¶Table of Contents
¶Quick Facts
- The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, usually called a Toller, is a medium-sized Canadian gundog and the smallest of the retriever breeds.
- A Toller attracts waterfowl by running and playing where it can be seen along the shore. Once a bird has been shot, the dog retrieves it from land or water.
- The breed learns quickly and has a strong desire to work. It is best suited to someone who wants to train regularly, rather than simply go for walks.
- A Toller can be an excellent family dog, but is rarely the easiest choice for an inexperienced owner. What matters is a willingness to learn about dog training and the ability to provide both activity and calm.
- The coat is a water-repellent double coat in shades of red or orange. White markings are common but not required.
- Before choosing a puppy, check the parents' joint, eye and DNA results, as well as the health and temperament of close relatives.
¶Appearance & Coat
The Toller is an agile, compact and muscular dog built to work with stamina on land and in cold water. The ideal height is 48–51 centimetres for adult males and 45–48 centimetres for adult females. As a guide, males weigh 20–23 kilograms and females 17–20 kilograms, although weight and bone should always be in proportion to height.
The typical coat has a medium-length outer coat and a softer, dense undercoat. It may be slightly wavy over the back but is otherwise straight. The colour ranges from red to orange, often with paler feathering. White markings may appear on the tip of the tail, feet and chest or as a blaze. A dog without white markings is just as typical of the breed.
Coat care is fairly straightforward, but the double coat sheds and needs regular brushing or combing. Pay particular attention to the fine hair around the ears and to the feathering, where tangles form more readily. Hair around the feet may be trimmed, especially to stop snow from collecting, but the long, well-feathered tail should not be trimmed. Keep the nails and teeth in good condition too.
¶Temperament & Personality
The Toller is usually playful and energetic, with a strong interest in working with its handler and retrieving. In the Swedish Kennel Club's summary of Behaviour and Personality Assessment in Dogs (BPH) results, the Tollers assessed scored highly for playfulness and positive energy. Sociability and confidence were closer to the average, and there was considerable variation between individuals. It is therefore wiser to assess the parents and close relatives than to expect a particular temperament from the breed name alone.
Many Tollers pay close attention to their handler and learn new exercises quickly. That same speed means they also pick up unclear rules, stress and repetitive activities that increase arousal and anticipation. The Swedish breed club's breeding policy specifically highlights sensitivity to stress and sound, as well as whining. Some individuals make a high-pitched, piercing sound when they become very excited, while others are much quieter.
The breed can be friendly yet reserved with strangers. Reserved does not mean fearful or threatening. A young dog needs calm, positive experiences of people, places and handling, without contact being forced. Ask the breeder how the parents behave in everyday life: can they greet people without becoming overexcited, recover after activity and settle in a new environment?
¶Training & Exercise
A Toller needs regular opportunities to use its body, nose and brain. Its needs cannot be reduced to a fixed number of minutes that will suit every adult dog. Instead, consider whether the dog receives a thoughtful mix of fitness work, unhurried sniffing walks, retrieving or search work, everyday training and recovery. The aim is a dog that is keen to work when asked and able to rest afterwards.
Short, clear, reward-based sessions often suit the breed's quick learning style. Gundog retrieving, tolling tests, tracking, scent work, obedience and agility can all provide useful outlets, but the dog does not have to compete. Everyday skills such as steadiness, recall, walking with its handler and releasing objects are just as important.
Do not train speed alone. Alternate exciting exercises with breaks, quiet transitions and waiting in a designated place. Stop while the dog can still think, and reward its ability to settle. If the dog whines, loses precision, chases movement or struggles to rest after the session, the intensity may be too high even if it still wants to continue.
Puppies should build physical strength and confidence gradually. Short explorations, play on varied surfaces and simple scent and engagement exercises are more suitable than long runs or repeated throws that involve sharp turns. Increase the load step by step and watch for tiredness during and after activity.
¶Health
The Toller is generally a functional breed, but a puppy buyer should examine joint health, eyes, immune-mediated disease and the way a breeder uses breed-specific DNA tests. A long list of tests is not automatically better than a carefully planned mating; results, family history and the Swedish breed club's current recommendations need to be considered together.
Ask to see the registered hip dysplasia (HD) status of both parents and the mating's preliminary HD index. The Swedish Toller Club recommends an index of at least 100. Also ask for elbow dysplasia (ED) results and a current eye examination. For progressive rod-cone degeneration (prcd-PRA) and the neurological disease degenerative encephalopathy (DEN), the club recommends that at least one parent be DNA-tested clear or hereditarily clear.
Cardiac laminopathy (CLAM) is a more recently recognised recessive heart condition that can cause early death. The breed club recommends that at least one parent be tested clear or hereditarily clear. Tests are also available for conditions including juvenile Addison's disease (JADD) and cleft lip/palate and syndactyly (CLPS), which can cause a cleft lip or palate and fused toes. JADD has incomplete penetrance, which means a DNA result showing genetic risk is not the same as a definite diagnosis of disease. For recessive variants, the purpose of testing is to avoid a mating that could produce affected puppies, not automatically to exclude every healthy carrier from breeding.
The Swedish term “Toller disease” is used as an umbrella name for two immune-mediated conditions. Steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis (SRMA) is a form of meningitis that most often affects young dogs, usually between 6 and 18 months. Signs can appear suddenly and include fever, neck pain and general ill health. Immune-mediated rheumatic disease (IMRD) more often affects dogs aged two to six and may cause stiffness after rest, shifting lameness and difficulty getting up, climbing stairs or jumping. Seek veterinary advice promptly if these signs appear, and ask the breeder about autoimmune diagnoses in the parents, siblings and previous offspring.
