Origin and History

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, affectionately known as a "toller," has its roots in the Acadian community of Little River Harbour in Yarmouth County, Nova Scotia, Canada. This breed was developed around the beginning of the 19th century, gaining its initial moniker as the "Little River Duck Dog. " It wasn't until 1945 that the Canadian Kennel Club officially recognized the toller as a purebred dog, marking a significant milestone in the breed's history. The toller is a composite breed, with ancestors that include retrievers, spaniels, setters, and possibly a farm collie mongrel. Their development was refined during the second half of the 19th century.

It wasn't until 1980 that national recognition came for the toller, with the American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizing the breed. In a further honor, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever was designated as the provincial dog of Nova Scotia in 1995, a title bestowed upon the breed following two Best in Show awards at prestigious championship events. This recognition highlights the toller's significance in Canadian culture and its achievements in the dog show world.

Today, the toller remains popular, ranking as the 69th most popular dog breed according to the AKC. This ranking reflects not only the breed's enduring popularity but also its versatility, as tollers excel in a variety of roles and activities.

Physical Description

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a medium-sized, athletic sporting dog that exudes energy and athleticism. While often mistaken for a small Golden Retriever, the toller is more vigorous in both physical and mental activities. The toller is known for its muscular build, compact structure, and deep chest, which are highly valued by conformation judges for their ability to toll efficiently. Their sturdy legs and webbed feet are well-suited for retrieving in the cold water climates they were bred for. The webbing aids in swimming and maneuvering through aquatic environments.

Distinctive in appearance, the toller's coat ranges in color from golden red to dark coppery red, often with lighter featherings on the underside of the tail, pantaloons, and body. This water-repellent coat is medium in length, soft to the touch, and features a dense undercoat. The tail is well feathered, and it is carried jauntily when the dog is excited or in motion. It's not uncommon to see tollers with white markings, such as those found on the tip of the tail, feet, and chest.

With a head that is clean-cut and slightly wedge-shaped, resembling a fox, the toller boasts triangular ears set high and well back from the skull. The nose, lips, and eye rims match in pigment, typically black or liver, though this can fade with age. The almond-shaped eyes, medium in size, are amber to dark brown, conveying a friendly, alert, and intelligent expression. This combination of features contributes to the toller's striking and distinctive appearance.

Temperament and Behavior

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is renowned for its intelligent, energetic, playful, and outgoing temperament. These dogs are affectionate and eager to please, making them ideal family pets, particularly for families with children. Their sociable nature and loyalty to their owners are well-documented, though they may be somewhat reserved around strangers.

As working animals, tollers thrive with a job to do. Their natural abilities make them exceptional hunting companions, especially for retrieving game from cold water. They also excel in various sporting competitions, such as agility, dock diving, and obedience. Their keen sense of smell, intelligence, and work ethic make them valuable in search and rescue operations. A notable behavior is the toller's "toller scream," a high-pitched howl-like sound that is typically expressed during excitement and not in aggressive situations.

With the right training and environment, tollers can be well-behaved and integrated into a variety of family and community settings.

Size and Proportions

Despite being the smallest of all retriever breeds, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a powerful and agile dog. Males typically stand between 46-53 cm (17-21 inches) at the withers and weigh 16-23 kg (30-50 lbs). Females, on the other hand, are slightly shorter and lighter, with a height range of 43-51 cm (17-20 inches) and a weight range of 14-23 kg (30-50 lbs). Their moderate build and compact structure are well-suited for their energetic and athletic lifestyle.

The toller's legs are sturdy and solid, providing a stable foundation for their athletic build and allowing them to move with grace and power. Their proportions contribute to their agility and ability to perform a wide range of activities and sports.

Health Considerations

Health concerns for the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever are a critical aspect of ownership. The Finnish breed club has identified immunity-related issues as the most significant health concern, along with eye problems and hip dysplasia. Tollers are also predisposed to immune-mediated rheumatic disease and steroid-responsive meningitis-arthritis.

Specific health conditions include Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), affecting approximately 7% of tollers, with 40% being carriers. Collie eye anomaly has a carrier rate of 5% and an affected rate of 0.5%. Thyroid problems are a priority concern, with up to 1 in 6 tollers having autoimmune thyroiditis. Addison's disease affects 1% of tollers, with a carrier rate estimated at 18%. Aseptic meningitis, also known as steroid-responsive meningitis, has been increasingly diagnosed in the Norwegian toller population.

Health tests are available for eye diseases, autoimmune thyroiditis, Addison's disease, and a specific form of cleft palate unique to tollers. A survey by the Canadian Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever breed club in 2002 revealed that 73% of dogs reported excellent health, with 7.5% reporting poor or bad health.

Activities and Training

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is highly trainable, benefiting from their intelligence and eagerness to please. They excel in a variety of activities, including dog agility, dock diving, obedience, and search and rescue. Their drive to work and learn makes them well-suited for training, where they are quick to grasp commands and enjoy the challenge.

Their natural athleticism and willingness to please make them responsive to training methods that are firm, fair, and rewarding.

Buying and Owning a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

• Research reputable breeders who prioritize health and temperament, ensuring that the puppies come from healthy bloodlines.
• Be prepared for the commitment of daily exercise and mental stimulation, as tollers require an active lifestyle to thrive.
• Plan for ongoing training and socialization to ensure a well-rounded dog that is comfortable in various settings and can be a positive member of the community.
• Be aware of the cost of owning a dog, which includes food, vet care, training, and other expenses associated with responsible pet ownership.