Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

Tolling refers to the breed's unusual working role of playing along the shoreline to lure or draw ducks within range of waterfowlers. Developed in Canada, the Toller is the smallest of the retriever breeds, a medium-sized, athletic gundog with a striking red or orange coat, often with white markings, and a foxy, eager expression.

The Toller is a medium-sized, athletic gundog and the smallest of the retriever breeds, standing around 45 to 51 cm at the shoulder and weighing roughly 17 to 23 kg. It has a striking red or orange water-repellent coat, often with white markings, and a lithe, agile build suited to retrieving and swimming.

The Toller is typically intelligent, energetic and affectionate, forming close bonds with its family and generally getting on well with children and other dogs. It is playful and enthusiastic with the biddable nature of a working gundog. It can, however, be sensitive and is often reserved or aloof with strangers, so early socialisation is important.

Some Tollers are vocal and produce a characteristic high-pitched 'Toller scream', a distinctive sound of excitement rather than distress, often heard during play or anticipation of activity. It is a recognised quirk of the breed. Early socialisation and plenty of physical and mental outlet help keep a Toller balanced and prevent frustration-driven behaviour.

This is a very high-energy breed with substantial exercise needs, requiring plenty of vigorous daily activity such as long walks, running, swimming, retrieving games and training. Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise; a bored or under-exercised Toller can become restless, frustrated and hard to live with. It particularly enjoys water and retrieving.

Yes. Highly intelligent and eager to work, the Toller is very trainable and excels in obedience, agility, gundog work and other canine sports. It responds best to positive, reward-based methods, and its sensitivity should be respected, as harsh handling can dampen its enthusiasm. Early socialisation is important given its natural reserve with strangers.

The Toller is generally a healthy, athletic breed with a typical lifespan of around 12 to 14 years. Recognised concerns include eye conditions, joint dysplasia and certain immune-mediated and inherited disorders, several of which have DNA tests available. Buying from a health-focused breeder that screens its stock, alongside good weight management and routine veterinary care, supports a long, active life.

Good with children. As a general guide, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers tend to be patient and tolerant. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.

As a healthy adult, a typical Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever needs 2 hours or more, plus a job to do of exercise a day (120–180 minutes), split across walks plus play. Higher-energy dogs also need mental stimulation — sniffing, training games and puzzle feeders — to stay settled. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.

High shedding. Coat upkeep is regular brushing — brush regularly to keep the coat in good condition.

Manageable for committed beginners. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers are best for owners ready to commit to consistent training and plenty of activity. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.

Moderate barker. They are usually fairly easy-going about barking, though any dog will bark if bored or under-exercised.

Sociable with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.

Needs plenty of space. A Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever really needs plenty of space and a lot of daily activity — not ideal for a small flat.