Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

Family: Gundog, Retriever

Origin: Nova Scotia

Date of Origin: 1800s

Breed For: Duck tolling and retrieving

Lifespan:

Recently Used For: Duck tolling and retrieving

Avg Size of Male: Height: 18 - 21 Weight: 45 - 52

Avg Size of Female: Height:17 - 20 Weight: 35 - 42

Temperament:

As befitting a dog bred to play and retrieve tirelessly, the Toller is very energetic and playful. You cannot throw a ball just once for a Toller! Everything they do is done with gusto, whether it's hunting, obedience, agility or just walking around the block. They are alert but not hyperactive, and can adjust to many circumstances. They are affectionate and gentle, but young Tollers can be overly boisterous at times. They are good with children, other dogs and pets. Tollers may be initially wary of strangers, but warm up quickly. They learn fast and are generally willing to please, but bore easily and then can be a bit stubborn.

History:

Europeans have used dogs to toll (Middle English meaning: to lure or decoy) ducks into nets since the 17th century. Tolling is done by the dogs frolicking along the shore, chasing sticks, and occasionally disappearing from sight, an activity that draws curious ducks to the area. The tolling dog must continue in its animated fashion, tail wagging, retrieve after retrieve, ignoring the ducks. With the advent of guns, the ducks were then shot and the dogs sent to retrieve them. Such decoy dogs may have come with European settlers to the New World, where they were used to toll from the Chesapeake Bay to the Maritimes. The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever was developed in Yarmouth County, at the southern tip of Nova Scotia, in the early 19th century. It may have been derived from the red European decoy dog and perhaps later crossed with spaniel-, setter-, or retriever-type dogs, as well as farm collies; an alternative theory is that they are derived in part from tolling American Indian dogs. Originally known as the Little River Duck Dog or the Yarmouth Toller, the breed later became known as the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. It was recognized by the Canadian Kennel Club in 1915, with 15 Tollers registered that year. The first Tollers came to the United States in the 1960s, and it wasn't until 1984 that the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Club (USA) was formed. The club offered a breed championship that required basic retrieving and tolling ability in order to qualify, and still offers a series of working certificates to ensure that the breed's instincts remain intact. In 2001, Tollers were admitted into the AKC Miscellaneous class, and were admitted as a regular member of the Sporting Group in 2003. Since then they have proven they are more than just tollers or retrievers, but excel at obedience, agility, tracking, and, of course, companionship.

Upkeep:

Tollers need lots of exercise, especially involving playing and retrieving. They love water! Tollers also profit from mental challenges, such as obedience and agility. They are devoted family companions that treasure their interaction with humans, so even though they are physically able to withstand a wide variety of climates, mentally they need to spend some of their time indoors. They do not cope well with being kenneled outside. Grooming consists of a thorough weekly brushing.

Health:

Major concerns: none#Minor concerns: CHD, PRA#Occasionally seen: none#Suggested tests: hip, eye#Life span: 11 - 13 years