Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever: Breed Guide and Care

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, nicknamed the Toller, is the smallest retriever, with a red coat and a fox-like face. It was bred to lure ducks by playing at the water's edge, then retrieve them after a shot.

Origins and appearance

The breed developed in Nova Scotia, Canada, in the nineteenth century. Tollers are medium-sized and athletic, with a wedge-shaped head, a dense, water-repellent double coat in shades of red or orange with white markings and a feathered tail.

Temperament

They are energetic, intelligent and loyal. They bond closely with family and can be reserved with strangers. They are alert. They love retrieving and are intense. They need tasks and can be destructive when bored. Some have a high-pitched scream when excited.

Exercise

They need one to two hours of daily exercise, plus mental work. They enjoy retrieving, swimming, agility and scent work. A secure fence is needed.

Training

They are intelligent and eager but intense. Use positive methods and variety. Early socialization helps with reserve. Teach a calm settle, a recall and impulse control. See recall training guide.

Coat and grooming

The double coat needs brushing a couple of times a week and daily during seasonal shedding. See double coat dog grooming guide. Clean ears after swimming, trim nails and brush teeth.

Health considerations

Topics include:

• Addison's disease. See Addison's disease in dogs
• Hip dysplasia. See hip dysplasia in dogs
• Progressive retinal atrophy, with a DNA test
• Autoimmune conditions, such as thyroiditis and immune-mediated problems
• Collie eye anomaly
• Cleft palate

Living with a Toller

They suit very active families with space and access to water. They do best with company and tasks.

A typical day

A Toller wants a long outing, training, a rest, a swim or play and an evening walk. Many carry toys and need a job.

Puppies and the first year

Puppies are bouncy and bright. Begin socialization, handling and training. Provide chew toys, and avoid heavy exercise while growing. See puppy socialization checklist.

Costs and commitment

Plan for food, training and vet care. See dog vet cost guide.

Seasons and travel

Tollers tolerate cold water well, but need shade and water in heat. They travel well when exercised.

Common mistakes

Common mistakes include underexercising, skipping mental work, skipping socialization and ignoring signs of illness.

Choosing a puppy or adult

Ask about hip, eye and thyroid tests, DNA tests and autoimmune history. Meet the parents.

How tolling works

A hunter tosses a stick or ball along the shore while the dog plays, leaps and wags. Curious ducks swim closer, and the hunter then calls the dog back before taking a shot. Pet Tollers often enjoy chasing, hiding and darting.

Intense and sensitive

Tollers are driven and sensitive. Provide structure, avoid harsh methods and offer plenty of exercise and puzzle work.

Is it the right breed for you?

A Toller suits very active owners who want a compact, driven retriever. It may not suit sedentary homes. For a larger retriever, see the Labrador Retriever.

Tollers and sports

Tollers are popular in dock diving, agility, flyball, field trials and obedience. Many love learning tricks. A typical Toller can run for hours and still want more, so a structured outlet is worth finding. If you are new to canine sports, start with a beginner class, build fitness gradually and take breaks to prevent injury.

Quiet time is a skill

Because Tollers are so driven, teach settling from puppyhood. Reward calm behavior on a mat, use a crate or pen for rest and add chews or snuffle mats. A Toller that learns to switch off becomes a much easier companion.

The takeaway

Tollers are lively, red and driven, and they need exercise, mental work and training.