Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, often called the "Toller," is a lively medium-sized dog with a striking red coat. This breed features a dense, water-resistant outer layer and a fluffy undercoat, making them great swimmers and excellent at fetching birds from the water. Their fur can vary from a light orange to a rich red, usually with some white markings on their face, paws, and the tip of their constantly wagging tail. Designed for speed and stamina, Tollers are more compact and agile compared to many other retriever breeds.

Quick Info

Size
Medium
Colours
Shades of light orange to deep red
Lifespan
12 to 14 years
Height
17 to 21 inches
Type
Gun Dog
Hypoallergenic
no
Weight
35 to 50 pounds
Family

Personality

Duck Tollers are full of energy and have a fun-loving personality that brings happiness to any home. Whether you’re preparing for agility events or just taking a stroll, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers put in their best effort with great enthusiasm. These smart dogs might catch you off guard with their unique "Toller scream" when they get really excited, but their friendly demeanor and eagerness to learn make them fantastic pets for lively families and dog lovers.

History

Originating from Yarmouth County in Nova Scotia, these dogs were first known as the Yarmouth Toller or Little River Duck Dog. They have a special way of hunting that involves imitating the playful behavior of foxes to attract ducks. Their striking red fur, fluffy tails, and lively actions help draw the birds closer. This method, called "tolling," comes from a Middle English term meaning "to lure," and is quite uncommon among dogs, shared only with the Dutch Kooikerhondje. Notably, when the breed received recognition from the AKC in 2003, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever became known for having the longest name among dog breeds, outdoing the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen.

Ideal Owner

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever makes a great friend for energetic individuals and families who love to explore. These adaptable dogs can fit into different ways of living, provided they get enough exercise. Whether it’s raining, sunny, windy, or snowy, these lively retrievers are eager to get moving, making them perfect for those who lead an active life.

Exercise Needs

Engaging in a mix of activities every day is perfect for keeping these smart and curious dogs happy and engaged. Activities that connect with their natural behaviors, such as swimming or playing fetch, are great ways to earn their affection. Their desire to make their owners happy and their ability to learn quickly help them shine in dog sports like agility, flyball, or hunting tasks. These experiences not only give Tollers the exercise they need but also deepen the connection between the dog and their owner.

Space Requirements

The Duck Toller can adjust well to different living environments. Because they are small, they can thrive in many places, whether it's an apartment or a house with a yard. As long as they get interesting walks in different areas, these dogs are content.

Training

Smart and eager to make their owners happy, Tollers do well with training that uses positive rewards. They learn quickly and enjoy a range of activities, making them great at different "dog jobs." However, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever puppies and dogs are not overly serious about work; it’s important that training remains fun and interesting to keep their curious minds engaged. Like many retrievers, they can be a little possessive, so it’s essential to encourage happy sharing with treats or toys. Teaching Duck Tollers to "settle" and patiently wait for their turn can also be helpful. Keeping training sessions short, positive, and with clear goals will help Tollers grasp the rules and become happy, well-mannered pets.

Grooming

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever has a lovely double coat that repels water and protects against the weather. Its fur is of medium length and needs regular care to stay in good shape. Brushing it often is enough, but daily brushing is a good idea during shedding times, particularly for the soft fur around the ears, which can easily tangle. Only a little trimming is necessary, mainly to tidy up the fur on the ears and feet. It's also important to regularly check the ears and paws for dirt and to trim the nails to keep the paws healthy and ensure good grip inside the house.

Suitability for Family Life

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a friendly and trainable dog, making them great companions for families. These lively dogs thrive in outdoor settings, which makes them perfect for active families. They tend to bond well with older kids, but their high energy levels could be too much for families with little ones.

Did You know?

The name of this breed comes from an ancient term "toller," which translates to "to lure." In the past, these dogs would wag their tails, which have white tips, and move around playfully to draw in ducks. Once the ducks came close, they would switch to retrieving and bring the birds back. The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is the smallest among all retriever breeds. These dogs are recognized for their lively tails, which they use to show how they feel. When they get really excited, they might even make a loud, high-pitched sound known as the "Toller scream."

Similar Breeds

Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Flat-Coated Retriever
Golden Retriever

Need to Know

Suitable for owners with some experience
Extra training required
Generally healthy breed
Enjoys active walks
Medium dog
Minimal drool
Requires frequent grooming
Quiet dog