Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Dog Breed Information, Puppies & Breeders 

Are you considering getting a new furry friend and wondering which breed to choose? If you’re looking for a friendly, intelligent, and active dog, you might want to consider the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. This breed, also known as the Toller, is a medium-sized dog that was originally bred in Canada for hunting waterfowl. However, Tollers have become increasingly popular as companion dogs due to their affectionate personalities, beautiful looks, and high energy levels. If you’re looking for a loyal and active companion who will keep you on your toes, read on to learn more about the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever.

Breed Category: Sporting
Country of Origin: Canada
Average Size:48-51 cm
Average Weight:17-23 kg
Average Life Span: 12-14 years
Grooming Requirements: Moderate
Exercise Requirements:High

History and Origin

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, also known as the Toller, is a medium-sized breed of dog that originated in Nova Scotia, Canada. The breed was developed in the early 19th century by hunters who wanted a dog that could lure and retrieve waterfowl. The Toller is known for its unique hunting technique, which involves playing and splashing in the water to attract ducks within range of the hunter’s gun.

The exact origins of the Toller are unclear, but it is believed to be a mix of several breeds, including the Cocker Spaniel, Golden Retriever, and Irish Setter. The breed was first recognized by the Canadian Kennel Club in 1945 and later by the American Kennel Club in 2003.

The Toller’s name comes from its ability to “toll” or lure ducks towards the hunter. The dog would play and splash in the water, mimicking the movements of a wounded or injured duck. This would attract the attention of nearby ducks, causing them to swim closer to the shore where the hunter could take a shot.

In addition to its hunting abilities, the Toller is also a popular companion dog. It is known for its friendly and outgoing personality, as well as its intelligence and trainability. The breed is also highly active and requires plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.

Despite its popularity, the Toller remains a relatively rare breed. According to the American Kennel Club, there were only 1,000 registered Tollers in the United States as of 2019. However, the breed’s unique hunting abilities and friendly personality continue to make it a popular choice for hunters and dog lovers alike.

In recent years, the Toller has also gained attention for its role in search and rescue operations. The breed’s strong swimming abilities and keen sense of smell make it well-suited for water-based rescue missions.

Overall, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a fascinating breed with a rich history and unique set of skills. Whether as a hunting companion or a beloved family pet, the Toller is sure to capture the hearts of all who encounter it.

Size and Breed Category

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a medium-sized breed of dog that originated in Nova Scotia, Canada. They are classified as a sporting breed and are known for their ability to retrieve waterfowl. The average height for a male Toller is 48-51 cm and for a female Toller is 45-48 cm. They typically weigh between 17-23 kg. Tollers have a distinctive red or orange coat that is water-repellent and thick, with a soft undercoat. They have a wedge-shaped head with a black nose and almond-shaped eyes that are usually amber or brown. Tollers are known for their high energy levels and intelligence, making them excellent working dogs.

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a member of the retriever family and is often compared to the Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever. However, Tollers are smaller in size and have a more compact build. They are also known for their unique hunting technique, which involves luring waterfowl within range by playing in the water and retrieving sticks or balls. Tollers are highly trainable and excel in obedience, agility, and flyball. They are also great family pets and are known for their affectionate and loyal nature. However, due to their high energy levels, they require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

Fur Length and Colour

The fur of the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is medium in length and dense, providing excellent protection against the cold and wet weather. The fur is also water-repellent, which is essential for a breed that was originally developed to retrieve waterfowl. The fur on the tail is particularly noteworthy, as it is long and bushy, giving the breed its distinctive appearance. The fur on the body is typically a rich shade of red or orange, with white markings on the chest, feet, and tail. Some individuals may have darker or lighter shades of fur, but the red or orange coloration is the most common. Overall, the fur of the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is both functional and attractive, making it a popular choice for dog lovers.

The coloration of the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever’s fur is an important characteristic of the breed. The red or orange coloration is the most common, but there may be variations in shade. The white markings on the chest, feet, and tail are also a defining feature of the breed. The fur on the face and ears is typically darker than the rest of the body, adding to the breed’s distinctive appearance. The fur is also soft and silky to the touch, making it a pleasure to pet and groom. Overall, the coloration of the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever’s fur is an important aspect of the breed’s appearance and personality.

Termperament and Trainability

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a highly intelligent and energetic breed. They are known for their playful and outgoing temperament, making them great companions for families with children. However, they can also be quite independent and stubborn at times, which can make training a bit of a challenge. It is important to establish a firm and consistent training routine from a young age to ensure that they understand their boundaries and expectations. With patience and positive reinforcement, Tollers can excel in obedience and agility training.

In addition to their trainability, Tollers are also known for their strong work ethic. Originally bred for hunting, they have a natural instinct to retrieve and are excellent swimmers. They thrive in environments where they have a job to do, whether it be fetching a ball or participating in competitive sports. Tollers also have a high energy level and require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. Overall, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a versatile and intelligent breed that excels in a variety of activities with the right training and socialization.

Known Health Conditions

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers are prone to a number of health conditions, including hip dysplasia, which is a genetic condition that affects the hip joint. This can cause pain and discomfort, and in severe cases, can lead to arthritis. Another common health issue in this breed is progressive retinal atrophy, which is a degenerative eye disease that can lead to blindness. It is important for owners to have their dogs screened for these conditions, as early detection can help to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Other health concerns in this breed include autoimmune disorders, allergies, and cancer.

