Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever: Characteristics, Grooming, Health, Training

Group: The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a member of the AKC Sporting Dog group, KCGB Gun Dog group.

AKC Ranking: 110

Also Known As: The Little River Duck Dog or the Yarmouth Toller for the area in which they were developed

About Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

Origin and History of the Breed Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers come from Canada around Yarmouth and the Little River area of Nova Scotia. They are most likely a cross from Tolling Red Decoy Dogs with Retrievers and Spaniels. The Toller was bred to lure ducks within range of the hunters’ guns by dancing, splashing and swimming along the shore. The word ‘toll’ means ‘to lure.’ Once the ducks were shot, the Toller would retrieve them from the icy water. The technique of Tolling to bring ducks close to shore has been observed being done by families of foxes for centuries to capture a duck dinner, and the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers red to orange coat was bred to mimic the fox colors.

A General Appearance of the Dog

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever can remind you of a small Golden Retriever with white markings on its chest, feet, tail and sometimes on its head. The Nova Scotia Duck Toller is a medium sized, deep chested dog with a powerful, compact, well-muscled body on sturdy, solid legs. Tollers are determined, quick and alert, with the retriever desire to please.

Coat Color

A Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever’s coat can be varying shades of Red or Orange and may have white markings on the feet, chest, head or tail.

Coat Type

Tollers were bread to retrieve from icy cold water and have a thick water-repellent double coat, with a dense undercoat. The topcoat is straight but may have a slight wave on their back.

Height

Males: 18 to 21 Inches (ideally 19”)
Females: 17 to 20 inches (ideally 18”)

Weight: 37 to 50 lbs

Do not overfeed as they tend to gain weight, especially if they do not get enough exercise.

Personality

Temperament of the Dog

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is fun loving and very devoted to their family. They are intelligent and easy to obedience train. Tollers are good with children and will spend hours retrieving sticks or balls thrown for them. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers are a bit more reserved than Golden Retrievers around strangers. Since barking would scare away the ducks, Tollers seldom bark unless they sense danger. These are very playful dogs. They get along well with all types of people and other family pets (NO ducks or waterfowl though).

Tolling (luring) is a natural trait and cannot be taught. The AKC recommends that all Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers be field tested for tolling.

Better suited to an indoor or outdoor lifestyle?

Duck Tolling Retrievers prefer a very active life style. They do fine indoors or in apartments but require daily, active exercise. They do well in cold weather.

Are they suited to homes with kids?

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers are good with children. They love the activity level and are devoted family dogs. Somewhere in their background may be some herding instinct as they sometimes try to keep their family within bounds.

Activity Level

How Active is the Breed?

Extremely active, the Toller requires at least a brisk walk or jog daily. They are a high energy breed. Their idea of a good afternoon would be for someone to throw a ball or a stick for them to retrieve for hours. These are great agility and flyball and Frisbee® dogs.

How Much Exercise Does the Dog Need at every stage of its Life?

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers stay active for most of their lives; they are an extremely active breed with lots of energy.

Grooming

The thick double coat requires brushing, with focus on the dense undercoat. The Duck Toller should not be bathed often as it removes the natural oils that make its coat water repellent.

Health and Care

Genetic Problems

In general the Toller is a healthy breed, but as their popularity has increased, there have been some instances of thyroid and autoimmune problems and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA).

Litter Size: 6 – 10 puppies

Life Span: 12 to 14 years

National Breed Clubs

British – Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Club (UK) – www.toller-club.co.uk
US – Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Club (USA) - www.nsdtrc-usa.org

Other Recognition: CKC, FCI, UKC, CKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR

Rescue link: www.nsdtrc-usa.org/rescue.htm