The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a medium-sized breed. Males typically weigh between 20 and 23 kg when fully grown, while females weigh 17 to 20 kg. With an average lifespan of 12 to 14 years, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a moderately long-lived breed.
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a well-balanced breed combining energy with a willing temperament. They are loyal to their families and can be protective without being aggressive. They are adaptable dogs that do well in active households where they can be included in daily activities. Consistent training and socialisation bring out the best in this breed.
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever dogs need at least 1-2 hours of daily exercise. They enjoy walks, runs, and interactive play sessions. Many excel in dog sports like agility and obedience. Mental stimulation through training and puzzle toys is equally important. Without adequate exercise, they may develop destructive habits or excessive barking.
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever dogs may be prone to hip dysplasia, allergies, ear infections, and eye conditions. Regular veterinary check-ups and maintaining a healthy weight help prevent many common issues. Discuss appropriate health screening tests with your vet. A balanced diet and regular exercise contribute significantly to long-term health.
Regular grooming helps keep Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever dogs looking and feeling their best. Brush the coat 1-2 times per week to remove loose hair and distribute natural oils. Bathe as needed. Regular nail trimming, ear cleaning, and dental care round out the grooming routine. Grooming sessions are also a good opportunity to check for any health concerns.
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a medium-sized gun dog bred primarily for hunting. It is often referred to as a "toller". It is the smallest of the retrievers, and is often mistaken for a small Golden Retriever. Tollers are intelligent, eager to please, alert, and energetic. The toller also has webbed feet. The name "toller" is derived from their ability to lure waterfowl within gunshot range. The dog goes up to the water's edge and attracts the ducks so the hunter can shoot them.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Colonel Cyril Colwell of Nova Scotia wrote the first formal breed standard for the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever in 1945 and was among the key advocates who secured recognition from the Canadian Kennel Club that same year. The breed's unusual "tolling" technique of luring ducks within gunshot range by playful movement along the shoreline had been refined by hunters in Yarmouth County for generations before Colwell documented and standardised it. The Toller remains a uniquely Canadian creation, developed entirely within Nova Scotia and recognised as a national sporting heritage breed.
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a highly athletic breed needing substantial daily exercise and active owners. Excellent with children of all ages, this breed makes a wonderful family companion. It loves the company of other dogs and thrives in multi-pet households. Moderate grooming is needed to manage regular shedding. These dogs are quiet and reserved, rarely vocalising unnecessarily. Intelligent and responsive to training, they learn quickly and enjoy pleasing their owners. Neutral with unfamiliar people, they neither seek nor avoid strangers.
Dogpanion's take: AI-generated based on breed trait data.
A fully grown male Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever weighs approximately 22 kg on average. Use Dogpanion's free size predictor to estimate your Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever puppy's adult weight based on their current age and weight.
Dogpanion offers free tools to help you care for your Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever:
Free age calculator, size predictor, food safety checker, and health tracker for 350+ breeds.
Web App Coming SoonEvery ingredient verified safe. Use as occasional treats or meal toppers alongside a complete diet.