The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, also known as the American Duck Retriever, the Little River Duck Dog, the Yarmouth Toller or simply the Toller, is a powerful, compact, medium-sized dog that is the smallest of the retriever breeds. The word “toll” is an old term for “entice.” The Toller is truly multi-faceted. In addition to its innate bird-hunting skills, it is a loyal watchdog, a competitive show dog and an adoring pet, all rolled into one lively dog with more pure joy for life than almost any other breed. As confirmed in an American Kennel Club publication: “Tollers wholly involve themselves in everything. Whether stealing from the counter, chasing a ball, breaking ice to get a bird, or curling up on the couch, everything is done 100 percent.” The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever was first recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2001, and was fully accepted into the Sporting Group in 2003.
The adult male Toller should stand 18 to 21 inches at the withers, with the ideal being 19 inches. Females should stand 17 to 20 inches, with the ideal being 18 inches. Weight must be proportionate to height. Their medium-length double coat withstands icy water with a soft outer coat and a dense undercoat. Seasonal shedding is normal. Color can be any shade of red or orange, ranging from golden red to dark copper.
Not surprisingly, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever was developed in Nova Scotia to “toll” – which means to entice or lure – and to retrieve waterfowl. The Toller has been used as a domestic decoy dog since the early 1800s, particularly in the Little River District of Yarmouth County in southwestern Nova Scotia. The Toller’s unique hunting style involves scampering, jumping, leaping and twirling along the shoreline with great animation but without barking.
The Nova Scotia Duck Trolling Retriever has a most interesting way of luring ducks within a hunter's range. They will frolic along the water's edge, hopping in and out of the water, chasing sticks and balls that the hunters throw from their blinds. Eventually, the water fowl will become curious, and move toward the happy dog, right into the hunter's trap. These retrievers have a never-ending reserve of energy, making them a great companion for
The Novia Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is the smallest of the retriever breeds but possesses the high energy and power expected of retrievers. The head is slightly wedge shaped and the muzzle is tapered. The jaw is strong, but the mouth soft and teeth should meet in a scissors bite. The triangular, drop ears are set high atop the head and have rounded tips. The ears should reach the inner corner of the eye. The
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