Is the English Shepherd or the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever better for families with children?

Both the English Shepherd and the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the English Shepherd or the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever?

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever sheds more than the English Shepherd. If shedding is a concern, the English Shepherd is the lower-maintenance choice.

Which is easier to train, the English Shepherd or the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever?

Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.

Is English Shepherd or Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever bigger?

English Shepherd and Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever are a similar size (Medium).

Which barks more, English Shepherd or Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever?

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever tends to be the more vocal of the two, so English Shepherd is the quieter choice.

Which is better for apartment living, English Shepherd or Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever?

For apartment or apartment living, English Shepherd has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

English Shepherd vs Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

English Shepherd vs Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever: full comparison

Trait	English Shepherd	Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Size	Medium	Medium
Energy level	Very High	Very High
Trainability	Very High	Very High
Friendliness	High	High
Good with children	High	High
Grooming needs	Medium	Medium
Shedding	Medium	High
Barking	Medium	High
Protectiveness	High	Medium
Adaptability	Medium	Medium
Typical lifespan	13 years	13 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Size and living space

The English Shepherd is a medium-sized dog that is comfortable in most homes, though a bit of space and a yard are welcome. By comparison, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a medium-sized dog that is comfortable in most homes, though a bit of space and a yard are welcome. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The English Shepherd is a true athlete that needs intense daily exercise and a job to do, or it will get restless. The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a true athlete that needs intense daily exercise and a job to do, or it will get restless. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The English Shepherd needs regular brushing to stay in good condition and loses a fair amount of coat, especially seasonally. The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever needs regular brushing to stay in good condition and sheds enough that regular cleaning becomes routine. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The English Shepherd learns at a pace few breeds can match, barks a fair amount, usually for a reason and is very good with children and makes a dependable family dog. The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever learns at a pace few breeds can match, is a vocal breed that sounds the alarm readily and is very good with children and makes a dependable family dog. On guarding instinct, English Shepherd keeps a watchful eye and is protective of home and family, whereas Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever will let you know someone is at the door without being aggressive.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, English Shepherd has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, English Shepherd and Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, English Shepherd has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, English Shepherd has the edge, as it sheds less dander around the home.

Which should you choose?

Choose the English Shepherd if you want a more protective, watchful guardian, you want less shedding around the home, or you prefer a quieter dog.

Choose the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever if you simply prefer the breed — it's very closely matched with the English Shepherd on temperament, size and care.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the English Shepherd or the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever better for families with children?: Both the English Shepherd and the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the English Shepherd or the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever?: The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever sheds more than the English Shepherd. If shedding is a concern, the English Shepherd is the lower-maintenance choice.
Which is easier to train, the English Shepherd or the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is English Shepherd or Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever bigger?: English Shepherd and Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever are a similar size (Medium).
Which barks more, English Shepherd or Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever?: Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever tends to be the more vocal of the two, so English Shepherd is the quieter choice.
Which is better for apartment living, English Shepherd or Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever?: For apartment or apartment living, English Shepherd has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.