Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever (often referred to as the Toller) is a medium-sized, highly energetic, and intelligent breed. Known for its distinctive red coat, the Toller is a versatile hunting dog originally bred in Canada to toll (lure) and retrieve waterfowl. It’s often described as having the perfect combination of hunting instinct, agility, and playfulness, making it an excellent companion for active families and individuals.
Here’s a detailed look at the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever breed:
Appearance:
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever has a medium build with a muscular, athletic body. They typically weigh between 35 and 50 pounds, with males being larger than females. Their coat is one of the breed’s standout features: it’s a thick, water-resistant double coat that comes in various shades of red or orange, often with white markings on the chest, feet, and tail tip.
The breed has a well-proportioned head with a broad skull and a friendly, expressive face. Their eyes are almond-shaped, typically amber or light brown, giving them an intelligent and alert look. Their ears are medium-sized and hang close to the head. The tail is long and bushy, often carried in a gentle upward curve, adding to the breed's graceful appearance.
Essentials for Your Newly Adopted Pet
Welcoming a shelter pet into your life is a beautiful journey. Here are some handpicked items to help your new friend feel safe, loved, and right at home:
Temperament:
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is an affectionate and friendly dog that thrives on human interaction. They are known for their playful nature, making them excellent companions for families with children. Toller puppies are highly energetic and love to engage in games, especially those that involve retrieving. Their playful behavior continues into adulthood, and they often maintain a puppy-like demeanor throughout their lives.
Although friendly, Tollers are also highly trainable and eager to please. This makes them a good fit for active families and owners who are willing to invest time in training. They are intelligent dogs that excel in obedience, and they love learning new tasks. While they are loyal and protective of their families, they are generally not aggressive, and they get along well with other dogs and pets when properly socialized.
Intelligence & Trainability:
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is known for its intelligence and strong work ethic. The breed excels in activities like retrieving, obedience, agility, and scent work. As a breed originally developed to retrieve waterfowl, Tollers are natural workers and enjoy being given tasks to perform.
Training a Toller is relatively easy because of their eagerness to please, but it is important to keep them mentally stimulated. Without proper mental stimulation, they can become bored and engage in undesirable behaviors like chewing or excessive barking. Positive reinforcement works well with this breed, and early socialization is key to ensuring that they grow into well-rounded, confident dogs.
Exercise Needs:
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a high-energy dog that requires ample exercise to stay happy and healthy. Originally bred for working long hours in the field, Tollers have the stamina and drive to participate in a variety of activities, from running and swimming to hiking and playing fetch.
Daily walks and active play sessions are essential for this breed. They also love swimming, which helps them burn off energy and is in line with their waterfowl-retrieving origins. Because they are a sporting breed, they excel in dog sports like agility, obedience, and field trials. Providing them with physical and mental challenges will ensure they remain happy and avoid developing destructive behaviors.
Health:
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is generally a healthy breed, but like all dogs, they can be prone to certain health conditions. Some of the most common health concerns include:
- Hip dysplasia: A genetic condition where the hip joint doesn’t form properly, leading to pain and arthritis.
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA): A degenerative eye disease that can eventually lead to blindness.
- Hypothyroidism: A condition where the thyroid doesn’t produce enough hormones, leading to weight gain, lethargy, and other symptoms.
- Epilepsy: A neurological disorder that can cause seizures.
- Autoimmune diseases: Such as autoimmune hemolytic anemia (a condition that affects the blood).
Routine vet check-ups, a balanced diet, regular exercise, and grooming can help mitigate these risks and promote the health and well-being of the breed.
History and Origin:
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever hails from the Nova Scotia region of Canada, where it was developed in the early 19th century. The breed was originally used to toll (lure) waterfowl into shooting range by playing in the water and enticing the birds to come closer. Once the birds were lured, the Toller would then retrieve them after they were shot. This combination of retrieving and tolling made the breed highly effective for hunters.
It is believed that the breed was developed by crossing the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Labrador Retriever, and smaller spaniel-type breeds, resulting in a dog with excellent waterfowl instincts, strong retrieving skills, and a friendly, eager-to-please temperament. The breed’s natural swimming abilities and thick double coat helped it work efficiently in cold, wet conditions.
In 1980, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever was officially recognized by the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC), and it was later recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 2003.
Ideal Home:
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is best suited for active individuals or families who can meet its physical and mental exercise needs. It thrives in homes with access to outdoor space, where it can run, play, and swim. Because the Toller is an active dog, it may not be ideal for apartment living unless the owner can provide ample exercise opportunities.
Tollers are affectionate and social dogs that enjoy spending time with their families. They are good with children and can get along well with other dogs and pets if properly socialized. However, because they have a strong prey drive, it’s important to ensure that they are introduced to smaller animals carefully.
Fun Facts:
- The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is often called the "Toller" for short.
- Tollers are highly skilled swimmers and love to retrieve in the water.
- The breed is known for its distinctive red coat, often with white markings on the chest, feet, and tail tip.
- The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is the smallest of the retriever breeds.
- They are often referred to as the "little red retriever" because of their red-gold color and retrieving ability.
Conclusion:
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a friendly, intelligent, and active breed with a great temperament and a love for water and retrieving. Whether you’re looking for a devoted family companion, an energetic exercise partner, or a working dog to participate in field trials, the Toller is an excellent choice. With its playful nature, strong drive to work, and beautiful coat, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a breed that will bring joy and excitement to any home.
Affiliate Products
