Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers

The Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever is one of the most unusual breeds of gun dog, at least in terms of how the dog works. The hunter stays hidden in a blind and sends the dog out to romp and play near the water, usually by tossing a ball or stick to be retrieved. The dog's activity and white markings pique the curiosity of waterfowl, who swim over to investigate. The act of enticing or luring game to approach is known as "tolling". When the birds are close, the hunter calls the dog back to the blind, then rises, putting the birds to flight, allowing him a shot. The Toller then retrieves any downed birds. These dogs are great for hunting.

The breed was developed in the Little River district of Yarmouth County, Nova Scotia around the beginning of the 20th Century to toll waterfowl. Its exact origins are not known, but it appears that some Cocker Spaniel, Golden Retriever, and/or Irish Setter may have gone into the mix. It may share origins with the smaller Kooikerhondje, which has a somewhat similar method of work.

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Golden Retriever Puppies

Toller Appearance:
According to the breed standards, the Toller should be athletic, well-muscled, compact, medium boned, balanced and powerful. The chest is deep. Conformation judges require Tollers to be capable of tolling, and physical faults that inhibit working ability are heavily penalized. They should be of moderate build-a lack of substance or a heavy build are penalized by judges, as both detract from the type and athleticism. The legs are sturdy and solid. Those who breed Tollers for conformation shows consider the head (clean cut, slightly wedge-shaped) to be an important feature, and believe it should resemble that of a fox and must never be blocky like that of a Golden Retriever. The ears are triangular and set high and well back from the skull. The tail is well-feathered and held jauntily when the dog is excited or moving.


Toller Coat and color
This Toller has the rich orange coat color and "foxy" head shape that are desirable for the breed Color is any shade of red, ranging from a golden red through dark coppery red, with lighter featherings on the underside of the tail, pantaloons, and body. Even the lighter shades of golden red are deeply pigmented and rich in color. The Toller should not be buff or brown. The Toller has usually at least one of the following white markings - tip of tail, feet (not extending above the pasterns) chest and blaze. Lack of white is not a fault. "The Toller was bred to retrieve from icy waters and must have a water-repellent double coat of medium length and softness, and a soft dense undercoat. The coat may have a slight wave on the back, but is otherwise straight. Some winter coats may form a long loose curl at the throat. Featherings are soft and moderate in length. The hair on the muzzle is short and fine. Seasonal shedding is to be expected. Over-coated specimens are not appropriate for a working dog.


Toller Size and proportions:
Tollers range in height from 17 to 20 inches (43-53 cm) at the withers, and weigh 37 to 51 pounds (17-23 kg); females are slightly shorter and lighter. Tollers are always a medium-sized breed, never large, however there has been a trend towards larger dogs in recent years. Tollers are traditionally the smallest breed of the retriever family.Tollers should be slightly longer than tall (a ratio of approximately 10 to 9). However, they should not be appear long-backed either.


Toller Temperament
The Toller is highly intelligent, alert, outgoing, and ready for action, though not to the point of nervousness or hyperactivity. It is affectionate and loving with family members and is good with children, showing patience. Some individuals may display reserved behavior in new situations, but this is not to be confused with shyness. The Toller's strong retrieving desire coupled with his love of water, endurance and intense birdiness, is essential for its role as a tolling retriever.



Toller Care
Tollers need to be brushed with a pin brush and slicker once or twice a week. On show dogs, the long hair on the ears is trimmed with thinning scissors. The coat may require occasional professional attention. Tollers need about an hours' worth of exercise a day whether it's by biking, romping in a field, swimming, or just going on a walk.



Toller Health
Tollers are generally hardy. However, they, like almost all dog breeds, have certain genetic disorders that are prevalent in the breed. This is sometimes blamed on a relatively small gene pool, a problem that is aggravated because some people buying Tollers only want dogs that are bred in Nova Scotia, believing that Nova Scotian dogs are the only "true" Tollers. The Toller's hereditary diseases include:
* Addison's Disease
* Progressive retinal atrophy
* Hip dysplasia
The average life span is about 11-13 years.


Toller History
The breed was developed in the Little River district of Yarmouth County, Nova Scotia around the beginning of the 20th Century to toll waterfowl. Its exact origins are not known, but it appears that some Cocker Spaniel, Golden Retriever, and/or Irish Setter may have gone into the mix. It may share origins with the smaller Kooikerhondje, which has a somewhat similar method of work.The Toller was officially admitted to the Canadian Kennel Club in 1945. 56 years later on June 11, 2001 it was approved for admission into the Miscellaneous Class of the American Kennel Club and was granted full recognition into the Sporting Group on July 1, 2003. The Toller was made the provincial dog of Nova Scotia in 1995.

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For anyone who would like to get a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever but aren't ready to go through the trials and tribulations of a puppy, should look into adopting an older Toller. Older Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever are mature, and prove to be great in homes where they need to spend a quality amount of time by themselves. They are a very adjustable breed, being good tempered. No matter how old the Toller may be, he will quickly become a valued member of your family in little to no time at all.

Most older Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers are already housebroken, and known a lot of behavior patterns and how to adapt to a new and loving family. Although it will be a little hard on your new dog at first, if you give him plenty of love, attention, and patience, he'll be just fine. You need to keep reassuring your new Toller on a regular basis, and let him (her)know that you are his new owner and that you love him and you are glad he's(she)a member of your family.

If you have been thinking of adopting an older Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever , you should make sure that you learn everything you can about them. You should also determine his temperament, and whether or not it's compatible with your family. You should also learn important things as well, such as his diet, likes, dislikes, daily routine, and his habits. Before you decide to take him, you should always make sure that the members of your family meet him as well, so you can talk it over and decide whether or not everyone wants the dog to be a member of your family.

With an older dog, you need to take care of him for the first days, and let him know where everything in your home is. You'll need to show him where he sleeps, where he should use the bathroom, and where his food is. Take your time and be patient with him, as will normally take him a few days to learn how things in your home work.

You should always give your new Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever at least a month or so to get used to his new environment, before you start his new obedience training. Once you have finished training, he'll understand your commands better and you and him will get along just fine.

All Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever's , regardless of their age, love attention. Older toller's on the other hand, may have medical problems that you aren't aware of. You shouldn't let this stop you from getting one though, simply because the rewards that you'll find are far greater than any cons that may come to mind. Although many people don't give a lot of thought to getting an older Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever - they are perfect for families who don't want to put up the time and troubles of raising a puppy. by Maxxamillion's Dog House