Toller
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Toller is a breed that people often choose with their eyes—and only later understand with their heads.
It is an exceptionally intelligent, sensitive, and hard-working retriever that needs more than just exercise. It needs meaning, cooperation, and clear guidance.
Although it is the smallest breed in the retriever group, its energy, work ethic, and mental capacity are comparable to much larger breeds. The Toller is a dog that works with people, not just alongside them.
Its job was to lure and retrieve waterfowl, especially ducks, which is how it got its familiar name — toller.
The English name of the breed is the longest name of all breeds recognized by the AKC. It consists of 5 words and 34 characters (including spaces) – Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever.
Before buying a puppy, it is always a good idea to familiarize yourself with the breed standard first. The knowledge you gain will help you recognize any anomalies before you adopt the dog. At the same time, you can easily verify whether there is any synergy between what the desired breed can offer you, what it requires, and what you are prepared to sacrifice. A responsible breeder should never give you evasive answers or conceal health details about the dog/bitch.
Like almost every retriever, this breed is highly intelligent, quick-witted, decisive, attentive, docile, and persistent. It loves to play, and fetching is its greatest passion.
Photo: American kennel Club
Facts about tollers
1. “Tolling” is a Middle English word meaning to lure, in this case. The toller was bred to retrieve, lure, and bring back waterfowl, especially ducks. The playful action of a toller fetching a stick or ball along the shore arouses the curiosity of ducks at sea. In this way, the birds are lured within range and the dog is then sent to retrieve the dead or wounded birds.
2. The breed was originally known as the Little River Duck Dog. It was bred in the Little River Harbor community in Yarmouth County, Nova Scotia, Canada, in the early 19th century. It was originally used to lure waterfowl and as a versatile hunting dog.
3. It is one of two breeds of dogs used to lure game.
4. They are the smallest breeds of retrievers. Toller is medium-sized, compact, powerful, and well-balanced. The height at the withers for males ranges from 45 to 51 cm, making them the smallest breeds of retrievers.
5. They have webbed feet and a double coat. This makes them well suited to colder water, which they love above all else!
6. This breed is versatile. Tollers are happy wherever their owner is—whether at home, at work, or on a hunt. They can switch from lounging on the couch to working (e.g., baiting ducks) in a matter of seconds. They enjoy new experiences and are easy to travel with.
7. “They squeak!” Tollers have a piercing high-pitched squeak that sounds like a scream. They make this sound to express excitement and eagerness, so not all the time. It’s mainly when they’re working or playing enthusiastically. To the uninitiated, it can sound like something terrible; it’s a high-pitched, crazy, short, loud sound.
However, it is important to remember that calmness is one of the key elements of a successful work regime. With persistent and consistent training, this squeaking can be eliminated or minimized.
8. The breed was officially recognized by the AKC in 2003 as the 150th breed.
Size
Height at the withers: males 48 – 51 cm, females 45 – 48 cm (permitted deviation is + / – 2,5 cm)
Weight
Males 20 – 23 kg, females 17 – 20 kg
How long do Tollers live ?
12- 14 years
Country of origin
Canada