Description: Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, often simply called the 'Toller', is the smallest of the retriever breeds. Originating in Canada’s Nova Scotia province, this dog was developed for 'tolling', a unique hunting technique where the dog lures ducks toward hunters by playing along the shore. Tollers are highly intelligent, energetic, and affectionate, making them wonderful companions for active families. With their striking red-orange coats and white markings, they are not only beautiful but also exceedingly agile and playful. They excel in dog sports and love water, often displaying boundless enthusiasm for swimming and retrieving. Tollers are known for their adaptability, loyalty, and good-natured demeanor, but they thrive best in homes where they can get plenty of physical and mental exercise.
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever ratings
Properties
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, often simply called the "Toller," is a medium-sized, energetic, and intelligent breed renowned for its unique hunting techniques and affectionate personality. Originating from Nova Scotia in Canada, the Toller was specifically bred in the early 19th century to lure and retrieve waterfowl, utilizing a method known as 'tolling,' where the dog playfully frolics along the shoreline to attract curious ducks into shooting range.
The Toller’s compact and athletic build—males stand about 18 to 21 inches at the shoulder and females 17 to 20 inches—gives them agility and endurance. They typically weigh between 35 and 50 pounds. Their double coat is medium in length, dense, and water-resistant, providing protection in cold and wet conditions. The coat is usually a rich shade of red or orange, sometimes with white markings on the chest, feet, and tail tip.
This breed is highly intelligent and eager to please, making them very trainable for both hunting and canine sports such as agility, obedience, and flyball. However, their intelligence means they need plenty of mental stimulation and regular exercise; without it, they can develop behavioral issues from boredom. The Toller’s playful, spirited nature makes them excellent companions for active families willing to dedicate the time for their exercise needs.
Tollers are known for their affectionate and friendly disposition. They usually form strong bonds with their families but may initially be reserved with strangers. With proper socialization, they are good with children and other pets, though their high energy might be too much for very small children. They do have a distinct, high-pitched vocalization known as the 'Toller scream,' which is typically expressed when they are excited or frustrated.
In terms of health, Tollers are generally robust but can be prone to certain genetic conditions, such as progressive retinal atrophy, hip dysplasia, and autoimmune diseases. Good breeders screen for these issues. Their average lifespan is 12 to 14 years. Regular grooming is required to maintain their coats and prevent matting, but overall, their grooming needs are moderate.
Overall, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a loyal, highly trainable, and versatile breed suited to active households who appreciate their intelligence, athleticism, and enthusiastic nature.
Appearance
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, often simply called the Toller, is a medium-sized, athletic dog breed with a unique and distinct appearance. These dogs are the smallest of the retriever breeds, typically standing between 17 to 21 inches at the withers and weighing between 35 to 50 pounds. Their compact build is complemented by a deep chest and a strong, muscular frame, giving them the agility and power required for their original purpose of retrieving waterfowl.
The Toller’s most distinguishing feature is its beautiful double coat, which is water-repellent and soft to the touch. The outer coat is of medium length and may be straight or slightly wavy, while the undercoat is dense and soft, providing insulation and protection against chilly water. The coat color varies from various shades of red to orange, with lighter feathering on the underside of the tail, chest, and feet. Many Tollers have attractive white markings, typically seen on the tip of the tail, chest, blaze on the face, and feet, though these markings are not required. However, solid-colored Tollers do exist.
The breed’s expressive head features triangular ears set high and carried forward, often giving them an alert, fox-like look. Their almond-shaped eyes are medium-sized and set well apart, projecting an intelligent and friendly expression. Eye color generally ranges from amber to brown, harmonizing with the coat color. The muzzle is slightly tapered and well-proportioned to the head, and the nose is usually flesh-colored or matches the hue of the coat.
The tail is another notable aspect of the breed. It is thick, bushy, and lively, carried high and slightly curved when the dog is in motion. The overall impression of a Toller is one of alertness and enthusiasm, combined with a balanced, athletic build. Their well-proportioned body combines strength and stamina, allowing them to excel both on land and in water.
Overall, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever’s vivid coloration, agile frame, and energetic presence make them a visually striking and instantly recognizable breed. Their appearance not only supports their historical function but also endears them to families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
History
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, often simply called the 'Toller,' is a distinctive dog breed developed in Nova Scotia, Canada. Its unique name comes from its remarkable ability to 'toll'—a term meaning to lure—waterfowl such as ducks and geese. The origins of the Toller can be traced to the early 19th century in the Little River district of Yarmouth County, where local hunters sought a versatile hunting dog adept at bringing ducks within gun range.
To achieve this, early breeders crossed various breeds, including retrievers like the Flat-Coated Retriever and Chesapeake Bay Retriever, as well as spaniels such as the Cocker Spaniel and Irish Setter. There is also some speculation that Collie-type sheepdogs contributed to the breed’s intelligence and work ethic. The goal was to create a dog that not only retrieved downed birds from cold water but also possessed the unique ability to excite and attract waterfowl by playful antics along the water’s edge, mimicking the movement of young foxes—a natural lure for curious ducks.
Official recognition of the breed began with the formation of the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) in 1945, when the breed was first registered as the 'Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever.' Before that, it was popularly known as the 'Little River Duck Dog,' referencing its place of origin. The Toller gained further attention after World War II, as air and land travel allowed Canadian breeders to promote the breed internationally.
In recent decades, the Toller has grown in popularity not only as a hunting companion but also as a family pet due to its friendly demeanor, intelligence, and adaptability. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the breed in 2003, which helped further its presence in the United States and abroad. Despite its relatively recent international recognition, the Toller maintains a strong Canadian identity and continues to be celebrated for its skills, versatility, and vibrant appearance. Today, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is valued for its hunting prowess, affectionate nature, and distinctive red-gold coat, embodying a rich history rooted in the marshes and forests of Nova Scotia.