Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever stands in a field of lavender.

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

avatar Stephanie Lenoir LVT, VTS (ECC)

Height17 - 21"

Weight35 - 51 lbs

TypeSporting

Life Expectancy12 - 14 years

Area of OriginCanada

Energy Level

Playfulness

Friendliness to dogs

Friendliness to strangers

exercise requirements

affection level

friendliness to other pets

watchfulness

Grooming Requirements

Vocality

Resembling a pint-size Golden Retriever, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever has a long name and heart to match, making them wonderful companions for outgoing and active families. If you are looking for a couch potato, this is definitely not the best breed for you. They are intelligent and motivated dogs that are eager to please their owner, which makes training enjoyable, if a bit strenuous. They love to swim and fetch, as well as play with well-behaved children (as long as they're properly socialized). When strangers approach, the Toller will usually bark, but rarely does much more. They are a gentle breed that would rather be with their family than alone.

Energy Level

Playfulness

Friendliness to dogs

Friendliness to strangers

exercise requirements

affection level

friendliness to other pets

watchfulness

Grooming Requirements

Vocality

Where Are Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers From?

This breed originated in Nova Scotia and was bred in the early 1900s to lure ducks and other waterfowl to the water’s edge and into shooting range. They are known for their agility, which makes them perfect for canine competition.

Their exact breeding origins are not well known, but it is believed they can be traced back to Spaniels, Setters, and Collies. They were initially named the Little River Duck Dog, and were briefly known as the Yarmouth Toller in the 1950s. The name was changed when the Canadian Kennel Club registered the breed.

Today, they are bred for retrieving, hunting, competition, and family companionship. They were accepted by the American Kennel Club in 2003 as a member of the Sporting Group.

Where Are Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers From?

Today, they are bred for retrieving, hunting, competition, and family companionship. They were accepted by the American Kennel Club in 2003 as a member of the Sporting Group.

Care

What Kind of Diet Does a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Need?

Two meals a day of a high-quality dry food is ideal for the Toller. Puppy diets should be fed for the first 12 months to ensure proper growth.

How Much Grooming Does a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Need?

Tollers require weekly brushing to keep their medium-length hair coat clean and shiny. Brushing should be done daily during seasonal shedding, which will prevent matting and knotting, especially around the ears and the feathery fur on the legs. The fur in between the toes tends to grow continuously and will need to be trimmed every couple of months to prevent slipping on hard surfaces.

Bathing should be done as needed, especially when they get dirty.

Are Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers Healthy?

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a relatively healthy breed with very few inherited diseases.

Addison’s disease is an autoimmune disorder common for the breed. This is the result of the adrenal glands not producing enough cortisol, which is a hormone that stimulates eating and manages stress.

An insufficient amount of this hormone can be life-threatening without treatment, making it imperative that yearly blood work is done to screen for this condition.

Tollers have an average life expectancy of about 12 to 14 years.

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers are predisposed to: autoimmune disorders, Addison’s disease, hypothyroidism, hip dysplasia, and progressive retinal atrophy.

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How Much Grooming Does a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Need?

Bathing should be done as needed, especially when they get dirty.

Are Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers Healthy?

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a relatively healthy breed with very few inherited diseases.

An insufficient amount of this hormone can be life-threatening without treatment, making it imperative that yearly blood work is done to screen for this condition.

Tollers have an average life expectancy of about 12 to 14 years.

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers are predisposed to: autoimmune disorders, Addison’s disease, hypothyroidism, hip dysplasia, and progressive retinal atrophy.

Pet insurance can be a safety net for you and your pet,
helping your pet care budget go further.

Get a free quote from PetPartners today.

Underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company Get Your Quote

Caring for a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

What Kind of Diet Does a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Need?

How Much Grooming Does a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Need?

Are Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers Healthy?

How Much Training Does a Toller Dog Need?

How Much Exercise Do Tolling Retrievers Need?

What Kind of Diet Does a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Need?

Two meals a day of a high-quality dry food is ideal for the Toller. Puppy diets should be fed for the first 12 months to ensure proper growth.

What Are the Physical Characteristics of a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever?

Tollers are the smallest of the Retrievers, standing between 17 and 21 inches tall and weighing between 35 and 50 lbs.

Tolling Retrievers have a wedge-shaped head with floppy ears that are folded over the sides of their face. Eyes are set far apart from each other and almond-shaped, with a color that is similar or slightly darker than their coat. The eyelid rim, nose, and lips should all be the same color.

This breed has a deep chest that transitions into a slender waist, as well as a straight and strong back.

Yes, the Tolling Retriever tail is long and covered in feathered fur. It is carried above the back and slightly curled when they are alert, but usually carried between the legs when they’re at play.

Tollers’ front legs are strong and well-muscled. They have webbed feel, which are ideal for swimming, and extremely thick paw pads.

Coat colors are commonly seen in golden red or dark copper, often complemented by white markings around the chest, paws, and muzzle.

Their hind legs are well-muscled and strong. Stifles are bent and should be equal in length at the upper and lower thighs.

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Facts

1

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever has the longest name of any breed recognized by the American Kennel Club.

2

When Tollers get excited, they're known to emit a penetrating scream that is very loud, high-pitched, and nerve-racking.

3

The Toller was the first breed used to act as a decoy for hunting purposes.

Other Breeds to Explore

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Labrador Retriever

Choosing a Chesapeake Bay Retriever

References

Morris, Desmond. Dogs: The Ultimate Dictionary of Over 1,000 Dog Breeds. Trafalgar Square, 2002.
Wilcox, Bonnie and Chris Walkowicz. The Atlas of Dog Breeds of the World. T.F.H Publications, Inc., 1995.