In addition to these genetic health conditions, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers are also prone to obesity. This can lead to a range of health problems, including joint pain, diabetes, and heart disease. It is important for owners to monitor their dog’s weight and ensure they are getting enough exercise and a balanced diet. Regular veterinary check-ups can also help to identify any potential health issues early on, and provide guidance on how to manage them effectively. With proper care and attention, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers can live long and healthy lives.

Openness to Strangers

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers are known for their friendly and outgoing nature towards strangers. They are a breed that is always eager to meet new people and make new friends. This is partly due to their history as hunting dogs, where they would work alongside their owners and interact with other hunters. As a result, they have developed a sociable and approachable personality that makes them great companions for families and individuals alike. They are also known for their intelligence and adaptability, which allows them to quickly adjust to new situations and environments. Overall, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a breed that is open and welcoming to strangers, making them a popular choice for those looking for a friendly and sociable dog.

In addition to their friendly nature, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers are also known for their loyalty and affection towards their owners. They are a breed that thrives on human companionship and enjoys being part of a family. They are often described as being “velcro dogs” due to their tendency to follow their owners around and seek out attention and affection. This loyalty and affection extends to strangers as well, as they are always eager to make new friends and form new bonds. This makes them a great choice for those looking for a dog that is both friendly and loyal, and who will quickly become a beloved member of the family. Overall, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a breed that is known for its sociable and affectionate nature, making them a popular choice for those looking for a friendly and loyal companion.

Playfulness Level

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a highly energetic and playful breed of dog. They are known for their love of play and their ability to entertain their owners with their antics. This breed is always up for a game of fetch or a run around the park, and they thrive on physical activity. Their playful nature makes them a great choice for families with children, as they are always ready to join in on the fun.

The playfulness level of the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is one of their defining characteristics. They are always eager to play and have a great sense of humor. This breed is known for their ability to make their owners laugh with their silly antics and playful behavior. They are also highly intelligent and enjoy learning new tricks and games. Overall, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a fun-loving and playful breed that is sure to bring joy and laughter to any household.

Suitability as a Pet for Children

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers, also known as Tollers, have a friendly and outgoing personality, making them a great choice as a family pet. They are highly intelligent and eager to please, which makes them easy to train. Tollers are also very active and require plenty of exercise, which can be a great way for children to get involved in physical activity. They are known for their love of water and are excellent swimmers, which can be a fun activity for children to enjoy with their pet. However, it is important to note that Tollers can be quite vocal and may require training to prevent excessive barking.

Exercise Needs

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers are a highly active breed that require plenty of exercise to maintain their physical and mental health. As a medium-sized breed, they need at least an hour of exercise every day, which can be achieved through a combination of walks, runs, and playtime. These dogs are natural retrievers and love to play fetch, so incorporating this into their exercise routine can be a great way to keep them engaged and stimulated. Additionally, they enjoy swimming and other water activities, which can be a fun way to provide them with the exercise they need.

It’s important to note that Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers are intelligent dogs that thrive on mental stimulation as well as physical exercise. This means that in addition to physical activity, they also need plenty of mental challenges to keep them engaged and prevent boredom. Activities like obedience training, agility courses, and puzzle toys can all be great ways to provide them with the mental stimulation they need. Overall, providing a variety of physical and mental exercise is key to keeping these dogs happy and healthy.

Suitability for a Multi-Pet Family

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers have a reputation for being friendly and sociable with other pets. They are known to get along well with cats and other dogs, as long as they are properly socialized from a young age. However, like any breed, individual temperament can vary and some Tollers may not be as accepting of other animals. It is important to introduce them to other pets slowly and under supervision to ensure a positive relationship.

Housing Requirements

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers are a highly active breed that require a lot of space to run and play. They are known for their love of water and swimming, so access to a large body of water is ideal. A securely fenced yard is also necessary to prevent them from wandering off and getting into trouble. The yard should be large enough for them to run and play fetch, as well as have a designated area for them to dig and explore. In addition to outdoor space, they also require a comfortable indoor living area that is large enough for them to move around freely. A cozy bed and plenty of toys will keep them entertained when they are not outside.

Proper nutrition is essential for the health and well-being of Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers. They require a balanced diet that is high in protein and low in fat to maintain their lean physique. Feeding them a high-quality dog food that is specifically formulated for their breed is recommended. They also require access to fresh water at all times. Regular exercise is important to keep them in good physical condition and prevent obesity. Daily walks and playtime in the yard are necessary to meet their exercise needs. Training and socialization are also important for this breed to prevent behavioral issues. Consistent training and positive reinforcement will help them become well-behaved and obedient companions.

Summary

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers are a popular choice for pet owners in the UK due to their friendly and outgoing personalities. They are highly intelligent and trainable, making them suitable for families with children or those who enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking or running. Their high energy levels mean they require regular exercise and mental stimulation, but they are also known for their affectionate and loyal nature towards their owners. Overall, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a great choice for those looking for an active and loving companion.

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