Let's talk Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers
It’s the details that matter, and the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever breed fully exemplifies that maxim. The smallest retriever originally bred to hunt waterfowl in a unique manner (more on that later) means they’re a taskmaster as well as a willing companion. The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever’s ceaseless energy will take you both out and about on a daily basis. Fun fact: They are the dog with the longest name in the American Kennel Club stud book.Official name: Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Other names: Yarmouth Toller, Tolling Retriever, Little Red Duck Dog, Little River Duck Dog
Origins: Canada
| Drooling tendencies: |
|
Warm weather? |  |
| Shedding level: |  |
Suited to apartment living? |  |
| Physical activity needs (high, low, medium): | Moderate | Kid-friendly? |
|
| Compatibility with other pets: | |
Can stay alone? |
|
We advise against leaving pets alone for long stretches.
Companionship can prevent emotional distress and destructive behaviour.
Speak to your veterinarian for recommendations.
translations.feature.breeds.male
48 - 51 cm
translations.feature.breeds.height
20 - 23 kg
translations.feature.breeds.weight
translations.feature.breeds.female
46 - 48 cm
translations.feature.breeds.height
17 - 20 kg
translations.feature.breeds.weight
| Baby age | Birth to 2 months |
| Puppy age | 2 to 12 months |
| Adult age | 1 to 7 years |
| Mature age | 7 to 10 years |
| Senior age | 10 years onwards |
1/7
Get to know the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
All you need to know about the breed
A dog with this distinct a name is bound to have a clear focus. The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a celebrated breed in their home country of Canada, specifically in the Little River District in Nova Scotia province where they remain common, though rare everywhere else.
The “Tolling” part comes from Middle English. “Tollen” means “to lure” and lure the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever was originally bred to do, with ducks, in particular. Known as the “decoy dog,” they’ll dart along shorelines until waterfowl are lured to a sweet spot, then hide to let the hunter take over. Living near a body of water where this dog can dive in and swim might be a good idea. They have webbed toes that enable them to do just that.
This is a breed who spends lots of time outdoors, which means you will most likely, too. Their double coat stands up to any weather and enables them to dive into the usually sub-zero freezing water found in their native Nova Scotia.
Intelligent and highly playful, the breed has so much going for it. They’re super with families, including children, once trained, and their affection ranks right up there with their energy. Burn off the latter to enjoy lots of the former.
2/7
2 facts about Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers
1. Keep it down!
Many dogs have loud barks but the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is known to emit a little bit more than that. Called the “Toller Scream,” it’s a high-pitched, frantic, loud sound that to the uninitiated could be alarming. It’s merely the dog’s way of alerting owners to trouble, or something else, afoot.
2. Dip a toe in
One might wonder if a dog who spends so much time in the water, like the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, could have marine-like qualities. The breed does, in the form of webbed feet. They have an interlocked surface and hair between each claw that helps to propel the dog through water. They’ve been called Grinch feet, fuzz feet, or Muppet feet, too, but not by us!
3/7
History of the breed
As their name suggests, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever hails from the great white north - Nova Scotia, the maritime province lying on the very eastern edge of Canada. The breed is by all accounts a blend of spaniel, setter, and retriever breed types, brought from the U.K. in the early 19th century. It’s also said that the now-extinct St. John’s Water Dog and Dutch Tolling Kooikerhondje are part of the mix.
A dog made for work, they were initially bred in the Little River District in Yarmouth County, Nova Scotia to aid fishermen as decoys (thus their nickname “Decoy Dog”) with the unique method of tolling - luring - waterfowl, then hiding, so hunters could take over. “Tollers” (another nickname) would then retrieve the game from the icy water. The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever was registered by the American Kennel Club in 2003 and by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale in 1981.
4/7
From head to tail
Physical characteristics of Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers
1. Ears
Medium-sized triangular ears, set high.
2. Body
Medium-to-heavy body, short back, powerful legs.
3. Coat
Double coat with straight or slightly wavy, soft outer coat and dense, soft undercoat.
5/7
Things to look out for
From specific breed traits to a general health overview, here are some interesting facts about your Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
6/7
Caring for your Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Grooming, training and exercise tips
An outdoorsy dog like the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever will need regular grooming to rid their coat of dead hair and dirt and keep them clean. Bathe them only occasionally as the dog requires the natural oils in their coat for protection against the elements. Trim nails, and clean and thoroughly dry ears often to keep them free of infection. Regular tooth brushing can keep tartar from accumulating. Exercise for your Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is essential. They instinctively need to move, as a sporting breed, and aren’t suited to small spaces; if in a more suburban setting, make sure they get out for a few vigorous daily walks. The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever responds well to training but can be stubborn at times. They will seek to please owners but often want to know what the payoff is - a “learn and earn” modus operandi. Make training sessions fun and offer a treat or two (taken from their daily kibble allowance) and you’ll have a super canine companion in no time.7/7
All about Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever was developed from various breeds found in their native Canada, including other retrievers, spaniels, and setters, breeds made for icy northern waters. They have now developed into a distinct purebred that is in high demand for those who desire a trusty and eager pal in the field.
Although sometimes mistaken for the Golden Retriever, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is very much their own breed and relatively unknown outside of their native Canada (Yarmouth County, Nova Scotia, to be exact) and North America.
translations.feature.breeds.otherbreeds
Read more on this topic
How your dog's nutrition needs change with age
How to adopt a dog
Things to consider before getting a dog
Sources
1 - Veterinary Centers of America https://vcahospitals.com/
2 - Royal Canin Dog Encyclopaedia. Ed 2010 and 2020
3 - Banfield Pet Hospital https://www.banfield.com/
4 - Royal Canin BHN Product Book
5 - American Kennel Club https://www.akc.org/