NOVA SCOTIA DUCK TOLLING RETRIEVER
Breed Group: Gun Dog
For full breed standards, visit UK Kennel ClubĀ or American Kennel Club
Average height: 45 - 51 cms (18 - 20 in)
Average Weight: 17 - 23 kgs (37 - 51 lbs)
Coat Length: Medium
Life Span: 10 - 14 years
Colours:Ā Red, orange with white; black or pink skin pigment is permitted
HISTORY
The Duck Toller is a working class gun dog from Nova Scotia's south shore. Although their original heritage is shrouded in mystery, we now know they are related to the dogs who became the spaniels and the collies. Tollers were designed to work in harsh conditions enticing waterfowl to the shoreline and retrieving the dispatched birds. Winter in the maritimes is frigid and the terrain is tough.Ā
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L.E.G.S.
Using the L.E.G.S.Ā® model, our breed descriptions offer insights into typical behavior based on Genetics, Learning, Environment, and Self.Ā
KnowingĀ theĀ sort of 'job' a breed wasĀ createdĀ for can offer valuable insights into the type of lifeĀ dogs of thatĀ breed would most enjoy. But bear in mind, they are all individuals, treat the following as anĀ indication of breed tendencies ā not a prediction.
Shedding
minimal <> considerable
Grooming
minimal <> likely to need professional grooming
Barking
relatively quiet <> very vocal
Predatory behaviour around other pets/livestock
low<>high
Response to strangers
happy to greet everyone <> very wary
Affectionate with family
not at all<>very cuddly
Playful
serious<>very playful
Focus on handler (bond)
independent thinker<>very biddable
Excitable/Impulsive
very calm<>easily aroused
Motivated
laid back<>obsessive
Easy to care for
suitable for inexperienced<>challenging
Exercise needs
minimal<>hours daily
Off-lead exercise needs
happy on lead<>needs plenty of freedom
Enrichment needs
basic<>needs challenges
WHY YOU'LL FALL IN LOVE WITH YOUR NOVA SCOTIA DUCK TOLLING RETRIEVER
- Their intelligence and zest for life
- They will work tirelessly at a task
- They love to train and play
- They are an entertaining companion
WHY THEY MAY BE HARD TO LIVE WITH
- Their exercise needs are great
- They are intelligent and creative
- They can become anxious, reactive or destructive if their needs are not met
- Cuddliness varies a lot. Some are stage five clingers while others have big personal bubbles
- They are reserved with people outside of their social circle. A small golden retriever they are not!
- They are very driven and will push through adversity to get what they want
- They scream
- If not careful, the Toller will train you! A thinker!
YOUR NOVA SCOTIA DUCK TOLLING RETRIEVER PUPPY HIGHLIGHTS
Toller puppies are bombastic, busy little things. Their intelligence shines even before 8 weeks, and they love to learn. They want to be in the thick of the action, but they can learn to take their turn and watch others calmly. Their natural retrieving abilities show up early, often in the form of stolen socks. They are good at figuring out a routine. They understand when it's mealtime almost by the second! Give a Toller a chew or Kong when you leave them and you can leave the house without issue.
YOU MAY NEED PROFESSIONAL HELP WITH:
- Reactivity towards people or dogsĀ
- Reactivity towards moving objects like bikes or cars
- Wildlife or livestock chasing
- Sound sensitivity
- Boredom-related nuisance behaviors
- Toy obsession
- Inability to settle
YOUR RELATIONSHIP SURVIVAL KEY
- Provide the right kinds of exercise and enrichment in the right amounts
- Train proactively using positive reinforcement and reward when necessary
- They can be very food-motivated so carefully control their food and make it a great reward!
- Ensure they have an outlet for their ample intelligence and athletic ability
- Don't mistake frantic worry for happiness
- Don't try to fool a Toller
UPBRINGING
Toller puppies are often quite the handful. Many bite a lot, and may scream when frustrated. Puppies need help learning the world is safe. They may also need help to nap, as biting and shrieking can be an indicator of them being overtired. Proper decompression and enrichment is important even for very young puppies. Positive reinforcement training can begin right away. They love food and will work out how to access it! They also need brain games or unwanted issues will manifest like digging, chewing and running off.
LIFESTYLE
Tollers are a fantastic choice for outdoor enthusiasts, hobby or professional trainers, and people who want a working hunter. Providing quality walks and games will provide stimulation. This is necessary as they have a working dog ethic!
INTERESTS & HOBBIES
The Toller's breed motto is "Canada's Own All Around Dog". Although they of course excel at hunt tests, field trials, and retriever working tests, many Tollers are also agility stars, nosework whizzes and trick dog extraordinaires. In addition, they love sniffing and lots of it. They like a tennis ball and can become obsessed with it!
EDUCATION
If training is fun, the Toller will be there. Tollers can be quite sensitive, so training should be kept postive and engaging for them. They can struggle to take their turn and settle, so focusing on those skills can be beneficial. They tend not to enjoy drilling, and can shut down or disengage with more punitive training methods. Breaking training down into achievable goals and setting the Toller up for success is key. Overall, they are easy to train but their owner needs to focus and ensure rewards are given at the right time or they will train you! If training is done well, it tends to stick. A Toller never forgets!
