Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever: temperament, size, care and health

About the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, nicknamed the Toller, is the smallest of the retriever breeds. It is a compact, athletic dog with a wedge-shaped head, a feathered tail and a water-repellent coat in shades of red and orange. White markings often appear on the tail tip, feet, chest and face. At a glance, some people take it for a small Golden Retriever or a fox.

The Toller has an unusual hunting method. It plays along the shoreline in sight of ducks, using its bobbing tail and active romps to attract their curiosity, and then retrieves the bird after the hunter shoots. This tolling behavior gives the breed its name. Hunters still use it, and the dog has become a favorite among people who like dog sports.

Temperament and family life

A Toller is lively, affectionate and quick to notice things. It is usually devoted to its family, and often a little reserved with strangers. Many are friendly with children old enough to play gently, but the breed can be intense and may herd or chase. It tends to get along with other dogs, though some are possessive about toys.

Tollers are vocal. They can produce a piercing scream-like bark when excited, and some bark at everything that moves. They are sensitive, and they prefer constant company. A bored or lonely Toller can develop obsessive habits, such as chasing shadows, or become destructive. Early socialization is important.

Exercise and training

The Toller requires a lot of physical and mental exercise. A daily routine should include off-leash running in a secure place, retrieving, swimming and training time. Many excel in dock diving, agility, flyball, obedience, rally and tracking. Under-exercised dogs get demanding.

Tollers learn fast and love games, but they also get bored with repetition and can be stubborn. Keep sessions short and varied and reward generously. They may be sensitive to harsh methods. A stay-at-home retrieving routine can build impulse control, and teaching calm behavior in the house is as important as teaching tricks.

Grooming and shedding

The medium-length coat is not hard to keep. Brush it a couple of times a week, more often during the twice-yearly shedding periods when the soft undercoat comes out in clumps. The feathering on the neck, legs and tail may tangle if neglected, particularly after swimming.

Baths are infrequent, since the coat repels dirt and water. Because the ears are folded and heavily used in water, check them regularly and dry them thoroughly after swimming. Trim the nails and keep the hair between the pads tidy. Tollers shed noticeably, so a vacuum is a regular tool.

Health

The Toller is generally hardy, but it carries several inherited risks. Immune-mediated diseases, including Addison's disease, which affects hormone production, and others affecting joints or blood, are known in the breed. Progressive retinal atrophy, collie eye anomaly and hip dysplasia also occur. Responsible breeders test eyes, hips, thyroid and available DNA markers and should discuss family health histories. These are general points about the breed, and a veterinarian should answer questions about a particular dog.

History

The breed originated around Yarmouth County, Nova Scotia, early in the nineteenth century, where hunters wanted a dog to attract and retrieve waterfowl. The foundation stock is generally thought to include retrievers, spaniels and setters, and possibly a farm collie, though the exact mix is not documented. The Canadian Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1945, and it was named Nova Scotia's provincial dog in 1995. The American Kennel Club added it in 2003.

Is the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever right for you?

A Toller fits an energetic household that wants a mid-sized, trainable dog and enjoys retrieving, swimming and sport. It can be a loyal partner for people who invest time in training and games.

It does not suit households that cannot tolerate barking, that leave a dog alone all day or that want a placid pet. The Golden Retriever is larger and steadier, and the Labrador Retriever is calmer. The English Springer Spaniel is a related upland worker with a similar level of energy.