The Complete Guide to Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a unique and fascinating breed. They originated in the 19th century in Canada as a hunting dog.

Their original purpose was to lure fish out of the water and then retrieve them, hence their name "tolling". This breed is known for its high energy level and strong hunting instinct.

Tolling Retrievers require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. They need at least 30 minutes of exercise per day, which can be a combination of physical and mental activities.

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a compact and agile dog breed, with a medium-sized build that allows them to excel in various activities. They typically stand between 17-21 inches tall and weigh between 35-45 pounds.

Their coat is a vibrant red color with white markings and a distinctive white-tipped tail, making them a visually appealing breed. They have a low-maintenance coat that requires regular brushing to keep it clean and healthy.

Here are some key breed characteristics to consider:

These dogs are highly intelligent, energetic, and eager to please, making them excellent candidates for various canine activities and training. They are also loyal and affectionate family dogs, known for their gentle and playful nature, especially with children.

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a breed that truly stands out. They're medium-sized dogs with a compact and agile build, making them excel in various activities like hunting and dog sports.

Their retrieving skills are renowned, particularly in waterfowl hunting. Tollers use a unique "tolling" technique to lure ducks within shooting range for hunters.

Their vibrant red coat, often with white markings and a distinctive white-tipped tail, adds to their visual appeal. They're known for their striking appearance.

These dogs are highly intelligent, energetic, and eager to please, making them excellent candidates for various canine activities and training. They thrive in active households that can meet their energy needs.

Here are some key characteristics of the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever:

Tollers are loyal and affectionate family dogs, known for their gentle and playful nature, especially with children. They're adaptable to various living environments, provided they receive ample exercise and mental stimulation.

Tollers are often mistaken for small Golden Retrievers, but they're actually more active, both physically and mentally.

Their athletic build is a key characteristic, with a muscular, compact, and balanced physique. Conformation judges require tollers to be capable of tolling and physical faults that inhibit working ability are heavily penalized.

Tollers can be any shade of red, ranging from golden red to dark coppery red, with lighter featherings on the underside of the tail, pantaloons, and body. The lighter shades of golden red are deeply pigmented and rich in color.

White markings are common on tollers, including the tip of the tail, feet, and chest. Lack of white markings is not a fault, as tollers can be born without them.

The toller's coat is a water-repellent double coat of medium length and softness, with a soft dense undercoat. The top coat may have a slight wave on the back, but is otherwise straight.

Here's a breakdown of the key characteristics of a toller's coat:

Their triangular ears are set high and well back from the skull, and their almond-shaped eyes are medium-sized and amber to dark brown in color. Expression is friendly, alert, and intelligent.

Tollers have a broad nose with wide-open nostrils, with the nose either matching the color of their coat or being black. Their lips fit fairly tightly around the mouth, and their jaws are strong enough to carry a large bird, but they must have a soft mouth too.

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Tollers are the smallest of all the retriever breeds, ranging in height from 17-21 inches at the withers.

Females are slightly shorter and lighter than males, making them a great fit for families with children.

Males typically stand between 18 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder, with 19 inches being the ideal height.

Females have a height range of 17 to 20 inches, with 18 inches being the preferred height.

The weight of Tollers corresponds to their height, generally falling between 35 to 50 pounds.

Here's a quick size reference guide:

To care for a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, you'll want to provide a securely fenced yard for them to roam and play. They can also adapt well to apartment living with daily walks and paper training for potty needs.

Their high energy requires at least an hour of exercise per day, which can include walks, runs, playing fetch, or swimming. Occasional walks on rough terrain are beneficial for maintaining their foot pads' condition.

Tollers are motivated by praise, play, and food rewards, making them quick and eager learners. A firm yet gentle approach is effective with Tollers, and it's crucial to earn their trust and respect without resorting to anger or force.

For feeding, the recommended daily amount of food is approximately 2.5 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food, divided into two meals. However, the actual portion size may vary depending on factors such as size, age, metabolism, and activity level.

It's essential to monitor their weight and adjust their food accordingly. You can do this by conducting the eye test and feeling their ribs without applying excessive pressure. If you can't feel their ribs, it may indicate the need for portion control and increased exercise.

