The Nova Scotia duck-tolling retriever was developed in Canada by the Micmac Indians in their quest to produce a dog that could lure ducks into shooting range and retrieve them from the water. Duck hunters throughout Yarmouth County embraced the hunting dog’ skills, and the breed became known as the little river duck dog until it was renamed in 1945 by the Canadian Kennel Club. In 2003, the American Kennel Club recognized the Nova Scotia duck-tolling retriever as a member of the sporting group.
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers are the smallest of the Retrievers. They are compact, yet muscular and powerful. They have wedge-shaped heads with long muzzles and triangular, pendant ears. Their jaws are strong and powerful. Tollers have thick, water-resistant double coats with dense undercoats and straight, thick outer coats. Their tails are also feathered. This dog breed is low maintenance when it comes to grooming and need to be brushed on a regular basis to prevent hair from tangling or mats from forming. The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever ears should be checked regularly.
Personality
Tollers have high energy and ready to play, run, swim or retrieve tirelessly. They are very playful and can sometimes be boisterous. They make great family dogs for active families or individuals who are able to give them the exercise they need. Their favorite activity is fetch! They form close bonds with their owners and are very affectionate and gentle. They are generally good with other dogs and pets, but are wary of strangers. They can be a handful to train because they are stubborn, but Tollers learn fast and are eager to please.
Breed Characteristics
| Family: | Retriever |
| Life Span: | 12-14 Years |
| Nicknames: | Little river duck dog, toller, Yarmouth toller |
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Build Information
The medium-sized and muscular Nova Scotia duck-tolling retriever measures 17 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs 35 to 50 pounds. The coat is dense, medium in length and water-resistant. The Nova Scotia duck-tolling retriever’s coat may be any shade of red with white markings on the chest, paws, face and the tip of the tail. The ears flip downward and forward and the tail is carried downward. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers are the smallest of the Retrievers. They are compact, yet muscular and powerful. They have wedge-shaped heads with long muzzles and triangular, pendant ears. Their jaws are strong and powerful. Tollers have thick, water-resistant double coats with dense undercoats and straight, thick outer coats. Their tails are also feathered. This dog breed is low maintenance when it comes to grooming and need to be brushed on a regular basis to prevent hair from tangling or mats from forming. The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever ears should be checked regularly.
| Size: | Medium |
Behaviour and Personality
The Nova Scotia duck-tolling retriever is an excellent family companion that gets along well with children, other dogs and cats in the household. They are devoted, intelligent and easily trained. They can be reserved around strangers, but they are affectionate and playful toward their family members. Nova Scotia duck-tolling retrievers enjoy physical activities, including swimming, agility coursing, lure coursing and rounds of fetch with the kids. To prevent boredom, these dogs should be provided with plenty of daily physical and mental stimulation. Tollers have high energy and ready to play, run, swim or retrieve tirelessly. They are very playful and can sometimes be boisterous. They make great family dogs for active families or individuals who are able to give them the exercise they need. Their favorite activity is fetch! They form close bonds with their owners and are very affectionate and gentle. They are generally good with other dogs and pets, but are wary of strangers. They can be a handful to train because they are stubborn, but Tollers learn fast and are eager to please.
| Activity Level: | Very Active |
| Affection Level: | Very affectionate |
| Kid Friendliness: | Very friendly |
Appearance
Brushing out the Nova Scotia duck-tolling retriever’s coat weekly will help to prevent tangles and mats. Brushing more frequently during the shedding seasons will reduce shed hair in the home. The ears should be inspected weekly for signs of dirt and debris, and they should be cleaned if needed. Brushing the teeth every other day will reduce plaque and tartar accumulation and prevent periodontal disease.
| Shedding: | Seasonal |
| Grooming: | Low Maintenance |
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Common Health Conditions
Nova Scotia duck-tolling retrievers live average lifespans of 12 to 14 years. Some health conditions that have been noted in this breed include patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, Addison’s disease and progressive retinal atrophy.
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
If you love the appearance of golden retrievers but desire a smaller retriever, consider the playful and friendly Nova Scotia duck-tolling retriever. The Nova Scotia duck-tolling retriever originated in Canada. The Nova Scotia duck-tolling retriever is also called a little river duck dog, a toller and a Yarmouth toller. The energetic and playful Nova Scotia duck-tolling retriever makes an enthusiastic playmate for the children and an alert watchdog and loving companion for the entire family. The Nova Scotia duck-tolling retriever stands 17 to 21 inches tall and weighs 35 to 50 pounds. Nova Scotia duck-tolling retrievers have high energy levels. Nova Scotia duck-tolling retrievers require minimal grooming. The average lifespan for Nova Scotia duck-tolling retriever is 12 to 14 years.
| Training: | Hard |
