Purebred gundog Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, primarily used by the hunters, is characterized by a smaller body than other retrievers, strong jaws for carrying ducks and long tail feathers emphasizing its frequently wagging tail especially during hunting. Their compact, powerful build, along with their characteristic agility, helps them run, swim, jump and retrieve untiringly.
Nicknames | Novie, Scotty, Toller |
Other names | Tolling Retriever, Yarmouth Toller, Little River Duck Dog, Little Red Duck Dog |
Coat | Medium-length, water-repellant double coat; soft, dense undercoat |
Color | Different shades of orange or red |
Breed Type | Purebred |
Group of Breed | Sporting, Gun Dog |
Life span | 10-14 years |
Weight | Male 44-51 lb; Female 37-44 lb |
Size and Height | Male 19-20 inches; Female 17-19 inches |
Shedding | Seasonal |
Temperament | Alert, Responsive, Intelligent |
Good with Children | Yes |
Size of Litter | 6-10 puppies |
Hypoallergenic | No |
Barking | Yes when frustrated, stimulated, or excited |
Country Originated in | Canada (Nova Scotia) |
Competitive Registration | AKC, ACA, NAPR, DRA, NZKC, NKC, ACR, APRI, UKC, CKC, FCI |
This dog breed had developed in Yarmouth County, in the Canadian Province Nova Scotia, during the early 19th century. Although the precise information about its origins is unavailable, these waterfowl Tollers were probably crossed with working spaniels, farm collies, and retriever-type dogs. In 1945, this dog breed acquired official registration from the Canadian Kennel Club.
Being obedient, smart, and sensible, the Tollers are always dedicated to their family. Their shyness and reticence behavior around strangers can be controlled with appropriate training and exercise, which help them in making friends with other dog breeds and cats. With strong retrieving desire, playful attitude and tolling abilities as natural traits, they demonstrate intense passion and eagerness about their duty. Although they don’t bark aggressively, they produce a distinctive high-pitched sound, called the “Toller scream”, to express pleasure and excitement.
Although suited to live in houses with access to fenced yards, Tollers can be trained to live happily in apartments and city high-rises. The puppies need special care, as they are highly active during the first year.
The owner should be flexible, creative, patient and firm while training his dog. He shouldn’t employ physical force, intimidation or anger in order to earn respect and trust of his dog. Since the Tollers don’t do well under pressure, they should be motivated and trained by food rewards, play, and praise. These dogs enjoy it if a stick or ball is thrown for them to bring back, for which they may even use their natural swimming ability. Crate training is also necessary for making housetraining simple and keeping away bad habits.
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers should be provided with 2.5-3 cups of dry food every day, divided into 2 meals.
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