Other Names: Yarmouth Toller, Tolling Retriever, Little Red Duck Dog, Little River Duck Dog.

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a medium-sized gundog bred primarily for hunting. It is often referred to as a “toller”. It is the smallest of the retrievers and is often mistaken for a small Golden Retriever. Nova scotia duck tolling retriever (toller) are known to be intelligent, easy to please, alert, and high-energy dogs. The name “toller” is derived from their ability to lure waterfowl within gunshot range. The breed originated in Yarmouth County, Nova Scotia, Canada. The American Kennel Club ranks the toller as the 87th most popular dog breed.

History

The Nova scotia duck tolling retriever was developed in the Acadian community of Little River Harbour in Yarmouth County, Nova Scotia, around the beginning of the 19th century. The Nova scotia duck tolling retriever (toller) was originally referred to as the Little River Duck Dog before being officially recognized by the Canadian Kennel Club in 1945 as a purebred dog. The Nova scotia duck tolling retriever (toller) is a mixture of retrievers, spaniels, setters, and possibly a farm collie mix breed, although this has yet to be confirmed. The breed was perfected in the second half of the 19th century.

The breed gained national recognition in 1980 and was declared the provincial dog of Nova Scotia in 1995 when two Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers were awarded Best in Show at championship events that included many breeds.

Use in hunting

Nova scotia duck tolling retriever (Tollers) are named for their ability to entice or lure waterfowl within gunshot range, called “tolling”. The hunter stays hidden in a blind and sends the dog out to romp and play near the water, usually by tossing a ball or stick to be retrieved. The dog’s appearance is similar to that of a fox. Its unusual activity and white markings pique the curiosity of ducks and geese which swim over to investigate.

When the birds are close, the hunter calls the dog back to the blind then rises to put the birds to flight allowing the hunter a shot. The Toller then retrieves any downed birds. They are particularly suited for retrieving in cold water climates because of their water-repellent double coat.

Activities

The Nova scotia duck tolling retriever is known to excel in various sporting and obedience activities, and health and safety-related jobs. The breeds’ high energy and intelligence make them perfect candidates for difficult jobs that require tremendous dedication and skill. Nova scotia duck tolling retriever enjoy working and being outside, therefore, it is no surprise that they excel at various sport and job-related activities.

The breed is categorized as a “sporting” dog under the CKC and AKA organizations making tollers ideal dogs for various physical activities. Other kennel clubs such as the AKNC and UKC categorize tollers as a “gundog” which depicts their drive, mental intelligence, and intuitive hunting sense. Kennel clubs throughout the world recognize Tollers as athletic, intelligent.