Toller

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever was developed in Nova Scotia in the early 19th Century to lure and retrieve waterfowl.  The hunter will throw balls, sticks, etc. for the dog to retrieve on the shoreline. As the dog plays and retrieves these items the curious little ducks will swim toward the dog.  Once the ducks are within gunshot range the hunter will be able to shoot.  The Retriever is then sent out to retrieve the dead or wounded birds.

 General Appearance

The Toller is a powerful, medium-sized, well-balanced, muscled dog which exhibits a high degree of agility, alertness, and determination. When they are working they show intense concentration and excitement.  Ideal height (at the withers) for males over 18 months 18-21 in (ideal is 19”); females over 18 months 17-20 in (ideal is 18”). Weight should be in proportion to the height and bone of the dog.

 Coat and Color

The Toller has a double coat of medium length and softness with softer dense undercoat. The coat may have a slight wave on the back, but is otherwise straight.  Featherings are soft at the throat, behind the ears, and at the back of the thighs, and forelegs are moderately feathered. Color is various shades of red with lighter featherings and underside of tail, and may have white markings on the tip of tail, feet (not extending beyond the pasterns) chest and blaze. The pigment of the nose, lips and eye rims is to be flesh-colored, blending with coat or black.

The Tollers will make an ideal pet or hunting/obedience dog for those individuals who are looking for a smaller version of a Golden or Lab.  However Tollers personalities have a little more "spark."

 Health

Tollers do not have many of the genetic problems that are present in some of the other retriever breeds. Through OFA testing for dysplasia and Cerf test the eyes breeders are able to keep health issues at a minimum. 

 Temperament

The temperament of an adult Toller should be very gentle, intelligent and outgoing in the field. With strangers, adult Tollers can be somewhat leery at first, especially if the owner is distant. However, when they feel the owner is outgoing and friendly with people, they too show a great deal of friendliness toward people. There should be no signs of aggressiveness  with people or with other animals.

For more information please visit the Nova Scotia Duck Toller website at http://www.nsdtrc-usa.org