Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
The little red dog that lures waterfowl into range
Origins & History
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is the smallest of the retriever breeds and the only one developed specifically to lure waterfowl into range—a hunting technique called "tolling." This unique breed was created in the Little River district of Yarmouth County, Nova Scotia, in the early 19th century.
What is Tolling?
Tolling is a hunting technique that exploits the natural curiosity of waterfowl. The dog plays and frolics along the shoreline, its flashy movements and wagging tail attracting the attention of ducks and geese. Intrigued by the activity, the birds swim closer to investigate, bringing them within gun range. The dog then retrieves the downed birds. This technique mimics the behavior of foxes, which have been observed tolling waterfowl in the wild.
Development in Nova Scotia
The breed was developed by waterfowl hunters in Nova Scotia who observed foxes successfully tolling ducks and wanted to replicate this behavior with a dog. They crossed various breeds—likely including Cocker Spaniels, Irish Setters, Golden Retrievers, and possibly farm collies—to create a dog with the right color, size, and temperament for tolling.
The result was a medium-sized, red-coated dog with a playful nature and exceptional retrieving instincts. For decades, the breed was known locally as the "Little River Duck Dog" or simply the "Tolling Dog," and was largely unknown outside Nova Scotia.
Breed Recognition
The breed was officially recognized by the Canadian Kennel Club in 1945 as the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. It remained relatively unknown outside Canada until the late 20th century, when it began gaining international attention for its versatility and appealing personality.
The AKC admitted the Toller to the Sporting Group in 2003. Today, while still relatively rare, the breed has devoted followers worldwide who appreciate its unique hunting abilities, intelligence, and suitability as both a working dog and family companion. The Toller became the provincial dog of Nova Scotia in 1995.
Physical Characteristics
Size & Structure
- Males: 18-21 inches, 45-50 lbs
- Females: 17-20 inches, 35-42 lbs
- Smallest of the retriever breeds
- Compact, powerful build with medium bone
- Slightly longer than tall
Distinctive Features
- Expression: Alert, intelligent, sometimes sad
- Eyes: Almond-shaped, amber to brown
- Tail: Well-feathered, carried high when excited
- Webbed feet: Excellent for swimming
The Fox-Like Coat
The Toller's coat is essential to its tolling function—the rich red color mimics a fox, which is what originally attracted ducks. The coat is medium length with a soft, dense undercoat and a water-repellent outer coat that may have a slight wave on the back.
White markings are a distinctive feature of the breed and are required by the standard: at minimum a white tip on the tail, the feet (not extending above the pasterns), the chest, and blaze. These markings flash attractively during tolling, catching waterfowl attention.
Red to Copper
Various shades from golden red to dark coppery red
White Markings
Tail tip, feet, chest, and optional blaze required
Built for Agility
Unlike the heavier retrievers, Tollers are built for speed and agility. Their smaller size allows them to work tirelessly, playing and retrieving for extended periods. Their well-muscled, compact bodies give them the power to retrieve larger birds despite their smaller stature.
Temperament & Personality
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever has a unique temperament that sets it apart from other retriever breeds. They are highly intelligent, intensely focused, and possess an almost tireless work ethic. However, they are also more reserved and less outgoing with strangers than Labs or Goldens.
Breed Strengths
- • Highly intelligent and trainable
- • Intense drive and focus
- • Excellent with their families
- • Playful and energetic
- • Versatile—excel at many activities
- • Strong retrieving instincts
Considerations
- • Reserved with strangers
- • High energy requires outlet
- • Can be vocal (the "Toller scream")
- • May be too intense for some
- • Needs mental stimulation
- • Can be stubborn or manipulative
The Toller Personality
Tollers are often described as having a "dual personality." In the field or during play, they are intense, driven, and seemingly tireless. At home, they can be calm and quiet, though they always have one eye on you, ready to spring into action at a moment's notice.
Unlike Labs and Goldens who greet everyone enthusiastically, Tollers tend to be reserved with strangers. They are not unfriendly, just cautious and discerning. With their families, however, they are affectionate, playful, and deeply bonded.
Tollers have exceptional problem-solving abilities and can be creative (sometimes too creative) in getting what they want. They need owners who appreciate their intelligence and are prepared to stay one step ahead of them.
The Toller Scream
Tollers are known for a unique vocalization called the "Toller scream"—a high-pitched, excited sound they make when anticipating something exciting like a retrieve or playtime. While endearing to some, it can be startling to the uninitiated and is something potential owners should be aware of.
Training Approach
Tollers are highly intelligent and learn quickly, but they require an engaged, creative trainer. They are not mindless pleasers—they need to understand the purpose of what they're learning and will shut down with harsh or repetitive training. Positive, reward-based methods work best with this breed.
Training the Thinking Retriever
Tollers are sometimes described as having "an off switch for boredom." If training becomes repetitive or meaningless to them, they will simply check out. Successful Toller trainers keep sessions short, varied, and purposeful. Play and enthusiasm are your best training tools with this breed.
Training Essentials
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Make It Fun
Training should feel like play; use their natural drive
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Keep It Short
Multiple short sessions beat one long boring one
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Use Their Drive
Retrieving, toys, and play are powerful motivators
Avoid These Pitfalls
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Endless Repetition
They understand quickly; don't drill excessively
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Harsh Methods
They are sensitive; heavy-handed training backfires
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Boring Training
Unengaged Tollers become creative troublemakers
Field Training Progression
Foundation play and retrieve drive (8-16 weeks)
Basic obedience and bird introduction (4-8 months)
Tolling introduction and steadiness (6-12 months)
Advanced handling and marking (12+ months)
Health & Wellness
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is generally a healthy breed with a lifespan of 12-14 years—longer than most larger retrievers. However, the breed's relatively small gene pool means some hereditary conditions occur. Responsible breeders test for known health issues.
