Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

Brushing Routine

Brush 2-3 times weekly with a pin brush and slicker brush. Their medium-length double coat with feathering is water-repellent and moderately easy to maintain. Focus on the ear feathering, chest ruff, and pantaloon feathering on the hind legs. An undercoat rake helps during shedding season.

Bathing Tips

Bathe every 6-8 weeks with a gentle, natural shampoo that preserves the coat's water-repellent properties. Their red-gold coat benefits from a color-enhancing formula. Use a light conditioner on feathered areas only -- the body coat should maintain its natural water resistance. Blow-dry completely to prevent matting in the undercoat.

Common Issues

• Feathering tangles after water work and outdoor activities
• Seasonal undercoat shedding can be substantial
• Ear infections from frequent swimming
• White markings show staining easily
• Addison's disease and autoimmune conditions can affect coat health

Extend Your Grooming Results

Rinse the coat after every swim to remove minerals and debris from the feathering. Apply a leave-in conditioner to the ear feathering and pantaloons after outdoor activities. Trim foot feathering to prevent snowball formation in winter and debris pickup in summer. Their white chest and paw markings may benefit from brightening spray.

Seasonal Care

Moderate to heavy shedding in spring and fall -- daily brushing with an undercoat rake during these transitions. Houston heat is manageable with swimming opportunities for cooling. Trim feathering for summer comfort. Winter coat is fuller and denser with more pronounced undercoat and feathering.

Maintenance Schedule

Brush 2-3 times weekly, post-swim rinse, ear cleaning weekly and after water activities, nail trim every 3-4 weeks. Professional groom every 6-8 weeks with feathering maintenance.