The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, also known as the Toller, is a medium-sized breed of dog that originated in Canada. Tollers are known for their intelligence, affectionate nature, and eagerness to please their owners. They are the smallest of the retriever breeds and are often mistaken for a small Golden Retriever.
Breed Origin and History The breed was originally developed in the early 19th century in the Little River District of Nova Scotia, Canada. Tollers were bred to lure and retrieve waterfowl, and their distinctive hunting style involves playing and jumping along the shoreline to attract the birds.
The breed was recognized by the Canadian Kennel Club in 1915 and by the American Kennel Club in 2003. Today, Tollers are popular not only as hunting dogs but also as family pets and therapy dogs.
Physical Characteristics Tollers have a distinctive golden-red coat that is thick and waterproof. They have a muscular and athletic build, with a slightly rounded skull and a wedge-shaped muzzle.
Their ears are medium-sized and hang down, and their tails are thick and furry. Tollers are known for their high energy levels and require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy.
Key Takeaways
- The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a medium-sized breed of dog that originated in Canada and is known for its intelligence and affectionate nature.
- Tollers were originally bred to lure and retrieve waterfowl and have a distinctive hunting style that involves playing and jumping along the shoreline.
- Tollers have a distinctive golden-red coat, are muscular and athletic, and require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy.
Breed Origin and History
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, also known as Toller, is a breed of dog that originated in Yarmouth County, Nova Scotia, Canada. The breed’s history dates back to the early 19th century when it was first developed by hunters in the Acadian community of Little River Harbour.
Canadian Roots
The Toller was originally referred to as the Little River Duck Dog before being officially recognized by the Canadian Kennel Club in 1945 as a purebred dog. The breed’s name comes from its unique hunting technique, which involves “tolling” or luring ducks within range of the hunter’s gun.
Tollers are known for their playful and energetic nature, as well as their distinctive red coat.
Breed Development
The breed’s development involved a mix of retriever, setter, spaniel, and possibly farm collie. Tollers were used primarily for hunting waterfowl, but they also proved to be versatile in other areas such as retrieving, agility, obedience, and therapy work.
The breed was later introduced to the United States in the 1960s, and in 2003, it was recognized by the American Kennel Club as a member of the sporting group.
| Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Origin | Yarmouth County, Nova Scotia, Canada |
| Original Name | Little River Duck Dog |
| CKC Recognition | 1945 |
| AKC Recognition | 2003 |
| Unique Hunting Technique | “Tolling” or luring ducks within range of the hunter’s gun |
Physical Characteristics
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a medium-sized dog breed with a distinctive appearance. In this section, we will discuss the physical characteristics of this breed, including their coat and color, size and weight, and distinctive features.
Coat and Color
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever has a thick, double coat that is water-repellent. The coat is medium-length and comes in shades of red, red-gold, or buff, often with patches of white.
According to The Spruce Pets, the coat color can vary from a deep mahogany red to a pale straw color.
Tollers typically have white markings on the chest, feet, and the tip of their ever-wagging tail.
Size and Weight
According to Dog Time, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever stands between 17-21 inches tall and weighs between 35-45 pounds.
Males are typically larger than females, with a height range of 18-21 inches, while females stand between 17-20 inches tall. Tollers are medium-sized dogs with a balanced and sturdy build.
Distinctive Features
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever has several distinctive features that set it apart from other breeds.
Tollers have a wedge-shaped head with a medium-length muzzle and a black nose. They have high-set ears that are triangular in shape and hang down close to the head.
According to AKC, their almond-shaped eyes are medium-sized and come in shades of brown or amber.
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Coat | Thick, double, water-repellent |
| Color | Red, red-gold, or buff, often with white patches |
| Height | 17-21 inches (males larger than females) |
| Weight | 35-45 pounds |
| Distinctive Features | Wedge-shaped head, medium-length muzzle, black nose |
Tollers have a deep chest and strong, muscular legs that give them the agility they need to retrieve ducks from the water. They also have webbed feet that help them swim more efficiently.
Temperament and Personality
Behavioral Traits
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers are highly intelligent, affectionate, playful, and eager to please. They are known for their lively and outgoing personalities, making them great companions for active families.
They are also highly trainable, making them a good choice for those who enjoy obedience training and other mental exercises.
However, we must note that the breed is not recommended for those looking for a casual pet. They require plenty of exercise, especially fetching and swimming, to keep them happy and healthy.
Mental exercise such as advanced obedience, agility, tracking, and field work is also essential for their well-being. Without proper exercise and stimulation, they may become bored and destructive.
Compatibility with Families
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers are known for their affectionate and loving nature towards their family members. They are great with children and enjoy playing with them.
However, they may be too active for very young children and may accidentally knock them over. As with any dog breed, it is important to supervise interactions between children and dogs to ensure safety.
When it comes to other pets, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers can get along well with cats and other dogs if they are socialized properly from a young age.
However, they do have a high prey drive and may chase smaller animals, so it is important to keep them supervised around smaller pets.
Training and Exercise Needs
Training Techniques
When training Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers, we recommend using positive reinforcement methods. These dogs are highly intelligent and respond well to consistent, reward-based training.
We suggest using treats and praise to reinforce good behavior during training sessions.
It’s important to note that Tollers can be sensitive to harsh training methods. Therefore, we advise against using punishment or physical corrections during training.
Instead, focus on building a strong bond with your dog and using positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior.
Exercise Requirements
As a high-energy breed, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers require plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy.
We recommend providing at least an hour of exercise each day, which can include activities such as running, hiking, or playing fetch.
In addition to physical exercise, Tollers also benefit from mental stimulation. Puzzle toys and games can help keep your dog mentally engaged and prevent boredom.
