Origin
Canada
Lifespan
12–14 years
Weight
17–23 kg
Height
43–53 cm
Personality
Colors & Patterns
Red · Red Gold · Orange
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
About This Breed
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a medium-sized sporting dog that lures waterfowl within gunshot range by playful retrieving along the shoreline. The smallest of the retriever breeds, they are highly intelligent and versatile.
Characteristics
Scores describe general breed tendencies, not an individual animal. A higher score means more of the named trait or need; it does not always mean better.
Life with a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Origin
| Origin | Canada |
| Group | Sporting |
For the breed’s history, see the reference sources and Wikipedia link below.
Size and coat
| Weight | 17–23 kg |
| Lifespan | 12–14 years |
| Height | 43–53 cm |
| Colors & Patterns | Red · Red Gold · Orange |
These are approximate adult ranges. Individual animals may be smaller or larger.
Temperament
| Personality | Intelligent · Alert · Outgoing · Patient |
Usually active. Make time for play, exercise, and activities that keep it interested.
Often seeks company and attention. Allow time together and help it get used to short periods alone.
Coat care
Regular brushing helps remove loose hair and prevent tangles.
Some shedding is expected, and it may change with the season.
Living together
Often adjusts to changes fairly well, though a gradual introduction still helps.
Often gets along with children, but an adult should still supervise their time together.
Often gets along with other pets. Introduce them gradually rather than assuming they will be friends.
Training and activities
May learn quickly. Keep sessions varied and practice calmly around distractions.
Choose walks, sniffing games, and play to suit the dog’s age and health. Allow rest as well.
A lifespan range is not a prediction for an individual animal. Breed scores cannot diagnose illness or replace a veterinary assessment.
More from breed and care sources
Excerpts from the linked sources. Read the original for full details.
Breed Overview
Despite the big name, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is the smallest of the American Kennel Club-recognized retrievers and is a relatively new breed. According to the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Club USA, the breed’s name originates from the word “toll”—which means “to entice.” These Tollers were first bred to distract ducks with their white-tipped tail, then retrieve them for their human hunting companions. Tollers are well known for their long copper coat with white markings, notably at the tip of the tail.
Care Guide
The Duck Toller is a perfect hunting partner. They have a high energy level, high endurance, and webbed feet, which make them excellent swimmers. Because of this, Tollers require homes where they can get ample activity to keep them both physically and mentally stimulated. Their silky waterproof coat covers a dense undercoat, which requires weekly brushing. Toller Retrievers are typically healthy dogs and live an average of 12–14 years. They’re loyal, loving, and do well with children as well as other pets.