Description: Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, often referred to simply as 'Toller', is a highly energetic and intelligent medium-sized breed of dog. Originating from Canada, particularly Nova Scotia, this breed was developed to lure and retrieve waterfowl. The 'tolling' in their name refers to their unique hunting strategy, involving playful antics near the shore to draw birds into range for hunters. Tollers are known for their distinctive reddish coat and tireless work ethic. They thrive in active families, displaying both affectionate companionship and vigorous athleticism. Suitable for various dog sports, they are adaptable, fiercely intelligent, and have a strong swimming ability, making them excellent companions for outdoor activities.
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever ratings
Properties
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, commonly known as the 'Toller', is a medium-sized breed of gundog bred primarily for hunting. It is the smallest of the retrievers and is often mistaken for a small Golden Retriever. Tollers are known for their distinctive ability to lure and retrieve waterfowl. The breed originated in the early 19th century in Nova Scotia, Canada, where they were used by hunters to toll, or lure, ducks into shooting range by playing along the shoreline.
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a highly intelligent, energetic, and versatile breed. They stand about 17 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 35 to 50 pounds, with males generally being larger than females. The Toller has a water-repellent double coat that can come in various shades of red and orange, and they feature white markings on their chest, feet, and tip of their tail.
Personality-wise, Tollers are known for their outgoing and playful nature. They are often described as 'high-energy' dogs that require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. They thrive on attention and enjoy being part of their human families, showing great affection and loyalty. Despite their friendly nature, they can sometimes be reserved around strangers, making them decent watchdogs. The breed tends to get along well with children and other pets, especially if raised with them from a young age.
Training a Toller can be both rewarding and challenging due to their intelligence and independence. They respond best to positive reinforcement techniques such as treats and praises. Early socialization and obedience training are important, as Tollers can become overexcited and noisy without proper guidance and boundaries. They excel in various canine sports, including agility, competitive obedience, and, of course, field trials, where their natural retrieving skills can be put to good use.
Health-wise, Tollers are generally healthy but can be prone to certain genetic disorders such as hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and autoimmune thyroiditis. Regular visits to the vet for check-ups and proactive health management are essential for maintaining their health. Their lifespan typically ranges from 12 to 14 years.
Overall, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers make excellent companions for active individuals or families who can meet their high level of exercise and engagement needs. Their intelligence, enthusiasm, and versatility also make them a popular choice for various roles, including search and rescue, therapy work, and more.
Appearance
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, affectionately known as the 'Toller', is a medium-sized breed distinguished by its vibrant red coat and high energy levels. Originating from Nova Scotia, Canada, this breed was developed in the early 19th century to lure and retrieve waterfowl. The name 'tolling' refers to an old hunting technique where the dogs play along the shoreline to catch the interest of ducks in the water, encouraging them to swim closer within a hunter's range.
Typically, Tollers stand about 17 to 21 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 35 to 50 pounds. Their build is compact, muscular, and balanced, enabling swift, agile movements ideal for their retrieving tasks. The coat, which is one of the most striking features, ranges from a golden red to a deep coppery red, often with white markings on the chest, feet, and tip of the tail. The double coat consists of a soft, dense undercoat to keep them warm in cold waters, and a water-repellent outer coat that helps in their work as working dogs in different weather conditions.
The head of the Toller is clean-cut and slightly wedge-shaped with almond-shaped, amber or brown eyes that give them a friendly, intelligent expression. Their ears are triangular and set high, hanging close to the head. This breed possesses a strong neck and a deep chest, contributing to their powerful swimming ability. The tail is another distinctive aspect, usually held high in an arc when the dog is active, adding to their enthusiastic appearance.
A unique blend of determination and playfulness is evident in their demeanor. While they are serious about their work in the field, Tollers also have a whimsical side and love to engage in play which often involves carrying items in their mouth — a nod to their retrieving instincts. They are versatile athletes beyond just hunting; excelling in various dog sports such as agility, flyball, and obedience, which reflects their well-rounded abilities and adaptable nature.
Overall, the physical appearance and lively personality of the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever make them not only exceptional working dogs but also affectionate companions. Their striking looks, boundless energy, and intelligent eyes accurately mirror their spirited yet work-focused nature.
History
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, often simply referred to as a 'Toller', is a breed with a unique and intriguing history. Originally developed in the early 19th century in Nova Scotia, Canada, their primary purpose was to assist hunters by 'tolling', or luring, ducks within shooting range. The breed’s clever hunting technique, which involves playing along the shoreline to spark the curiosity of ducks in nearby water bodies, distinguishes them from other retrievers who primarily retrieve game.
The Toller's technique exploits the natural curiosity of ducks. The dogs frolic along the shore, occasionally retrieving a stick or ball thrown by the hunter. This playful display piques the interest of waterfowl, drawing them towards the shore. Once in range, the hunters, who remain hidden, are able to shoot, at which point the Toller shifts to the role of retriever, swimming out to bring back the downed birds.
The precise origins of the Toller are not well documented, but it is believed that they were developed from a mixture of breeds, possibly including some of the smaller red retrievers, spaniels, setters, and even farm collie mixes. What is well documented, however, is the breed’s development by early settlers in Yarmouth County, which is situated at the southwestern tip of Nova Scotia. The breed was initially known as the Little River Duck Dog, after the district of Little River Harbour, where they were particularly popular.
It was not until 1945 that the Canadian Kennel Club officially recognized the breed, and it was around this time that the name was changed to the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. The breed slowly gained popularity and spread beyond their local region. By 1980, the breed had reached the United States and was recognized by the United States Kennel Club in 2001. More recently, in 2003, the Toller was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club.
Today, while they still serve as adept hunting dogs, Tollers have also become popular as companion animals. Known for their intelligence, high energy, and good nature, they are also successful in various dog sports such as agility, obedience, and flyball. The breed's striking appearance, with their burnt-orange coat and athletic build, combined with their unique blend of charm and utility, continues to win them admirers worldwide.