Translate

Saturday, August 16, 2025

Is the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retreiver Right for You?

 

Duck Toller

Let Me Tell You About the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retreiver

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever—often just called a “Toller”—is a fiery little retriever with a big name and an even bigger personality 🔥🦆. Here's everything you need to know about this energetic, intelligent breed:

🐕 Breed Overview

TraitDetails
OriginNova Scotia, Canada
GroupSporting
SizeMedium
Height17–21 inches
Weight35–50 pounds
Life Span12–14 years
CoatMedium-length, water-repellent double coat
ColorsShades of red or orange with white markings
NicknamesToller, Little River Duck Dog

🧠 Personality & Temperament

  • Intelligent & Trainable: Quick learners who thrive on mental stimulation

  • Affectionate & Loyal: Deeply bonded with their families

  • Energetic & Playful: Known for their “Toller scream” when excited

  • Alert & Responsive: Great watchdogs without being overly aggressive

🏃‍♂️ Exercise & Activities

  • High Energy: Needs vigorous daily exercise—fetch, swimming, hiking, agility

  • Great Swimmers: Webbed feet and water-repellent coat make them naturals

  • Tolling Instinct: Originally used to lure ducks by playing near water to attract curiosity

🧼 Grooming & Care

  • Grooming Needs: Regular brushing to manage shedding and maintain coat health

  • Health Considerations: Generally healthy but may be prone to autoimmune disorders and hip dysplasia

  • Living Environment: Best suited for active families with space to roam

📜 History & Origin

  • Developed in the early 19th century in Yarmouth County, Nova Scotia

  • Bred to mimic the playful movements of foxes to lure waterfowl within shooting range—a technique called “tolling”

  • Officially recognized by the Canadian Kennel Club in 1945 and by the AKC in 2003

🏅 Fun Facts

  • Smallest of all retriever breeds

  • Declared the provincial dog of Nova Scotia in 1995

  • Often mistaken for a small Golden Retriever—but with a lot more bounce

If you're looking for a dog that’s as smart as it is sporty, the Toller might just be your perfect match. 

references: www.akc.org, www.thesprucepets.com 

No comments:

Post a Comment

Is the Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka Dog Breed Right for You?

  Let Me Tell You About the Russian Tsvetnaya Dog Breed The Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka—whose name translates to “Russian Colored Lapdog”—is a...