Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever image

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever | Dog Breed

Last updated May 29, 2024

Size

Varies

Popularity

One of the Most Popular

Typical Lifespan

About 12 years

Exercise

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers thrive on daily vigorous exercise, including long walks, runs, and interactive play sessions.

Grooming Needs

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers require regular brushing several times a week to manage their double coat and reduce shedding, along with occasional baths and routine ear checks to prevent infections.

Country of Origin

Canada

Adaptability

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers are highly adaptable, thriving in both urban apartments and rural settings as long as they receive sufficient exercise and mental stimulation.

Shedding Level

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers shed moderately year-round, with increased shedding during seasonal changes.

Energiness

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers are highly energetic and need plenty of physical and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.

Vocality

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers are known to be quite vocal, often barking to alert their owners or express excitement.

Trainability

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers are highly trainable, eager to please, and respond exceptionally well to positive reinforcement techniques.

Dietary Needs

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers need a balanced diet rich in high-quality protein and healthy fats to support their active lifestyle and maintain optimal health.

Weight Range

35-50 lbs

Child Friendliness

Child-Friendly

Social Needs

For Whom?

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, also known as a "toller," is an energetic and intelligent dog that requires an active and committed home. This breed is perfect for families who enjoy outdoor activities and nature, as tollers love swimming, running, and playing. The ideal home for this breed would have plenty of space for running and playing, so a large yard would be ideal. Tollers are also very social dogs, so they adapt well to families with children or other pets.

Active individuals or families who spend a lot of time outdoors and are interested in dog sports, such as agility or obedience training, will find a willing and capable companion in a toller. Since tollers are intelligent and learn quickly, they also enjoy various brain games and training challenges, making them excellent partners for people who value mentally stimulating activities.

A toller owner should understand the breed's need for physical and mental activity. This dog is not content with just lounging on the couch; it needs constant activity and companionship. A home where a toller receives lots of love, attention, and activity is the perfect environment for this dynamic and joyful breed.

Character

Energetic

Intelligent

Playful

Friendly

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, affectionately known as "toller," is a delightful mix of cheerfulness and extreme work enthusiasm. Its name conceals this redhead's unique ability – tolling refers to a special hunting technique where the dog lures waterfowl within shooting range. This clever and energetic breed is like an artist who enjoys every performance equally.

The toller is a devoted and loving companion to its family, eagerly waiting to be part of every family activity. It's like a multi-tool, comfortable in both water and on land, with an endless passion for learning new things. The dog's playful nature and strong desire to please make it an excellent trainee and cooperative hobby partner.

Full of zest for life, the toller tirelessly wags its tail. Its outgoing and friendly nature makes it an excellent family dog, getting along with people of all ages and other pets. The toller is not just a retriever – it's also a master at bringing joy and light into life, always ready to share the day's adventures with its family.

Although the toller is active and playful, it also knows how to calm down and enjoy moments of rest. After a day's activities, it likes to curl up at your feet or beside you on the sofa, gathering strength for upcoming adventures. Its ability to adapt to various life situations makes it a reliable and valuable family member.

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is more than just a dog breed – it's a loyal friend that lives each day fully with you. Its cheerful nature and endless work drive make the toller an irreplaceable companion that adds more color and joy to life.

History

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, often just called a "toller," traces its roots back to the eastern coast of Canada, specifically the province of Nova Scotia in North America. This energetic and intelligent breed was developed in the early 19th century primarily for duck hunting and waterfowl retrieval. The toller got its name from its unique hunting technique: its job was to "toll" or lure waterfowl within shooting range. The dog's playful behavior and lively movement in the water mimicked prey, which piqued the curiosity of the birds and drew them closer.

Originally, tollers were working dogs, built to endure harsh weather conditions and varied terrains. They needed to work independently and quietly, so as not to disturb hunters or scare off the game. The dogs had to be fast and agile both on land and in water, and capable of retrieving game gently and reliably.

Tollers were valued for their versatility and work ethic, but for a long time, they were only known locally. The breed began to gain broader attention in the mid-20th century and was officially recognized by the Canadian Kennel Club in 1945. International recognition and popularity grew slowly but steadily, and today, the toller enjoys popularity not just as a hunting dog but also as a family member around the world.

While tollers are still excellent hunting dogs, they have also adapted well to family life and are known for their friendly and playful nature. They are energetic and require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation, but they are also loyal and loving family members. Thanks to their intelligence and trainability, tollers are also used in various assistance roles, such as therapy dogs and search and rescue dogs.

The history of the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a story of intelligence, adaptability, and loyalty. From its original role as a waterfowl hunting companion, this breed has grown into a respected dog in many roles and environments, always maintaining its cheerful and eager nature.