Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
IntelligentAlertOutgoing
Canada (Nova Scotia) · 12–14 years
About the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, affectionately called the 'Toller,' is a unique sporting breed developed in Nova Scotia, Canada, to lure (toll) waterfowl within gunshot range. Tollers play along the shoreline, their red-gold coat and playful antics attracting curious ducks closer and closer before the hunter takes the shot. The Toller then retrieves the downed birds. They are the smallest retriever breed and resemble a small, fox-like Golden Retriever. Tollers are intelligent, energetic, and affectionate dogs with a distinctive scream of excitement that they emit when aroused.
Breed stats
- Height
- 17–21 in
- Weight
- 35–50 lbs
- Lifespan
- 12–14 years
- Group
- Sporting
- Coat
- Medium-length, water-repellent double coat
- Origin
- Canada (Nova Scotia)
Coat colors
- Red
- Orange
- Red Gold
Temperament & ratings
Compatibility
Exercise & feeding
Daily exercise
60–90 min
per day recommended
Daily food
1.5–2.5 cups
high-quality dry food
Common health issues
- Hip dysplasia
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Addison's disease
- Autoimmune thyroiditis
- Collie eye anomaly
Not every Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever will develop these conditions, but awareness helps with early detection. Regular veterinary checkups and choosing a responsible breeder who health-tests their dogs are the best preventive measures.
Can Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers eat...
- Can dogs eat blueberries?Safe
- Can dogs eat grapes?Toxic
- Can dogs eat bananas?Safe
- Can dogs eat chocolate?Toxic
- Can dogs eat watermelon?Safe
- Can dogs eat cheese?Caution
- Can dogs eat almonds?Caution
- Can dogs eat apples?Safe
Frequently Asked Questions
- Tolling is a unique hunting technique where a dog plays and frolics along the shoreline to attract curious waterfowl. The Toller's playful movements, red-gold color, and wagging white-tipped tail catch the ducks' attention and draw them progressively closer to shore, within range of the hidden hunter. This technique mimics the natural behavior of foxes, which were observed luring ducks in similar fashion. Once the birds are in range and the hunter takes the shot, the Toller switches from tolling to retrieving. It is the only breed specifically developed for this purpose.
- The 'Toller scream' is a distinctive high-pitched vocalization unique to Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers. It is not a bark or a howl but a shrill, excited scream that Tollers emit when they are aroused — typically before retrieving, during play, or in anticipation of something exciting. The scream can be startlingly loud and is sometimes mistaken for a dog in distress by unfamiliar listeners. Not all Tollers scream with equal intensity, but most display some version of this behavior. It is considered a breed characteristic rather than a problem to be corrected.
- Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers are excellent family dogs for active households. They are affectionate, playful, and wonderful with children. Smaller and more manageable than Golden or Labrador Retrievers, they share many of the same family-friendly qualities in a more compact package. They are eager to please, highly trainable, and enjoy participating in family activities. However, they need significant daily exercise and mental stimulation — they are more intense than many people expect. Tollers are not couch-potato dogs and need families committed to keeping them active and engaged.
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