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The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, usually called a Toller, is a medium-sized, energetic gundog developed to lure and retrieve waterfowl. Tollers are intelligent, playful and affectionate with their families, but they need daily activity, engaging training and regular coat care. They may be reserved around strangers, and individual dogs vary.
What is a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever?
The Canadian Kennel Club says the breed was developed in Nova Scotia in the early 19th century to lure and retrieve waterfowl. A Toller would play and move along the shoreline, disappearing and reappearing to attract curious ducks toward a hunter hidden nearby. The dog would then retrieve birds after they were shot. That working role helps explain the breed’s retrieving drive, stamina, playfulness and affinity for water. Canadian Kennel Club breed standard.
Tollers are compact, muscular and agile, with a water-repellent double coat. Their coat comes in shades of red or orange, often with white markings. Canadian Kennel Club breed standard.
What is a Toller’s temperament like?
The Canadian standard describes Tollers as intelligent, trainable, enduring and playful. They are loving with family and can be reserved with strangers without being aggressive or overly shy. The standard says aggression is not to be tolerated. The American Kennel Club also characterizes the breed as affectionate and eager to please, while noting that training can be challenging. Breed descriptions indicate tendencies, not guaranteed behavior in every dog.
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Reward-based training, short and productive sessions, and keeping lessons fun can help sustain a Toller’s interest. Their intelligence and working drive make purposeful activities useful beyond basic obedience.
How big does a Toller get?
The Canadian Kennel Club’s standard gives ideal measurements for dogs over 18 months old. These are breed-standard ideals, not a guarantee of an individual dog’s adult size.
| Sex | Ideal adult height | Ideal adult weight |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 19–20 inches | 44–50 pounds |
| Female | 18–19 inches | 37.5–44 pounds |
The standard says weight should be proportional to height and bone. Canadian Kennel Club breed standard.
How much exercise does a Toller need?
Plan for daily physical exercise as well as interaction that gives the dog something to do. Retrieving games, walks, swimming where safe, fieldwork, agility and other dog sports can suit the breed’s working instincts and energy. Needs differ between dogs: the AKC says a brisk 30-minute walk and/or a couple of fetch sessions is enough for many, while some need more. Treat that as an example, not a universal exercise prescription. American Kennel Club breed information.
A Toller is generally a better match for someone who can make time for regular activity and training than for someone seeking a low-energy companion. Consider whether you enjoy an active routine and can provide suitable outlets consistently.
What care does a Toller need?
Brushing and coat care
The double coat needs routine brushing. The AKC recommends brushing weekly and says daily brushing may be needed during shedding season. Check the finer hair around and under the ears, where knots can form. A general grooming brush is a practical tool for regular brushing; no particular style or brand is required by the cited guidance. The Canadian standard calls for a natural appearance, with only modest neatening around the ears and feet. American Kennel Club breed information; Canadian Kennel Club breed standard.
Nails
Trim nails regularly; the AKC recommends doing so preferably weekly. If you are unsure how to trim them safely, ask a veterinarian or groomer to show you.
Food and weight
Choose a high-quality food appropriate to the dog’s life stage, and keep fresh water available. Monitor portions, calories and body condition because some dogs can become overweight. Ask a veterinarian for advice on an individual diet; the AKC recommends veterinary guidance for home-prepared diets. American Kennel Club breed information.
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The AKC lists Addison’s disease and autoimmune-related issues among breed health considerations. Its breed page lists hip evaluation, cardiac examination and ophthalmologist evaluation, along with DNA tests for cleft palate and syndactyly, PRA-prcd, juvenile Addison’s disease and the buff genetic test. Ask a breeder which tests were performed and request the results; screening does not rule out every inherited or acquired condition. Discuss the documentation with a veterinarian. American Kennel Club breed information.
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Club of Canada’s code says breeders should maintain their dogs’ health and safety and provide buyers documented results of health or genetic tests carried out on the dog and its parents. Club bylaws, code of ethics and constitution.
The AKC gives the breed a life expectancy of 12–14 years. This is a general estimate, not a prediction for an individual dog. American Kennel Club breed information.
Is a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever right for you?
A Toller may suit a household that wants an affectionate, trainable dog and is ready to build daily exercise, purposeful play and reward-based training into its routine. Before choosing one, consider:
- Whether you can provide consistent physical activity and engaging tasks.
- Whether you want to train, play fetch, hike, swim where safe or try dog sports.
- Whether regular brushing, seasonal shedding and nail care fit your routine.
- Whether you are comfortable with a dog that may be reserved around strangers.
- Whether you can obtain health-test documentation and review it with a veterinarian.
Meeting individual dogs and discussing their needs with a responsible breeder or rescue can help you judge fit; no breed description can guarantee a particular dog’s temperament or care needs.
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