Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

An example of an adult female Toller
Other names	Yarmouth Toller, Tolling Retriever, Little Red Duck Dog, Little River Duck Dog
Common nicknames	Toller, Scotty, Novie
Origin	Canada (Nova Scotia)
Traits Weight Male 20–23 kg (44–51 lb) Female 17–20 kg (37–44 lb) Height Male 48–51 cm (19–20 in) Female 45–48 cm (18–19 in) Coat Medium-length coat with a softer, dense undercoat Colour Varying shades of red or orange Litter size 6–10 pups Life span 10–14 years
Classification / standards FCI Group 8, Section 1 Retrievers #312 standard AKC Sporting standard ANKC Group 3 (Gundogs) standard CKC Group 1 – Sporting Dogs standard KC (UK) Gundog standard NZKC Gundog standard UKC Gun Dogs standard
Notes	Provincial dog of Nova Scotia
Domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris)

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, or Toller for short, is a medium-sized breed of gundog bred primarily for hunting. It is the smallest of the retrievers, and is often mistaken for a small Golden Retriever. Tollers are known to be intelligent, alert, high-energy dogs. Tollers get their name because of their ability to lure waterfowl within gunshot range. The breed originated in southwestern Nova Scotia, Canada, where they were used for tolling and retrieving ducks.

The breed was developed in the community of Little River Harbour in Yarmouth County, Nova Scotia, around the beginning of the 19th century to toll waterfowl and as an all purpose hunting dog. The breed was originally known as the Little River Duck Dog or the Yarmouth Toller. Its exact origins are not known but it appears that some possibly spaniel and setter Pointer-type dogs, retriever-type dogs, and rabbit hounds. Farm collies also went into the mix as many became herding dogs as well as hunting dogs and family pets.

The Toller was officially admitted to the Canadian Kennel Club in 1945. Declared the provincial dog of Nova Scotia in 1995, the breed gained national recognition in 1980, when two Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers were awarded Best in Show at championship events that included many breeds. 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.

Tollers are named for their ability to entice or lure waterfowl within gunshot range, called "tolling". 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 appearance is similar to that of a fox. Its unusual activity and white markings pique the curiosity of ducks and geese, who swim over to investigate.

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. They are particularly suited for retrieving in cold water climates because of their water-repellent double coat.