Breed Comparison: Irish Terrier Versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

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Irish Terrier Versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Irish Terrier and the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Irish Terrier and the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Irish Terrier and the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Irish Terrier and the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Irish Terrier and for the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Irish Terrier and the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Irish Terrier or the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever.

Irish Terrier versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

Irish Terrier versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever: Overview

Both the Irish Terrier and the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever are similar in size. The Irish Terrier and the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever are both medium-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the Irish Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

On the other hand, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.

Irish Terrier versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Irish Terrier to the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Irish Terrier and the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

Factor Irish Terrier Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Dog Friendly 1/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Easy To Train 1/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 5/5 2/5
Life Span 12 to 16 years 10 to 14 years
Height 18 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder 1 foot, 5 inches to 1 foot, 9 inches tall at the s
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 1/5
Weight 25 to 27 pounds 35 to 50 pounds
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 5/5
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
General Health 5/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 14.0 years 12.0 years
Average Price $1280 No Data
Price Range $1000 – $1500 No Data
Temperament Score 80.0 percent 78.9 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 118 91

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Irish Terrier in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Irish Terrier is 78 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is 85 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a better pet than the Irish Terrier. So, you should get the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Irish Terrier and the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    Irish Terrier versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Irish Terrier and the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

    Below is a list of where the Irish Terrier and the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever are most different:

  • Irish Terriers do not get along well with other dogs. However, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers get along well with other dogs.
  • Irish Terriers are not easy to train. However, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers are very easy to train.
  • Irish Terriers are not prone to nip and chew at things. However, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Irish Terriers require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom. However, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers are very easy to groom.
  • Irish Terriers have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets. However, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • The Similarities Between the Irish Terrier and the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

    The Irish Terrier and the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Irish Terrier and the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever are most similar:

  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Irish Terrier and the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Irish Terrier versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Irish Terrier and the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever.

    Irish Terriers weigh 25 to 27 pounds when fully grown. Irish Terriers are 18 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers weigh 35 to 50 pounds when fully grown. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers are 1 foot, 5 inches to 1 foot, 9 inches tall at the s when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Irish Terrier versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

    The lifespan of Irish Terriers is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Irish Terriers is 14.0 years.

    The lifespan of Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers is 12.0 years.

    Irish Terriers live longer than Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers.

    Irish Terrier versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

    Temperament of the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Versus the Irish Terrier

    The Irish Terrier has a better temperament than the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever.

    This is because the temperament score for the Irish Terrier is 80.0 percent while the temperament score for the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is 78.9 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 80.0 percent, the Irish Terrier has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 78.9 percent, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Irish Terrier and the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever by measuring the temperaments of 10 Irish Terriers and 38 Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers.

    Irish Terrier versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

    The Popularity of Irish Terrier versus Popularity of Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

    Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).

    The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Irish Terrier and the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is more popular with dog owners than the Irish Terrier. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is 91 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Irish Terrier is 118 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Irish Terrier

    Popularity of Irish Terrier

    Popularity of Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

    Popularity of Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

    Year Irish Terrier Popularity Rank Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Popularity Rank
    2013 123 97
    2014 125 99
    2015 113 99
    2016 115 87
    2017 114 89
    2018 116 83
    2019 119 86
    2020 120 90

    Tolerates Being Alone: Irish Terrier versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

    Irish Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Irish Terriers shed more than Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers?

    Irish Terriers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Irish Terrier or the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

    Irish Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Irish Terrier or the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever?

    Irish Terriers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Irish Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever?

    Irish Terriers have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Do Irish Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers?

    Irish Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Irish Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Irish Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Irish Terrier vs. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

    Irish Terriers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Irish Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Irish Terriers can tolerate hot weather.

    Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers can tolerate hot weather.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Irish Terrier or the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever?

    Irish Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Irish Terriers good family dogs? What about Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers?

    Irish Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Irish Terriers and Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers?

    Irish Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Irish Terrier Easier to Train than the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever?

    Irish Terriers are not easy to train.

    Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers are very easy to train.

    Is the Irish Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever?

    Irish Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Irish Terrier or the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever?

    Irish Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers are OK for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Irish Terrier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Irish Terrier that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Irish Terrier:

  • Hovawart (75 percent match with Irish Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever vs Hovawart.
  • Lakeland Terrier (79 percent match with Irish Terrier). Here is our comparison of the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever vs Lakeland Terrier.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever:

  • Cairn Terrier (81 percent match with Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Irish Terrier vs Cairn Terrier.
  • English Cocker Spaniel (79 percent match with Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Irish Terrier vs English Cocker Spaniel.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Irish Terrier and how the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Irish Terrier and of the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever to other breeds:

    Irish Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Irish Terrier versus Schnoodle     Irish Terrier versus Great Dane     Irish Terrier versus Belgian Sheepdog     Irish Terrier versus Sloughi     Irish Terrier versus Puli     Irish Terrier versus American Bulldog     Irish Terrier versus Shiranian     Irish Terrier versus American Water Spaniel     Irish Terrier versus Kishu Ken     Irish Terrier versus Vizsla     Irish Terrier versus Newfoundland     Irish Terrier versus Shih Tzu     Irish Terrier versus Westiepoo     Irish Terrier versus Lakeland Terrier     Irish Terrier versus Spanish Mastiff     Irish Terrier versus Patterdale Terrier     Irish Terrier versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Irish Terrier versus Bouvier des Flandres     Irish Terrier versus Bluetick Coonhound     Irish Terrier versus Bouvier des Flandres     Irish Terrier versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Irish Terrier versus Border Collie     Irish Terrier versus Japanese Spitz     Irish Terrier versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Irish Terrier versus Akbash     

    Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever versus Keeshond     Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever versus Norfolk Terrier     Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever versus Briard     Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever versus Rottweiler     Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever versus Akbash     Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever versus Cavachon     Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever versus Airedale Terrier     Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever versus Finnish Spitz     Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever versus Italian Greyhound     Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever versus Doberman Pinscher     Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever versus Gordon Setter     Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever versus Golden Retriever     Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever versus American Water Spaniel     Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever versus Scottish Terrier     Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever versus Bedlington Terrier     Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever versus Sloughi     Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever versus Lhasapoo     Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever versus Spinone Italiano     Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever versus Pekingese     Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever versus Black Russian Terrier     Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever versus American Foxhound     Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever versus Boerboel     

    Conclusion: Irish Terrier versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Irish Terrier and the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever better suits you and your family.