¶History & Origins
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever was developed on the Nova Scotia peninsula in Canada in the early 19th century. The aim was to create a dog that could both attract waterfowl towards the hunter and retrieve shot birds. The breed's full name therefore describes the place, the method and the job.
During tolling, the dog works along the water's edge while the hunter remains hidden. The hunter throws small objects for the dog to collect; the dog disappears from the birds' view and then appears again. This movement arouses the ducks' curiosity and draws them closer. After the shot, the same dog is sent out to retrieve. Playfulness, drive, swimming ability and dependable retrieving are therefore central breed traits.
Sources differ on which types of dog contributed to the early breeding. What is documented matters more: the Toller was developed as a Canadian working retriever for waterfowl, not as a small version of the Golden Retriever.
¶Living with the Breed
The Toller is best suited to a home where training and shared activities are part of daily life, but where the dog also gets uninterrupted sleep and help settling. A flat or a house is not the deciding factor. What matters more is whether you can provide daily physical and mental activity, make time for wet walks and coat care, and maintain routines during busy weeks.
With children, the same basic rules apply as with any dog: an adult should always be present with young children, and the dog needs a safe resting place where it will be left alone. A young, energetic Toller may become exuberant in play. Living with cats and other dogs can work, but hunting interest, play style and previous experience vary. Make introductions calmly, use distance and gates, and do not let the puppy rehearse chasing.
Time alone should be taught gradually once the dog feels secure in the home. Begin with very short periods and increase them only while the dog can rest without distress, barking or chewing household items. Swedish animal-welfare guidance also says that dogs should be taken out at least every six hours during the day, and more often when they are puppies or elderly. A full working day without arranged exercise and social contact is therefore not a suitable everyday solution.
The Toller is a good match if you want to develop a long-term working partnership, enjoy a quick and playful dog, and are prepared to train both drive and relaxation. If you mainly want an uncomplicated companion that is content with ordinary walks, another breed is likely to suit you better.
¶Characteristics
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Breed Type | Purebred |
| Aggressiveness | 3/5 |
| Child Friendly | 3/5 |
| Energy | 4/5 |
| Hair Shedding | 3/5 |
| Health | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 |
| Grooming Needs | 2/5 |
| Learning Ability | 4/5 |
| Barking Level | 2/5 |
| Height | 45 – 51 cm |
| Weight | 17 – 23 kg |
| Life Expectancy | 10 – 14 years |
¶Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical temperament of a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever?
They are usually energetic, intelligent and affectionate with their families, often forming a strong bond with one person. Many are reserved or aloof with strangers but not usually aggressive. Their high drive and quick mind mean they thrive when given regular training, play and jobs to do.
How much exercise does a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever really need each day?
Most adults need at least 60 to 90 minutes of physical exercise daily plus mental stimulation. This can include brisk walks, retrieving games, swimming and training sessions. Without enough activity they can become bored, vocal and destructive.
Are Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers good family dogs and how do they behave with children?
They can be excellent family companions for active households that include respectful, dog‑savvy children. They are playful and sturdy but can become overexcited, so supervision and teaching children appropriate interaction are important. Consistent training and clear routines help them settle in busy family environments.
Do Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers get along with other dogs and pets?
They often enjoy the company of other friendly dogs, especially if well socialized from a young age. Their strong prey and chase drive means they may not be reliable with small pets such as rabbits or birds. Careful introductions and management are recommended in multi‑pet homes.
What are the most common health problems in Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers?
They are prone to certain autoimmune conditions, hip dysplasia, eye diseases and sometimes epilepsy. Some bloodline‑linked issues, such as autoimmune thyroid disease or immune‑mediated joint problems, can appear in middle age. Health‑tested breeding and regular veterinary checks are important for early detection and management.
Why are Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers sometimes described as vocal or high drive?
They were bred as working gundogs that use movement and sound to attract ducks, which can translate into frequent barking, whining or “screaming” when excited. Their strong work ethic and intense focus on retrieving mean they often push for more activity and engagement than casual owners expect.
How much grooming does a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever’s coat require?
They have a double coat that sheds year‑round and heavily during seasonal changes. Weekly brushing usually controls loose hair and prevents mats, but more frequent grooming is needed when they are shedding. Occasional baths and regular ear and nail care complete their routine.
Can a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever live in an apartment or small home?
They can adapt to smaller spaces if their exercise and mental needs are met every day. Frequent outdoor activity, access to safe off‑lead running and structured training are essential. Without this level of effort, they are likely to feel confined and develop behavioral issues.
Are Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers easy to train for first‑time dog owners?
They are highly trainable and quick to learn but can be sensitive and intense, which may surprise beginners. They respond best to consistent, reward‑based methods and clear structure. First‑time owners who are willing to commit time to training classes and daily practice usually do better with the breed.
What makes a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever different from a Golden Retriever or other retrievers?
They are typically smaller, more agile and often more reserved with strangers than many larger retrievers. Their “tolling” behavior, where they play and dart along the shoreline to lure waterfowl, is unique among gundogs. Many also have a more intense, high‑energy working style that requires a particularly active home.¶Comparisons with other breeds
Compare Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever with other breeds and see the differences in temperament, activity level, and care to make a confident choice. Show all comparisons