Hip Dysplasia
A malformation of the hip joint that can cause arthritis and lameness. Less prevalent in Tollers than in larger breeds, but screening is still recommended.
Prevention: OFA or PennHIP evaluation of breeding stock
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
A group of degenerative eye diseases leading to blindness. DNA testing is available for the form found in Tollers (prcd-PRA).
Prevention: DNA test breeding stock; avoid breeding carriers to carriers
Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA)
A congenital eye condition that can affect vision. DNA testing is available and recommended for all breeding stock.
Prevention: DNA test breeding stock; only breed clear or carrier to clear
Addison's Disease
A hormonal disorder affecting the adrenal glands. Tollers have a higher incidence than most breeds. Symptoms include lethargy, vomiting, and weakness.
Note: Manageable with medication; research ongoing
Recommended Health Testing (NSDTRC-USA)
- Hip evaluation (OFA or PennHIP)
- Eye examination (CAER)
- PRA-prcd DNA test
- CEA DNA test
- Juvenile Addison's Disease panel (recommended)
- Cardiac evaluation (recommended)
Immune-Mediated Diseases
Tollers appear to have a higher incidence of immune-mediated diseases than some other breeds, including immune-mediated rheumatic disease (IMRD) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)-related disease complex. Research is ongoing to understand and address these conditions in the breed.
Hunting Style & Abilities
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is unique among retrievers—the only breed specifically developed to lure waterfowl into range. Beyond their tolling abilities, they are excellent retrievers with boundless energy and strong marking skills. Their smaller size makes them versatile hunters for both waterfowl and upland game.
The Art of Tolling
Tolling is a unique hunting technique that exploits waterfowl curiosity. The hunter remains hidden in a blind while the Toller plays at the water's edge—chasing sticks, running back and forth, and generally being animated. Ducks and geese, intrigued by the movement and the dog's fox-like appearance, swim closer to investigate.
When the birds are within range, the hunter calls the dog back to the blind and stands to flush the birds. The Toller then retrieves the downed waterfowl. A well-trained Toller understands this sequence and will work tirelessly to draw birds in.
Tolling Technique
The dog plays along the shoreline, attracting curious waterfowl into gun range
Traditional Retrieving
Also excels as a standard retriever when tolling isn't appropriate
Hunting Strengths
- Unique tolling ability
- Exceptional stamina and drive
- Excellent marking ability
- Strong swimmers despite smaller size
- Versatile—can work upland and water
Ideal Hunting Situations
- Marsh and pond hunting where tolling works
- Duck hunting from shore or small blinds
- Upland game in lighter cover
- Combination upland/waterfowl hunts
Size Considerations
While Tollers are powerful retrievers for their size, they are smaller than Labs and Goldens. They can retrieve larger ducks and geese but may tire more quickly with heavy, repeated retrieves in cold water. Many hunters appreciate their size for easier transport and their ability to fit in smaller blinds and boats.
Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Very High Energy - Requires 1-2+ hours of vigorous daily exercise
- • Swimming is a favorite and excellent exercise
- • Retrieving games are essential
- • Hiking, running, and outdoor activities
- • Mental stimulation through training and games
- • Dog sports: agility, flyball, dock diving
Coat Care
The Toller's medium-length coat requires regular maintenance:
- • Weekly brushing to prevent mats
- • More frequent during shedding seasons
- • Regular ear cleaning (floppy ears)
- • Occasional bathing as needed
- • Moderate shedding year-round
Living Requirements
Space
House with yard ideal. Can adapt to apartments with sufficient exercise.
Activity
Needs active owners who enjoy outdoor activities and training.
Family
Great with children. Best with owners who appreciate their intelligence.
The Busy Toller
Tollers are not couch potatoes. An under-exercised, bored Toller will find creative (often destructive) ways to entertain themselves. They thrive with active owners who can provide both physical exercise and mental stimulation. Dog sports, training games, and outdoor adventures help keep Tollers happy and well-behaved.
Finding Your Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is relatively rare, typically ranking around 80th-90th in AKC registrations. Finding a puppy from a reputable breeder often requires joining a waiting list. Due to the breed's small gene pool, choosing a breeder who prioritizes health testing and genetic diversity is essential.
Is the Toller Right for You?
Tollers are wonderful dogs for the right owners, but they're not for everyone. Before committing, honestly assess whether you can meet their needs:
- • Can you provide 1-2+ hours of daily exercise?
- • Do you enjoy training and mental games?
- • Are you comfortable with a vocal, expressive dog?
- • Will you provide socialization for their reserved nature?
- • Can you appreciate an intelligent, sometimes challenging dog?
Finding a Breeder
- Start with the NSDTRC-USA breeder referral
- Verify all health testing on OFA database
- Ask about genetic diversity in breeding decisions
- Meet adult dogs to understand temperament
- Look for titles that match your goals (hunting, agility, etc.)
Questions to Ask
- What health testing do you perform?
- What is the coefficient of inbreeding for this litter?
- What are the temperaments of the parents?
- Do your dogs have hunting or sport titles?
- How do you socialize your puppies?
Rescue Organizations
Adult Tollers occasionally need new homes. Rescue can be a good option for experienced owners:
- • NSDTRC-USA Rescue Committee - National breed rescue network
- • Regional breed rescues - Check with local Toller clubs
- • Toller Club of Canada Rescue - For those near the Canadian border
$2,500-$4,000
Typical puppy price from health-tested parents
6-18 months
Common wait time for puppies
~80-90th
AKC breed popularity ranking
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