The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever breed is a medium-sized dog that is bred mainly for hunting. It is also known as “Toller”. They are smart, eager to be happy, alert and diligent. The name “Tolerant” refers to their ability to lure waterfalls into gunshot range.
According to the American Kennel Club, this dog breed comes in 87th place among other breed species. They need plenty of bath time and cleaning. However, they are easy to care for and a healthy breed, so they are excellent for beginner dog owners. He is the best dog for children and families.
Highlights/Content
- History of Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
- Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Dog Overview
- Appearance
- Temperament
- Health
- Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Dog Care
- Advantages and Disadvantages
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History of Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Dog breed was developed around the turn of the century in the Acadian settlement of Little River Harbor in Yarmouth County, Nova Scotia.
The toller dog breed was originally known as the Little River Duck Dog before being officially recognized as a purebred dog by the Canadian Kennel Club in 1945.
This toller dog is a cross between retrievers, spaniels, setters, and possibly a farm collie mongrel, however this has not been proved. The breed was refined in the latter half of the 19th century.
The breed was given national status in 1980, and in 1995, two Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers were named the provincial dog of Nova Scotia after winning Best in Show in championship events that included many breeds.
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Dog Overview
- Origin: Canada (Nova Scotia)
- Breed Group: Gundog
- Other names: Yarmouth Toller, Tolling Retriever, Little Red Duck Dog, Little River Duck Dog
- Height: 19 to 20 inches and Bitches 18 to 19 inches
- Weight: 44 to 51 lbs. and Bitches 37 to 44 lbs.
- Life Span: 10 to14 years
- Breed Size: large
- Temperament: Energetic and friendly
- Intelligence: high
- Shedding Amount: high
- Exercise Needs: High
- Energy Level: High
- Barking Level: Medium-High
- Coat: Medium-length coat with a softer, dense undercoat
- Color: Varying shades of red or orange
- Shading amount: medium
- Litter Size: 6-10 puppies
- Type: Purebred
- Hypoallergenic: No
- Puppy Price: $1500 to $4000
Appearance
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a medium-sized Canadian sports dog with golden-red hair, floppy ears, an athletic build, and a waterproof double coat. These joyful dogs, formerly known as Little River Duck Dogs, enjoy water and athletic training just as much as they do their family.
Tollers are athletic dogs at heart with intellect, devotion, and a penchant for self-assurance. They resemble Golden Retrievers but are smaller in size and have their own distinct attitude. These lively canines are always up for playing, exercise, and going on adventures with their families.
Tollers are very affectionate toward youngsters, and they thrive in multi-dog families where play is encouraged. This breed gets along well with cats when met properly, yet because to its hunting heritage, it has a predatory drive and may be prone to chase smaller animals.
Temperament
Tollers have a lively, affectionate temperament. They are good with children and pets and make a good companion for houses that can offer the activity they require. They are a terrific option for families that want to satisfy their workout needs.
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever enjoys being outside and is suitable for an active, country-dwelling family. They are calm and friendly, but young Tollers may be noisy at times. They get along well with children, other dogs, and pets.
Tollers may be wary of strangers at first, but they quickly warm up to them. They learn quickly and are ready to please, although they become bored rapidly and can be obstinate. They are vigilant but not hyperactive, and they can adapt to a various situations.
Health
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers are regarded as generally healthy dogs, like most purebreds, they’re still prone to a few inherited problems. Responsible breeders strive to maintain high standards by testing their dogs before breeding, which helps them avoid passing problems down to puppies.
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever breed is associated with the following conditions:
- Addison’s Disease: Addison’s Disease, also known as hypoadrenocorticism, impairs the adrenal gland and appropriate hormone synthesis, which balances the body’s electrolytes.
- Deafness: Deafness can be caused by heredity, ear infections, injuries, and other circumstances, but deaf dogs can still live pleasant and complete lives. To keep the dog safe while training deaf canines, various approaches and safeguards may be required.
- Collie Eye Anomaly: This illness stops blood vessels in the eye from growing properly, causing retinal damage over time and often leading to blindness.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): This illness damages the retina of dogs’ eyes, causing visual impairment and finally blindness.
- Hip Dysplasia: Dysplasia is caused by a deformity in your dog’s joints as they age, and it may require corrective surgery in extreme situations.
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Dog Care
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers are active dogs who thrive in homes with owners who can meet their activity needs. They’re a little more stubborn than other popular retrievers, but their desire to please can help them acquire desirable habits at home with consistent training.
The breed’s major worry is his heat tolerance. Although he thrives in cold and moderate climes, his double coat renders him unsuitable for long periods of hot weather.
Diet and Nutrition
Feed high-quality dog food to your Nova Scotia Duck Toller twice a day. Foods with a healthy protein stated as the first ingredient are best for these energetic dogs, although Tollers who move frequently may require more calorie-dense alternatives.
Give Toller lots of nutritious food, but keep an eye on their weight and reduce goodies if they start gaining too much. Allow for any special dietary requirements, such as food allergies or age-related nutrients.
It’s always a good idea to consult with veterinarian about which types of food and amount quantities are suitable for dog’s age, weight, and activity level.
Exercise
The Toller, like most dogs, requires regular exercise to function well. At least one hour of exercise daily will keep this breed happy and healthy. One or two lengthy walks or a fenced backyard are essential, but Tollers also like activities like agility training and flyball.
Playtime is a terrific way to develop your friendship while also delighting dog. Toller’s exercise needs are set by its own tastes. Some Tollers are fine to spend the majority of the day relaxing on the sofa after a long walk, but others require more stimulation and action to be fulfilled.
Grooming
Grooming a Nova Scotia Duck Toller is similar to grooming other retrievers. This breed sheds twice a year, so owners should plan to increase their brushing frequency during these times to keep stray fur at bay.
Brushing these dogs a few times per week for the remainder of the year should typically keep shedding under control. Bathe Toller when its coat becomes muddy or after long periods of outdoor exercise.
The Toller, like many dog breeds, requires regular teeth brushing, nail trimming, and ear cleaning. When dirt and debris develop inside the ears, use a pet-safe ear cleaning as needed.
Training
It might be hard to train a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. While they are eager to please their people, Tollers have a stubborn and independent spirit that can make effective training difficult, but it is definitely achievable. When pups are around eight weeks old, start basic obedience instruction.
Short training sessions paired with plenty of regular, positive reinforcement are advised by experts. Because some Tollers are prone to misbehavior, this breed requires obedience training even if it does not go to advanced classes for sports such as agility or hunting.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages
- Cheerful and enthusiastic personality
- Happy and good-natured
- Great with children, dogs, and cats when introduced properly
- Excellent for obedience and agility competitions
- Loves engaging in sports and activities
- Generally a hardy breed
Disadvantages
- Not ideal for apartment living
- Requires plenty of exercise
- Sheds heavily
- Can chew, dig, or otherwise be destructive when bored
- Needs lots of exercise each day to be well-behaved at home
- Double-coat requires regular grooming
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