Curious, playful, and intelligent—the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is an eager and affectionate gundog and companion animal. This hardworking, playful dog is the smallest of the retrievers. The high-energy sporting breed thrives in a home with an active lifestyle—hunting, hiking, or playing are favorite activities. They're rambunctious and lovable companions who do well in dog-experienced families who aren't averse to training a strong-willed dog. The Toller is a hard-to-find breed, so it is important to ensure the temperament and energy level are a fit for the household before getting your heart set on one. Other NamesThe Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is often referred to simply as Duck Toller or Toller. Past names for this breed were Yarmouth Toller and Little River Duck Dog. Physical Description/Breed StandardCoat - The Duck Toller displays a rich red double coat. The water-repellent coat consists of a dense undercoat and medium-length overcoat. Moderate feathering is present at the legs and tail. Male: 44–51 Pounds Breed Standard and HistoryAthletic and muscular Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers are skilled gundogs developed to lure and retrieve waterfowl. They must possess the ability to toll. A compact, medium-boned body should be well-balanced. A Toller's wedge-shaped head should mimic the appearance of a fox. The eyes display a friendly, alert expression. The medium-length double coat may be a variety of shades of red, with or without white markings on the tip of the tail, feet, or chest, but white is not allowed elsewhere. – AKC Breed Standards Duck Tolling Retrievers were developed in the 19th century. The dog is meant to resemble a fox so when it is splashing at the edge of the water, curious waterfowl come in for a closer look. Once the ducks had been lured in, the Toller would run back to the hunter, who would stand and startle the birds into flight. The hunter would shoot, and the Toller would splash back into the water to retrieve the harvest. The Toller was based on the dogs kept by the Micmac Tribe for this hunting purpose, who were developed by the tribe to hunt like a fox. The mix—originally called the Little River Duck Dog for the area where it was developed—may include a combination of spaniels, setters, retrievers, and collies. Though the Canadian Kennel Club recognized the breed first in 1945, AKC didn't register the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever until 2001. AKC Breed CategorySporting Group PersonalityGeneral TemperamentDuck Tolling Retrievers are intelligent and eager to please, and they thrive with a job to do. With enough activity and mental stimulation, the busy Toller can be well-behaved indoors—but if they are bored or haven't had the opportunity to burn off enough energy, they may be destructive or disobedient. Without enough socialization, they may be wary of strangers and are often reserved when meeting new people, but are incredibly friendly and affectionate with family. Family LifeAre Duck Tollers Good with Kids? Though friendly and good with older children, they may be too rambunctious for toddlers and babies. They're boisterous and playful and while they likely mean no harm, injury is a possibility. Are Duck Tollers Good with Other Pets? Their high prey drive makes them an unlikely match for small animals and cats, but Tollers usually get along well with other dogs, especially when raised with them. They may be able to be raised with dog-experienced cats, but the desire to chase may be strong. ProtectiveNova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers may be suspicious of strangers, but will not guard or protect your home or respond with aggression. They will likely alert you to someone approaching the home, so they may make suitable watchdogs. Energy LevelsLots of exercise is necessary for the high-energy Duck Toller. Specific Concerns
RequirementsIndoor With plenty of time to run and play outside, the Duck Toller is an affectionate companion indoors. Without the appropriate exercise and activity, a Toller may become destructive or prone to nuisance barking. A fenced yard or outdoor space is necessary for the Toller to romp, but with the appropriate considerations a Duck Tolling Retriever may be able to live in an apartment—although you may want to warn neighbors about the 'Toller Scream.' Outdoor Spending time outdoors with family is always an exciting event for the Toller. Tearing through the fenced yard, jogging, hiking, and playing fetch are favorite activities for this active breed. A fenced area is ideal as the Duck Toller may roam or chase critters. Though the Toller is a hardy breed, they're not well-suited to live outdoors full-time as they prefer the company of family. If left outdoors alone, they may bark excessively or disappear in search of something interesting to do. Exercise Providing plenty of exercise is a priority for any Toller owner. They need at least an hour of vigorous exercise per day. Fetch, running, and agility are activities most Tollers enjoy. Endurance This gundog was built for endurance while hunting, and they have the stamina suited for a family with an active lifestyle. Activity distance rating
Food The recommended diet for most Duck Tolling Retrievers is 2½ to 3 cups of high-quality dry food daily, based on the dog's average weight and activity level. This amount should be split between two meals. Tollers do not tend to guard their food, but children should never be allowed to touch or remove food while any dog is eating. Alone Time A Duck Tolling Retriever can often be left home alone for six to eight hours if provided with a long walk before you leave and after you return. Crate training can help prevent destructive behaviors, but barking may be a concern. Health and GroomingLife Expectancy10 - 14 years GroomingWeekly brushing and baths as needed can help cut down on some of the shedding that comes with owning a Toller. Seasonal shedding may require additional brushing. It is not necessary to trim the Duck Toller's fur. Trimming nails regularly will help prevent painful splitting, cracking, or a broken nail. Common Health IssuesBreed-specific concerns in the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever can include:
You can minimize serious health concerns in a Duck Tolling Retriever by purchasing her from a reputable breeder who engages in responsible breeding practices, and through screening for common diseases and conditions. TrainabilityBasicsIntelligent Duck Tolling Retrievers are ready to learn—but aren't always willing to comply with your requests. Firm and consistent positive reinforcement training methods are the keys to teaching this quick-witted, strong-willed breed. Teaching basic manners and early socialization with a variety of people are ideal for a well-behaved adult Toller. Basic training won't be enough to challenge the Toller—they want to exercise body and mind. Advanced TrainingAdvanced tricks, agility, flyball, and dock diving are all exciting ways for a Duck Toller to burn energy and put their sharp mind to use. Competitive dog sports are a thrill for the playful Toller. Fetch is a favorite activity, and they will play for hours. They're food motivated, goal-oriented dogs who enjoy working with you because it means they can spend time with their people. Tollers are good candidates for search and rescue and nosework. Sporting Dog TrainingThe breed standard requires the Toller have 'intense birdiness,' and a desire to retrieve. Tollers were developed as gundogs who could both lure and retrieve, so this breed is an ideal companion for waterfowl hunting. Breed FAQsCan the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever come in other colors? Another coloring observed in the Toller is black or brown sable—an overlay of pigment that often produces darker ears and a mask that may fade as the puppy grows. What does 'Duck Tolling Retriever' mean? What is a 'Toller Scream?' |
Sign up now to receive special offers and news via email, and save $10 on your next purchase of $50 or more. This offer is valid for new subscribers only and will be sent to your email address shortly.
SubmitMens Clothing
Womens Clothing
Fly Fishing
Home
Wingshooting
Dogs
Trips & Schools
All Categories
100% customer satisfaction has been our commitment since 1856. It's who we are. If you aren't happy with a product or service, we want to know about it. And we'll make it right.
THAT'S THE ORVIS WAY.
Orvis Commits 5% of pre-tax profits to protecting nature.
“If we are to benefit from the use of our natural resources, we must be willing to act to preserve them.”
– Perk Perkins, Orvis Company Owner & Board Member
Copyright 2021, The Orvis Company Inc. Since 1856.