Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Breed Information
Learn all about Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever dogs, read about the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever breed information, find out about the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Breed Standard, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever behavior and more.
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling (Yarmouth Toller, Little River Duck Dog) Retriever Breed Introduction
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever breed is a very unique dog, one of the few hunting dogs that was actually bred to play around. The word “tolling” means to attract the attention of another animal in order to hunt it. Tollers, as they are nicknamed, would do this by splashing around in the water.
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever’s Behavior
Source: Wikipedia.
Recommended for: pet, working dog
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever dog breed is a very active breed of dog that was actually bred in part to play around in water and make a show, in order to “toll,” or attract, waterfowl. The Toller is also considered gentle, easy to train, although many get bored with repetition. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers require a lot of exercise every day, as well as regular grooming. They generally get along well with older children, though not as well with younger children, or with strangers. Tollers are also known for the “Toller scream,” a high-pitched, very loud noise that’s part growl, whine, bark, and howl.
Remember that breed only provides a general clue as to any individual dog’s actual behavior. Make sure to get to know dogs well before bringing them into your home.
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever’s Physical Characteristics
Here are some of the characteristics of the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever breed as determined by the American Kennel Club’s published breed standard.
- Size: males: 18-21 inches, females: 17-20 inches
- Coat: medium-long, soft overcoat over a soft, dense undercoat
- Color: red, from golden red through dark coppery red
- Eyes: set well apart, almond-shaped, color matches coat
- Ears: triangular, rounded tips, set well back on the skull
- Muzzle: tapered
- Nose: broad, tapering at the tip, color matches the coat
- Tail: broad at the base
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever’s Origins and History
Source: Wikipedia.
Country/Region of Origin: Litter River District of Yarmouth County, Nova Scotia, Canada
Original purpose: hunting waterfowl
Name: “Tolling” means to attract the attention of another animal in order to hunt it, which is what the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever was bred to do, romping around and making a show in the water to attract curious waterfowl.
Historical notes: The breed was developed around the beginning of the 19th century. The exact origins of the breed are uncertain, it may be related to the Cocker Spaniel, Golden Retriever, Irish Setter, and/or smaller Kooikerhond.