Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
It lures ducks into range by playing along the shoreline until curiosity brings them in, which is what tolling means. The smallest retriever and the reddest.
Photo by Svenska Mässan, CC BY 2.0
Overview
The Toller has the most unusual hunting method of any retriever. It plays along a shoreline, running and leaping and flashing its white marked tail, and ducks come closer out of curiosity to watch, which brings them into range. That is called tolling, from an old word meaning to lure.
Once the birds are shot it retrieves them, so it does two jobs. It is the smallest of the retrievers and the provincial dog of Nova Scotia.
Temperament
Intense, clever and more reserved than other retrievers. Tollers are affectionate with their families and often aloof with strangers, which is unusual in the group.
They are high drive and they need work. They are also known for the toller scream, a high pitched vocalisation of excitement that surprises new owners. They are sensitive and can be prone to anxiety, and they need confident early socialisation.
Care and grooming
A medium water repellent double coat that needs brushing twice a week and daily during the moults.
Progressive retinal atrophy, collie eye anomaly, degenerative encephalopathy and cleft palate all have DNA tests in this breed. Addison's disease and an immune mediated rheumatic disease occur at notable rates. Ask for the full panel.
Living and exercise
Two hours a day with retrieving and swimming plus mental work.
They are not a smaller easier Golden Retriever, which is how they are sometimes sold. They are a high drive working dog with a more complicated temperament, and they suit an owner who wants to train.
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