Puppy Portal
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Growth Chart & Milestones
From a compact 10-pound puppy to a muscular 45-pound adult, Tollers grow quickly. This guide tracks weight ranges, behavioral development, and training benchmarks so you know what to expect at every stage.
- Full height by 12 months
- Fills out through 18 months
- Adult weight: 35 - 50 lbs
- Adult height: 17 - 21 inches
Weight and height chart by age
Ranges below represent typical male and female Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers. Males tend toward the higher end and females toward the lower end. Individual variation is normal; focus on steady, consistent growth rather than hitting an exact number.
Developmental stages
Physical growth is only part of the picture. Behavioral and cognitive development follows a predictable arc that affects training, socialization, and daily management.
Neonatal (0 - 2 weeks)
Eyes and ears closed. Puppies rely entirely on the dam for warmth, food, and stimulation. Breeder handles puppies briefly for Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) protocols.
Transitional (2 - 4 weeks)
Eyes and ears open. Puppies begin walking, playing with littermates, and responding to sounds. First teeth emerge around 3 weeks.
Socialization (3 - 14 weeks)
The most critical period. Puppies learn bite inhibition from littermates and begin accepting new people, sounds, and environments. Positive experiences during this window shape lifelong temperament.
Juvenile (3 - 6 months)
Rapid physical growth and teething. Adult teeth replace puppy teeth between 4 and 6 months. Energy levels increase. Training should focus on basic obedience and impulse control.
Adolescence (6 - 18 months)
Testing boundaries, selective hearing, and bursts of independence. Fear periods may resurface around 8 to 10 months. Consistency and patience are essential. Recall may temporarily regress.
Young adult (18 - 36 months)
Physical maturity is reached. Temperament stabilizes and training reliability improves. Tollers often settle into their adult personality between 2 and 3 years of age.
Teething timeline
Toller puppies teethe aggressively. Understanding the timeline helps you provide appropriate chew outlets and avoid frustration.
Teething survival tips
- Freeze a wet washcloth for sore gums
- Rotate chew toys to maintain interest
- Redirect mouthing to a toy, never punish
- Avoid hard antlers until adult teeth are fully set
- Check mouth weekly for retained puppy teeth
Fear periods
Toller puppies typically experience two distinct fear periods where previously confident puppies may suddenly spook at familiar things. These are normal developmental phases, not signs of a problem.
First fear period: 8 - 11 weeks
Often coincides with the move to a new home. A single traumatic event during this window can leave a lasting impression. Keep experiences positive and avoid overwhelming the puppy.
Second fear period: 6 - 14 months
Onset and duration vary. The puppy may bark at objects they walked past yesterday without concern. Do not force confrontation. Let the puppy investigate at their own pace and reward bravery with treats.
How to respond
- Stay calm and neutral; do not coddle or scold
- Create distance from the trigger if needed
- Offer treats when the puppy shows curiosity
- Avoid flooding (forcing close contact with the scary thing)
- Maintain routine and training consistency
Training milestones by age
These are realistic benchmarks, not rigid deadlines. Every Toller develops at their own pace. Use these as a guide for what to introduce and when.
Training principles at every age
- Keep sessions short (2 - 5 minutes for young puppies)
- End on success, not frustration
- Use high-value treats early; fade treats later
- Generalize cues in different locations
- Prioritize relationship over precision
Feeding through growth stages
Proper nutrition fuels healthy growth without encouraging too-rapid weight gain, which can stress developing joints.
Puppy food (8 weeks - 12 months)
Feed a high-quality puppy food formulated for medium-breed dogs. Three meals per day until 6 months, then transition to two meals per day. Follow the food manufacturer's guidelines, adjusted based on body condition.
Transition to adult food (10 - 14 months)
Gradually transition over 7 to 10 days by mixing increasing amounts of adult food into the puppy food. Consult your vet for timing based on your dog's growth rate and body condition.
Feeding schedule summary
Exercise limits for growing puppies
Toller puppies are energetic, but their growth plates remain open until 12 to 18 months. Excessive high-impact exercise during this period can cause joint damage.
The 5-minute rule
A common guideline is 5 minutes of structured exercise per month of age, up to twice a day. A 4-month-old puppy gets about 20 minutes of walking per session. Free play in a yard at the puppy's own pace is generally safe in addition to structured walks.
Activities to avoid until 12 months
- Repetitive jumping (agility jumps at full height)
- Running on hard surfaces for extended distances
- Forced running alongside a bicycle or jogger
- Excessive stair climbing
Safe activities for puppies
- Short walks on varied terrain (grass, dirt trails)
- Free play in a fenced yard
- Swimming in shallow, calm water
- Training games and puzzle feeders
- Supervised play with size-appropriate dogs
Exercise by age
Related resources
Continue building your Toller puppy knowledge.
First week survival guide
Day-by-day guidance for crate training, potty routines, feeding, and bonding during the critical first seven days.
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A week-by-week plan to build confident, well-adjusted Toller puppies before the critical window closes.
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