Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Other names: Little River Duck Dog, Toller, Novie, Tolling Retriever

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is the smallest breed of the retriever group. The dog is medium-sized and was bred originally to hunt. It is called the ‘Tolling’ retriever due to its ability to bring game and foul within shooting distance, the word being wrought from an old English word meaning to ‘lure’. The Toller is an alert and agile dog.
Key facts about the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
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Origins and history
The Toller first came about in Nova Scotia; a result of breeding between spaniels, retrievers and collies. By the 1850s the breed was considered pure. Its popularity has risen since the 1980s.
FCI breed nomenclature
FCI Group
Group 8 - Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs
Section
Section 1 : Retrievers
Physical characteristics of the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Adult size
Female : Between 18 and 19 in
Male : Between 19 and 20 in
Weight
Female : Between 37 and 44 lb
Male : Between 44 and 51 lb
Coat colour
Usually a mix of red or orange with some white markings often on the tail, chest and feet; the dog’s nose and lips are sometimes seen of a colour that blends with the colour of the coat.
Type of coat
He has medium lengthed hair.
Coarse and waterproof outer coat covers a soft and dense undercoat.
Eye colour
Amber to brown
Description
A compact and powerful dog, the Toller looks well-balanced and bulky. Despite its ‘heavy’ appearance the dog is agile and speedy.
Good to know
It is easy for an observer to mistake the Toller for a small Golden Retriever. In fact, the former is more active, muscular and head-strong that the latter.
Temperament
Behaviour of the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
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Compatibility
Price
A KC Registered Nova-Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever will cost £1,160 and up. You’re also looking at between £120 and £175 per month to care for this dog.
Grooming
Weekly brushing of the Toller will prevent its coat from becoming tangled and matted. Bathe the dog only when necessary.
Shedding
The Toller sheds hair and may not be suitable for someone with a dog hair allergy. Daily brushing during periods of blow coat will reduce the moulted hair in carpets and furniture.
Nutrition of the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Feed a Toller two meals a day of premium dog food formulated for an active dog. Doing so ensures the dog takes in sufficient calories and protein to maintain a healthy body.
Health of the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Life expectancy
12 to 14 years
Strong / robust
The Toller is a dog that enjoys the outdoors. It is a hard-working dog and one does not generally complain unless it has good reason for doing so.
Withstand heat
The Toller will not tolerate hot weather; care should be taken to keep the dog cool in the summer months.
Withstand cold
The water-proof coat of the Toller affords the dog a reasonable tolerance to cold and wet weather.
Tendency to put on weight
Weight gain is seen of some Tollers; some of these dogs have a huge appetite and will eat to obesity.
Common illnesses
- Addison’s disease
- Autoimmune thyroiditis
- Cataracts
- Collie eye anomaly
- Progressive retinal atrophy