It’s important to note that Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers are natural retrievers and love to play fetch. Incorporating this activity into your dog’s exercise routine can be a great way to provide both physical and mental stimulation.
Health and Care
When it comes to the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever breed, we take health and care very seriously. Here are some important things to consider.
Common Health Issues
Like all breeds, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is prone to certain health issues. Some of the most common health problems include hip dysplasia, which is a genetic condition that affects the hip joint, and progressive retinal atrophy, which can cause blindness.
Other health problems that can affect the breed include Addison’s disease and Collie Eye Anomaly.
To ensure that your Toller stays healthy, we recommend regular visits to the vet and keeping up-to-date with vaccinations.
It’s also important to keep an eye out for any changes in behavior or physical symptoms, and to seek veterinary advice if you notice anything unusual.
Grooming Essentials
Grooming is an important part of caring for your Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever.
Regular brushing will help to keep their coat in good condition and reduce shedding.
We recommend brushing your Toller at least once a week, or more often during shedding season.
In addition to brushing, it’s important to keep your Toller’s ears clean and dry to prevent infections.
You should also trim their nails regularly and brush their teeth to maintain good dental hygiene.
Diet and Nutrition
Proper nutrition is essential for your Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever’s health.
We recommend feeding your Toller a high-quality dog food that is appropriate for their age, size, and activity level.
It’s also important to monitor their weight and adjust their diet accordingly to prevent obesity.
In addition to a balanced diet, it’s important to provide your Toller with plenty of fresh water to keep them hydrated.
You may also want to consider adding supplements to their diet to support their overall health.
Activities and Work
When it comes to activities and work, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a versatile breed that excels at a variety of tasks.
In this section, we will discuss two main areas where Tollers shine: hunting and retrieving, as well as dog sports and agility.
Hunting and Retrieving
As their name suggests, Tollers were originally bred in Nova Scotia for hunting and retrieving waterfowl.
They have a high-energy level and love to work, making them ideal for hunters who want a dog that can keep up with them.
Tollers are known for their ability to lure ducks within range, making them an excellent choice for hunters who want a challenge.
In addition to their hunting skills, Tollers are also excellent retrievers.
They have a soft mouth, which means they can retrieve game without damaging it.
Tollers are also great swimmers, thanks to their webbed feet and waterproof double coat.
Dog Sports and Agility
Tollers are not just great hunters and retrievers, they also excel at dog sports and agility.
They are highly intelligent and trainable, which makes them ideal for activities that require a lot of focus and challenge.
Agility is a popular sport for Tollers. It involves running through an obstacle course, with the goal of completing it as quickly and accurately as possible.
Tollers are agile and athletic, which makes them perfect for this type of activity.
Other dog sports that Tollers excel at include obedience, flyball, and dock diving.
These activities not only provide physical exercise for Tollers, but also mental stimulation, which is important for keeping them happy and healthy.
Living with a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
If you are considering adding a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever to your family, there are a few things you should know about living with this breed.
Home Environment
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers are active dogs that require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
They are not well-suited to apartment living and do best in a home with a backyard or access to outdoor space where they can run and play.
Socialization and Behavior
Socialization is important for all dogs, but especially for a breed like the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever.
They are friendly and affectionate dogs that love attention and playtime. They can become destructive if they are not given enough attention or if they are left alone for long periods of time.
To prevent destructive behavior, it is important to provide your Toller with plenty of toys and playtime.
Interactive toys like puzzle feeders can help keep them mentally stimulated and prevent boredom.
Training
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers are intelligent dogs that enjoy learning new things.
They are eager to please and respond well to positive reinforcement training methods.
Early socialization and training are important to ensure that your Toller grows up to be a well-behaved and well-adjusted dog.
Grooming
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever has a double coat that requires regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling.
They shed moderately throughout the year and heavily during shedding season.
Regular grooming can help keep shedding under control and keep your Toller looking and feeling their best.
Conclusion
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever stands out as a breed that masterfully blends the line between a skilled work dog and a loving family pet. With its roots deeply embedded in the tradition of waterfowl hunting, the Toller has evolved to become a cherished companion in many households.
Their intelligence, eagerness to please, and playful nature make them suitable for a variety of roles, from therapy work to competitive sports, and, of course, as affectionate pets. However, prospective owners should remember that Tollers thrive with regular exercise, mental stimulation, and a strong bond with their human counterparts.
By understanding and embracing the unique characteristics and needs of the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, owners can ensure a happy and fulfilling life for their furry friend. This breed, with its rich history and adaptable nature, is a testament to the enduring bond between humans and dogs, offering companionship, loyalty, and endless adventures to those lucky enough to call them family.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average price range for a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever puppy?
The average price range for a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever puppy can vary depending on factors such as location, breeder reputation, and bloodline.
However, according to our research, the price range for a Toller puppy can be anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000.
Can you describe the temperament of a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever?
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is known for being an intelligent, affectionate, and eager-to-please breed.
Tollers are also highly active and require plenty of daily exercise and mental stimulation.
They are generally good with children and other pets but may be reserved around strangers.
What is the typical weight range for an adult Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever?
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), adult Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers typically weigh between 35 and 50 pounds.
How large does a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever grow?
The AKC states that adult Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers typically stand between 17 and 21 inches tall at the shoulder.
What are the common coat colors for Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers?
The most common coat color for Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers is a golden-red shade. However, Tollers can also have white markings on their chest, feet, and tail tip.
What should potential owners consider before adopting a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever?
Prospective owners should consider that Tollers require a significant amount of exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. They also shed seasonally and may require regular grooming.
Additionally, Tollers may have a high prey drive and may not be suitable for households with small pets.
It is also important to choose a reputable breeder and to be prepared for potential health issues that can affect the breed, such as hip dysplasia.
