Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Description
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, often referred to as the "Toller," is a medium-sized sporting dog breed that originated in Canada. Known for their unique ability to toll (lure) waterfowl within shooting range, they are particularly adept at retrieving. Their distinctive appearance includes a stunning reddish coat, often with white markings on the face, chest, belly, and paws. Toller dogs are lively, intelligent, and highly trainable, making them excellent companions for active families and individuals.
Personality
The Toller is known for its energetic and playful personality. They are affectionate and loyal, forming strong bonds with their families. These dogs are very social and thrive on human interaction, often showing a friendly disposition towards children and other pets. Their intelligence and eagerness to please make them quick learners, but they can also be independent and may require consistent training to channel their energy positively. They are known for their playful antics and love for games, particularly those that involve retrieving.
Care Requirements
Tollers have moderate grooming needs; regular brushing is essential to manage shedding and keep their coat healthy. They benefit from daily exercise, including walks, playtime, and activities that stimulate their mind and body, such as obedience training or agility courses. Mental stimulation is crucial for this breed to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. Regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet suited to their age and activity level, and socialization from a young age are also important to ensure their overall health and well-being.
Suitable For:
- Active families with children
- Households with other dogs
- Owners interested in obedience training or dog sports
- Those who enjoy outdoor activities and physical exercise
- Individuals or families looking for a playful, high-energy pet
- NOT
Not Suitable For:
- Homes where the dog will be left alone for long periods
- Those who are not able to keep up with a dog's high energy levels
- People looking for a highly protective or guard dog
- Those who prefer a dog that is immediately friendly with strangers
- Households seeking a quiet, low-energy breed or a frequent barker
Physical Characteristics
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever typically stands between 17 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between 35 to 50 pounds. They have a well-proportioned, athletic build that reflects their agility and strength. Their double coat is water-repellent, with a medium-length outer coat and a soft undercoat. The color ranges from golden to copper-red, with some dogs exhibiting white markings on various parts of their body. Their expressive eyes are often amber or brown, complementing their friendly face.
Height
Male: 18" - 21"
Female: 18" - 21"
Weight
Male: 35 - 50 lbs
Female: 35 - 50 lbs
Life Expectancy
12 - 14 years
Breed Profile
Breed Characteristics
Maintenance Requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
Fun Facts
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, also known as the Toller, is the smallest of all the retriever breeds. They were originally bred in the 19th century in the Little River district of Nova Scotia, Canada, to entice, or "toll", ducks into shooting range for hunters.
Despite their smaller size, Tollers have a powerful and compact build, enabling them to be excellent swimmers. Their dense double coat, which can be various shades of red, also serves to protect them from cold water conditions, a trait essential in their initial role as waterfowl retrievers.
A unique behavior specific to the breed is the "tolling" dance. This involves the Toller playing and prancing along the shoreline in full view of a flock of ducks, intriguing them to swim closer out of curiosity. This behavior was selectively bred into the dogs to lure game within range of hunters.
The Toller has been recognized for its exceptional versatility. Beyond their original role as hunting companions, they have also been successful in various canine sports including agility, obedience, and tracking. In 1995, a Toller named Ruby earned the first ever Agility Trial Championship of Canada (ATChC) title.
Despite their historical significance and contributions, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever was not officially recognized by the Canadian Kennel Club until 1945. The breed's cultural significance extends to it being declared the provincial dog of Nova Scotia in 1995, highlighting its importance in the region's heritage.