Body shape

Male Nova Scotia Duck Retrievers are 18.9-20.1 inches (48.0-51.0 cm) tall at the withers, and female Nova Scotia Duck Retrievers are 17.7-18.9 inches (45.0-48.0 cm) tall at the shoulders.

Weight

The male Nova Scotia duck hunting retriever weighs 44.1-50.7 pounds (20.0-23.0 kg) and the female Nova Scotia duck hunting retriever weighs 37.5-44.1 pounds (17.0-20.0 kg)

Eyes

Relatively distant, almond-shaped, medium-sized, amber to brown, showing friendliness, vigilance and intelligence. The color around the eyes is the same as the color of the lips.

Ears

Medium size, triangular, set high, with short hair.

Head

Well-defined, slightly wedge-shaped. Skull: Broad, occiput not prominent. Head length approximately 9 inches (23 cm).

Teeth

Strong, scissors bite, teeth well aligned.

Neck

Strong and well developed muscles of medium length without excess fat.

Body

Topline: Flat. Back: Short and straight. Loin: Strong and muscular. Chest: Chest deep to the elbows, ribs well sprung, neither flat but elastic. Abdomen: Slightly tuck-in.

Tail

Its tail follows the laws of nature, slightly tilted and very strong. The gorgeous and thick feathers connect well with the spine and hang down to its elbow joint. When it is alert, its tail position is very low. When it is moving, its tail forms an arc and does not come into contact with the body.

The bones are straight and strong. Shoulders: Muscular and sloping. Elbows: Close to the body, turning neither in nor out.

Forelimbs

Bones straight and strong

paws

Strong and medium sized, with toes tight and well arched, pads thick, and claws turned outwards.

Hindquarters

Muscular and broad, the forequarters should be angled evenly. Thighs: Muscular. Hocks: Neither turned in nor turned out.

Coat

This breed of dog is a working dog, bred in captivity for retrieval in icy seas, so it must have a medium-length coat that is waterproof and soft, with a dense undercoat and a soft double coat. The coat will have a slight wavy curl.

Color

The color is various shades of red or orange, often with some white markings: on the tip of the tail, feet and chest. The eye circles are flesh-colored or black.

Gait

The pace is pleasant and elastic, and the gait is light and lively. Shows good driving ability and maintains a level topline during movement.

Temperament

Very smart, easy to train, and has strong endurance. They are strong, not afraid of cold water, and can hold prey in their mouths reassuringly.