Tollers are typically healthy dogs and live an average of 12–14 years. They're loyal, loving, and do well with children as well as other pets.

Tollers are the smallest of all the retriever breeds, ranging in height from 17–21 in (43–53 cm) at the withers.

Males typically stand between 18 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder, with 19 inches being the ideal height.

Females are slightly shorter and lighter, with a height range of 17 to 20 inches and a preferred height of 18 inches.

The weight of Tollers generally falls between 35 to 50 pounds, corresponding to their height.

Tollers weigh 30–50 lb (14–23 kg), with females being slightly lighter.

This compact size makes Tollers a medium-sized breed, perfect for families with smaller living spaces or for those who want a dog that's easy to take on the go.

Feeding your Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is crucial for their overall health and well-being. A high-quality commercial dog food is a great starting point, and you should choose a formula that fits their stage in life, whether it's puppy, adult, or senior.

Tollers require regular feeding, and the recommended daily amount is approximately 2.5 to 3 cups of dry food, divided into two meals. However, this amount may vary depending on factors such as size, age, metabolism, and activity level.

To keep your Toller in optimal shape, it's essential to measure their food and offer it in two separate meals rather than leaving it out all day. Monitoring their weight is crucial, and you should conduct regular body condition scores to ensure you keep your dog in ideal shape.

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Tollers are prone to joint issues, such as hip or elbow dysplasia, so it's a good idea to talk with your vet about joint supplements with glucosamine and chondroitin to keep them healthy. Omega-3 supplements can also aid in protecting joint health, as well as keep their skin and coat healthy.

Remember to factor in treats when planning your pup's meals, as treats equal calories, and even a few extra pounds can create health problems for your pup.

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a relatively healthy breed with a lifespan of 12 to 14 years. They are prone to certain health issues, including Hip and Elbow Dysplasia, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), Addison's Disease, Degenerative Myelopathy, and Degenerative Encephalopathy.

Regular grooming is essential to prevent matting and shedding, especially behind the ears and between the paw pads. Brushing your Toller once or twice a week will help prevent matting and keep their silky coat looking its best.

Here are some specific grooming tasks to keep in mind:

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever's coat is a beautiful, silky, waterproof red coat with a dense undercoat that requires regular brushing to prevent matting.

Brush your Toller once or twice a week to prevent matting, especially behind their ears, where hair tends to be finer and more prone to mats.

During shedding seasons in spring and fall, daily brushing may be necessary to keep their coat in tip-top shape.

You'll want to trim the hair on their paws as needed to ensure they get good traction when walking on slippery surfaces.

Tollers are moderate shedders, but they'll shed more during the fall and spring, so plan on brushing their coat daily during these seasons.

Brushing their teeth at least a few times a week and working up to every day will help prevent plaque and tartar build-up, which can lead to tooth decay and infections.

Regular nail trimming is also essential for your Toller's overall health and comfort.

You should bathe your Toller once every four to six weeks, or more frequently if they get dirty or develop a strong odor.

By starting to brush your Toller's teeth when they're a puppy, you can help them get used to the routine and prevent bad breath and other dental issues.

Health issues can be a concern for any breed of dog, and Tollers are no exception. Tollers are generally a healthy breed, but like all dogs, they can be susceptible to certain health conditions.

Hip dysplasia is a hereditary condition that affects the hip joints, causing discomfort and mobility issues. Regular screening through X-ray examinations can help identify dogs with hip dysplasia.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is a degenerative eye disorder that can lead to blindness over time. Regular eye examinations by a veterinary ophthalmologist can detect PRA before symptoms appear.

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Collie Eye Anomaly is another eye disorder that can affect Tollers, causing vision impairment or blindness. Veterinary ophthalmologists can diagnose this condition, which is usually present by the age of 2.

Deafness is a less common issue in Tollers, with some lines being more prone to it. It typically develops later in life, around 7 to 8 years of age.

Some Tollers may also be prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, which occurs when the joints don't form properly, causing lameness, pain, and arthritis. Treatments range from weight management to physical therapy to surgery.

Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) is a neurological disorder that affects the white matter tissue of the spinal cord, causing gradual muscle atrophy and loss of coordination. It usually appears in adulthood, and dogs exhibit symptoms that typically begin in the hind legs.

