things more than others. However, the one positive thing about getting a puppy is that you can avoid this as much as possible. A breeder should absolutely offer a health guarantee on puppies. If they won’t do this, then look no more and don’t consider that breeder at all. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur. We obviously recommend that you look for a reputable animal rescue in your area to find your new mixed breed. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition.
The Norwegian Elkhound mixed with the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever might be prone to joint dysplasia, eye disease, PRA, skin cysts, among others.
Note that these are just common problems in both breeds.
What are the grooming requirements?
Even if you know the breed, sometimes it is hard to tell if it will be a heavy shedder or a light shedder. Either way, Get ready to invest in a good vacuum if you want to keep your floors clean! Give them baths as needed, but not so much that you dry out their skin.
What are the exercise requirements?
Plan on taking them for extremely long walks and hikes to keep their energy level down. This mix will more than likely have a high energy level. This exercise will keep them from being destructive. A tired dog is a good dog. A tired dog is a good dog though. Never tie your dog up outside - that is inhumane and not fair to him.
What are the training requirements?
This is an intelligent dog that will be a little bit challenging to train. They are going to want to take the alpha position and need someone with a firm, strong, hand that can let them know their place. The best thing you can do is break the sessions into shorter daily sessions to keep their attention span higher. It might have a prey drive and be disposed to running for and chasing small prey, but if handled properly this can be managed. All dogs respond best to positive reinforcement. So make sure to praise her when she does well. She is an intelligent dog who loves to please, and loves a physical challenge. The more exercise she gets the easier she will be to train. Proper socialization is imperative to all dogs and puppies. Make sure to take her to the park and doggy day care to get her around as many people and dogs as possible.
"A lot of times diet is done on a per-dog basis. Each one is unique and has different dietary requirements. Most dogs in the U.S. are overweight. A mix like this one that is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia should really be on fish oil and glucosamine and chondroitin supplements as soon as possible. A good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background.
Overfeeding any dog is not a good idea as that can really exacerbate health problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia.
I good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background."