Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Grooming Guide: Coat, Nails, and Bathing

As someone who has groomed and trained sporting dogs for years, I have a lot of respect for the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever’s coat. It is a beautiful, medium-length double coat built for cold water work, and that design is exactly why grooming a Toller is more about smart maintenance than constant fuss. Owners are often relieved to learn this is not a high-maintenance breed in the grooming department.

That said, a little routine goes a long way. The double coat sheds seasonally, the water-repellent topcoat needs its natural oils preserved, and the nails, ears, and teeth all need regular attention. In this guide I will walk you through a realistic grooming routine that keeps your Toller comfortable, clean, and looking sharp without overdoing it.

What You Will Need

Good tools make grooming faster and more pleasant for both of you. Here is the basic kit I recommend for a Toller.

✅ A slicker brush for working through the coat and lifting loose hair.
✅ An undercoat rake or de-shedding tool for seasonal coat changes.
✅ A metal comb to check for tangles behind the ears and on the tail.
✅ A gentle, dog-specific shampoo (never human shampoo).
✅ Dog nail clippers or a nail grinder, plus styptic powder for accidents.
✅ A vet-approved ear cleaning solution and cotton pads.
✅ A dog toothbrush and dog-safe toothpaste.

Step by Step: How to Groom a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

Here is the routine I follow. Keeping sessions calm and rewarding helps your dog learn to enjoy being handled.

Brush the coat

Brush once or twice a week with a slicker, working in the direction of hair growth. Pay attention to the feathering on the legs, chest, and tail where tangles form.

Tackle seasonal shedding

During spring and fall coat changes, use an undercoat rake several times a week to remove the loose undercoat before it ends up on your floors.

Bathe only as needed

Bathe every couple of months or when dirty. Wet the coat fully, lather a gentle dog shampoo, rinse thoroughly, and towel dry. Rinsing well prevents skin irritation.

Trim the nails

Clip a small amount every three to four weeks, avoiding the pink quick. If you are unsure, trim just the tips or use a grinder for more control.

Clean ears and brush teeth

Check and wipe the ears weekly with a vet-approved cleaner, and brush the teeth several times a week to support dental health.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A few well-meaning habits can actually harm your Toller’s coat or skin. Here are the ones I see most often.

🟠 Avoid these grooming mistakes

Never shave the double coat to keep your dog cool; it insulates against heat as well as cold and protects the skin. Do not over-bathe, since frequent washing strips the natural oils that keep the coat water-repellent. Avoid human shampoo, which can disrupt a dog’s skin. Do not cut nails too short, as the quick will bleed and the experience can make your dog fearful. And never push cotton swabs deep into the ear canal.

Tips for Success

These small touches make grooming smoother and keep your Toller comfortable with the whole process.

🟢 Make grooming a positive experience

Start grooming routines early and keep them short and rewarding with praise and treats. Brush a little more often during shedding season to stay ahead of loose hair. Dry your dog well after swimming or baths, especially around the ears, to prevent moisture problems. Reward calm behavior during nail trims, even if you only do one paw at a time. Consistency, not intensity, is what keeps a Toller’s coat in great condition.

When to Get Professional Help

Most Toller grooming is easy to handle at home, but some situations are better left to a professional or your veterinarian.

If you find severe matting, especially in the feathering or behind the ears, a professional groomer can remove it safely without hurting the skin. See your veterinarian if you notice red or smelly ears, persistent scratching, hair loss, flaky or irritated skin, or any lumps you find while grooming, since these can signal infection, allergies, or other medical issues. A vet or groomer can also demonstrate safe nail trimming if your dog has dark nails or you feel nervous about finding the quick. There is no shame in getting help; it keeps grooming safe and stress-free for everyone.

Safety note: Stop grooming and consult your veterinarian if you find any unusual lumps, skin irritation, or signs of pain, since these may need medical attention rather than home care.

Sources

Frequently asked questions

How often should I brush my Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever?

For most of the year, brushing once or twice a week keeps the coat healthy and tangle free. During the heavier seasonal shed in spring and fall, you will want to brush several times a week or even daily to manage loose undercoat. Regular brushing also spreads natural oils that keep the coat water-repellent.

How often should a Toller be bathed?

Tollers only need a bath every couple of months, or when they are genuinely dirty or smelly. Their coat has natural oils that keep it water-repellent, and bathing too often can strip those oils and dry out the skin. Use a gentle dog-specific shampoo and rinse thoroughly.

Do Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers shed a lot?

Tollers are moderate shedders for most of the year and heavier shedders during the spring and fall coat changes. Regular brushing dramatically reduces loose hair around the home. You should never shave a Toller's double coat, as it protects against both heat and cold.

Should I shave my Toller in summer to keep it cool?

No, you should not shave a Toller's double coat. The coat actually insulates against heat as well as cold and protects the skin from sun. Shaving can interfere with natural temperature regulation and the coat may grow back unevenly. Stick to brushing out the undercoat instead.

How do I know when my Toller's nails need trimming?

If you can hear nails clicking on hard floors or see them touching the ground when your dog stands, they are too long. Most Tollers need a nail trim every three to four weeks, though active dogs who walk on pavement may wear them down faster. Overgrown nails can affect posture and cause discomfort.