Here are some common health issues that can affect Tollers, along with their typical age of onset:

It's essential to find a reputable breeder who conducts health testing on the parents and provides health clearances from organizations like the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF).

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a highly intelligent breed that requires consistent and patient training. They thrive on mental stimulation and can get bored easily, so it's essential to keep training sessions short and fun.

Tollers are not as eager to please as Golden Retrievers, so they need a confident and patient trainer to guide them. Being lovingly firm and consistent is key for training.

Reward-based training methods work well for Tollers, focusing on what they do right and redirecting them when they don't do what you want. Mix up their rewards and use treats, praise, and play breaks when they do a good job.

Socialization is crucial for a Toller puppy, taking them for walks and exposing them to new people, other dogs, and situations. Puppy school is a great place to start, where they can learn to play nicely with other puppies and mix with people.

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Tollers are naturally curious and have high energy requirements, so they need plenty of physical and mental exercise to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

They are not prone to barking, but when excited or stimulated, they can emit a high-pitched scream. This unique sound is often referred to as the "toller scream" or "singing".

Tollers are working animals and love to have a job to do, making them excellent hunting companions and perfect for search and rescue work. They excel in sporting competitions like agility, dock diving, and obedience.

Daily exercise is essential to maintain their physical and mental health, and they thrive on varied activities like hunting, hiking, and morning runs.

A Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever needs several hours of exercise a day, but it's essential to mix it up and include mental stimulation to keep them engaged.

These dogs are born to work, so they don't do well with idle time and will find ways to entertain themselves if they don't get enough exercise.

Tollers are fast, reaching speeds of up to 45 mph, making them a great running buddy.

They also love swimming, playing fetch, and hide-and-seek, so be prepared to get creative with their playtime.

A few walks during the day and plenty of time to play off-leash are a must, especially in a securely fenced yard or dog park.

Dog ball toys are a great way to keep them entertained, and they'll love chasing after them all day long.

If you have a large yard, a swimming pool, or a nearby pond or lake, you'll be giving your Toller the ultimate playground.

However, if you live in a smaller house or apartment, daily access to outdoor space is still essential for their exercise needs.

Tollers are happy to cuddle up with you after a day of play, but they'll need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.

Socialization is key for Toller puppies, as they need to be exposed to new people, locations, smells, and sights to develop a healthy temperament. Early socialization will help them become confident and calm in new situations.

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Tollers are naturally energetic and outgoing with their owners, but they can be reserved around strangers. With proper socialization, they tend to get along well with other dogs, but may have a strong prey drive and chase small animals like cats.

Introducing cats to Tollers at a young age can help avoid this problem. It's also essential to supervise interactions between Tollers and small animals to ensure everyone's safety.

As a breed, Tollers are best suited for active families who can provide the necessary exercise and mental stimulation. They love to engage in ball games and activities with their owners, making them a great companion for older, active kids.

However, their exuberance may be overwhelming for very young children, so close supervision is crucial to prevent any accidental biting or pulling of ears or tails. Children should be taught to approach dogs gently and respectfully, and never disturb them while they're sleeping or eating.

Tollers can coexist harmoniously with other pets, including cats, if they're raised together from an early age. With the right socialization and training, Tollers can become loving and loyal family members.

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The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a breed that loves to work and play, making it a great companion for active families. They excel in various sporting and obedience activities, and their high energy and intelligence make them perfect candidates for difficult jobs.

Tollers are particularly suited for retrieving in cold water climates due to their water-repellent double coat, which keeps them warm and dry. They're also great at luring waterfowl within gunshot range, a technique called "tolling".

Their ability to entice birds makes them a valuable asset for hunters, who can hide in a blind and send the dog out to romp and play near the water. The dog's appearance, similar to that of a fox, piques the curiosity of ducks and geese, which swim over to investigate.

Tollers are categorized as a "sporting" dog under the CKC and AKA organizations, making them ideal dogs for various physical activities. They excel at dog agility, dock jumping, disc catching, flyball, lure coursing, obedience, search and rescue, therapy dog, and hunting.

Here are some activities that Tollers are well-suited for:

Their high energy and intelligence make them perfect candidates for difficult jobs that require tremendous dedication and skill.