I'm starting processof choosing a retriever. I would like something alittle different. I am asking if anyone has on opinion on either the curly coated retriever or thr nova scotia duck tolling retriever. I'll be hunting mainly big water ( Long Point Bay ), farm ponds and the occassional beaver flood.
Thanks in advance.
Colbea

A friend of mine had a curly coated retriever once and he was a great dog
the only problem I can remmember he had with him was when he smelled someones cooking at a nearby camp, he would disappear on him. The last time he did it cost my friend a ham that the camp owners had cooling on a window sill.However he was a great retriever. For as far as the Nova Scotia Retriever I do not know of anyone around here that had them.

I see them occasionally, personally I would pass. Instead recommend looking for a well bred lab.

Personaly I would get what I wanted, not what somebody else wants me to get. Its your money you decide on what you want. I also believe getting something different can have great rewards if you do enough research into the dogs in question. Most of all good luck on what you decide.

Neither of the dogs you mentioned are popular breeds. There is probably a reason for this, but I don't have any idea what it is.

If you really want one of those breeds I would recommend contacting the parent club, and asking about field bred dogs in your area. You will probably find that most are bench bred, but used for dual purpose. I don't know if you've ever seen a bench bred dog try to hunt, but I have and it was embarassing.

If you find a breeder in your area make plans to watch the parents, or earlier litters work. If the way the dog works is to your satisfaction then you are in the money.

As Phil stated it's your money so get the breed you want, but at least be an educated consumer. Remember, by the time you realize that a dog isn't going to work out you've alreadymade aconsiderable financial, and emotional comitment to the dog. How will your wife and kids feel if you decide to replace the dog( assuming you have a wife and kids)?

Anyway, good luck selecting.

The only thing I know about those breeds is that they do not come cheap in this country. By not cheap, I mean upwards of $5000 per pup for the NSDTR.

If you have that kind of money to spend, get what tickels you.

I have heard (yep, second hand info) from a guy who was looking into them that a Nova Scotia DTR is not an all week kind of dog in hard weather. They need more recuperation between hunts or they get worn down.

I have no idea if that is true or not, but it may be something to ask your persepctive breeders.

Alaska, I don't have $5000 to spend (wish I did). But here in Ontario I've had prices of $900 and up. I'm just starting to put the pieces to about getting a dog . Thanks for the trip about the longer recovery time between hunts, that'sone I haven't heard before. Again thanks for the help.