HISTORY & ORIGIN:

Considered a rare breed, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is the smallest of the Retriever breeds.  This true Canadian Breed was developed in the Acadian community of Little River Harbour in Yarmouth County, Nova Scotia, at the beginning of the 19th century.  The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever was originally referred to as the “Little River Duck Dog” before being officially recognized in 1945 by the Canadian Kennel Club as a pure bred dog.

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According to the CKC, The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever was developed to toll (or lure) and retrieve waterfowl. The tolling dog runs, jumps, and plays along the shoreline in full view of a flock of ducks, occasionally disappearing from sight and then quickly reappearing, aided by the hidden hunter, who throws small sticks or a ball for the dog. The dog’s playful actions lure the curious ducks within gunshot range. The dog is then sent to retrieve the downed bird.

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CHARACTERISTICS:

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers (Tollers), are known to be very intelligent, alert, high-energy working dogs.  They are happiest when they are with "their people" and have a job to do.  They can excel at various types of competitions such as field events, agility, dock diving, obedience, scent training, SAR work, therapy dog,  or confirmation competitions.   They also very much enjoy hiking, swimming, walking, playing games such as fetch, find-it, etc, etc

 

A duck tolling retriever is the World's best mood-lifter!  They are exploding with life and enthusiasm. 

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Size:

Male: Height 19-20" and 45-51lbs

Female: Height 18-19" and 37-43lbs

 

Temperament:

They are sweet by nature, typically very good with children and make wonderful pets and companions.   It is important to socialize your puppy with adults and children from an early age.  Children can move fast and can be rough, so it is important to teach children how to approach and interact with your dog so everyone is safe.  Tollers are sweet loving companions, however, they are still a dog and if they feel threatened, like any dog, they will defend themselves.  You should never leave young children unattended with any dog.

 

High-Energy Breed:

Is a joy in the right hands – but "too much dog" for someone who is looking for a couch potato.  They are energetic and outgoing with their owners and family, and can be cautious and reserved around strangers if not adequately socialized at a young age.  It is critical to take the time to exposure your Toller puppy to new people, locations, sights, smells and noises as it is crucial for their continued healthy balanced development.  

 

Tollers tend to get along well with other dogs; however, they have a strong prey drive and may chase after cats or other small animals.  This prey drive can be avoided if cats (for example), are introduced early in the Toller’s life.  Failure to properly socialize Tollers at a young age may result in aggressive, destructive, or timid behaviour in maturity. 

 

Highly Intelligent: 

Did I say highly intelligent again… Yes, Tollers learn wickedly fast and they remember things that are important to them. They will never cease to amaze you. When your Toller looks into your eyes, you can see their intelligence and you know they love you (or maybe they are hungry, or want outside, or you’ve hidden the ball again….) There is never a dull moment with a Toller.

 

If you are unable to be consistent and firm (kind, but firm) about the rules of your household, you will find that the ruler of your house has four legs and is red.

 

Sensitive:

Tollers are emotionally and physically sensitive: You have to be careful with how much pressure you apply in training.

 

Versatile: 

Tollers are happy to be wherever "their people" are – whether that is in the conformation ring, hunting, playing fetch, walking or watching a movie. They are able to go from being relaxed and quiet to bounding retriever in mere seconds. They like new experiences and are easy to take traveling.

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Keen sense of smell:

They can make fantastic scent detection dogs.

 

Shedding:

Tollers do blow their coat seasonally, and need to be brushed.  

 

Sporting Breed:

Tollers are bred to be working dogs. They have a fanatical drive to work, and an abundance of energy. It is CRITICAL to devote time daily to keep that energy channeled in a positive way.  They are exceptionally intelligent and athletic and can excel in a variety of dog sports and activities.  They need to be challenged and engaged by their work, or they get bored and stop paying attention.

 

It is equally CRITICAL to continue with their socialization.  Tollers are happy, friendly dogs by nature, however they can become cautious if not socialized and exposed to new and different things especially from a young age going forward.  

 

Tollers love “their people”:

Tollers are great communicators, and they love deeply.  They have the ability to communicate with humans in many ways (with their eyes, vocalizations, and body language).  When excited, anxious or want your attention, Tollers tend to vocalize with a whine or "whistle", sometimes called the “Toller Scream”.  This is very effective and will get your attention, although it can be irritating when done to excess.  

 

Health:

Tollers are generally a healthy breed, thanks to the hard work of reputable breeders that do a battery of health clearances prior to breeding.  These health clearances give the best possible chance of breeding healthy puppies.

 

A Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever may be right for you if you want a dog that is….​

• medium-sized

• you enjoy spending a lot of time with your furry best friend

• active & athletic 

• highly intelligent

• has a lovely feathered coat in shades of orange/red

• good natured, high-spirited and thrive on vigorous athletic activities

• fantastic in competitive activities such as obedience and agility

• you enjoy doing activities with your dog such as:  obedience, agility, confirmation, field events, dock diving, scent training, SAR work, or therapy dog etc.