Toller or Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

The Toller, also known as the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, is a distinctive and energetic breed. Not only are these dogs stunning to look at and have a playful nature, but they are also very smart. Tollers were originally developed in Canada to aid hunters in luring waterfowl, and they possess a unique ability to retrieve and enhance the excitement of the hunt.

Characteristic	Description
Size	Medium-sized dog, typically 17-21 inches tall
Weight	35-50 pounds
Coat	Water-resistant, medium-length fur, usually reddish or golden
Temperament	Friendly, intelligent, and energetic
Exercise Needs	High; loves to play and swim
Trainability	Very trainable and eager to please
Best for	Active families or individuals who enjoy outdoor activities

Characteristics of the breed

Are you more interested in highlighting the Toller’s distinctive qualities or comparing it to other breeds?

History of the origin of the Toller

Although historical records indicate that red retrievers first appeared in the early 19th century, the breed did not become widely known until the end of the 20th century. Hunters from Nova Scotia, a province in Canada on one of the northern islands, were in charge of the breeding. Red European decoy dogs, Collies, Spaniels, and existing Retrievers were combined to create a new breed. The idea was to create a small, intelligent pet that would attract waterfowl with its vivid color.

The resulting dog used playful behavior to entice the bird. The hunter hiding in the shadows could fire when a duck or goose came to the bank. The retriever dove for any game that was killed or injured and returned it to its owner. A gentle mouth that doesn’t harm the carcass is a feature.

The canines had the moniker Little River Ducks. The breed was officially recognized and given the new name "Nova Scotia Retriever" by the Canadian Kennel Club in 1945. In 1987, the International Cynological Organization granted recognition to animals.

Distinguishing features

A tiny, elongated dog that is the smallest breed of retriever. Adult Tollers can grow up to 53 cm and weigh no more than 23 kg at withers. A silky red coat with white spots on the chest and nose is one distinguishing feature. The animal has robust limbs, a soft mouth, and a strong but lightweight skeleton.

• Head wedge-shaped with a wide rounded skull, flat cheeks and occipital protuberance. Stop is moderately pronounced.
• Muzzle shorter than the skull, narrows towards the nose. Bridge of the nose is straight. Bite is tight scissor-shaped, lips fit tightly to the jaws. Full set of teeth.
• Nose large, sensitive. Color – brown.
• Eyes not large, set wide apart, iris is a dark shade of brown or hazel.
• Ears set high, but soft, so they bend and become blocked; triangular and rounded in shape.
• Body athletic, fit, elongated. Topline straight, back short, Krup sloping. Stomach Selected. Ribs rounded. Neck short, wide, curved.
• Tail long, reaches the hock joints, omitted. In an active state rises no higher than the lower back. Surrounded by wool.
• Limbs Strong, medium length, set straight. Movements Small, free.
• Wool Moistenous double: undercoat and outflow. Basically straight, but can curl on the back and limbs. By coloring red, red, brick.

Photo of an adult dog

Photo of puppies

Features of character and behavior

A true workshop exists only to serve its proprietor. The retriever will put in long hours of work, help people win acceptance and recognition, and assist with everything. Owing to his activity, Toller is able to handle games, simple training, and all sports with remarkable ease. He is amiable and gets along well with kids and other animals.

Such a pet is joyful and upbeat all the time. It is common for retrievers to scream; this sound is distinct from barking or squealing. Dogs prefer to serve one person in the household, but they maintain relationships with all of them.

Advantages

Breed benefits consist of:

1. Kindness, goodwill (even to strangers);
2. Activity, physical strength, endurance to stress;
3. Loyalty to family (dogs will never run away from home);
4. Good hunting instinct (animals do not need additional training in hunting skills);
5. Accuracy in games with children (Retrievers will never hurt a child, even by accident, they are excellent nannies).

Disadvantages

It is thought that Tollers are not particularly bright. However, this is untrue. Despite their outward appearance, owners of retrievers assert that while Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers differ from Golden Retrievers, this does not imply that their hunting or mental abilities are inferior. Each person has unique disadvantages based on their educational background, but the following issues are typically present for the owners:

• Stubbornness;
• Absent-mindedness due to activity;
• Need for constant movement;
• Weak health;
• Fidgetiness;
• Late maturation;
• Lack of territorial instinct (the dog does not bark at strangers, does not guard property).

Video about the breed

Care and maintenance

Since the animals are small, they can coexist in an apartment in the city. But Tollers would be better off outside the city in a private home where they can run around in the fresh air, given their increased activity and need for constant mobility. They are housed in a kennel on the neighboring property as well as an aviary section.

Dogs need regular interaction with their owners and other family members, so you must allow them unrestricted access inside the home.

Nutrition

Because they gain weight quickly, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers are prone to obesity. This is particularly risky when there is little to no physical activity. The pet needs to grow normally, so it’s critical to select a balanced diet or create your own menu of natural items on your own.

There are various classifications for dry food, including economy, premium, super-premium, holistic, and human grade. The final two classes are still the best, but not all dogs should be in them. They are more frequently applied to animals that have allergies or digestive issues. Retrievers do well on super-premium food intended for medium-sized dogs with medium to high levels of activity. Selecting products with vitamin impurities but no traces of cereals or preservatives is preferable.

It takes time to prepare natural food, and the owner must plan the pet’s diet on their own to ensure that the animal gets all the vitamins and organic compounds it needs. However, when comparing natural food to high-quality food, the latter will be less expensive without sacrificing quality. The menu of the tailed one must include:

1. Low-fat meat40% from the portion – lamb, chicken, rabbit, turkey (pre-frozen, boiled or scalded with boiling water);
2. Proteins of other types – eggs (2 times a week), fermented milk products (cottage cheese, kefir), sea fish;
3. Vegetables and fruits (boiled and fresh);
4. Cereals 20-25% of the portion – oatmeal, buckwheat, rice.

Feeding human food to your pet is prohibited:

• Dogs cannot have fatty, fried, spicy, smoked, salty, sweet and floury foods.
• Absolutely taboo: pork, butter, sugar and sugar substitutes.
• It is undesirable to introduce bread, potatoes, corn, wheat, melon, onions and garlic, citrus fruits, pasta, sausages into the diet.

Adult tollers receive two daily feedings. The serving size formula is 20 grams of food for every kilogram of weight. According to the information on the package’s back, dry food has its own table. Depending on the pet’s activity level, the season, and other variables (such as pregnancy or illness), the volume may change.

• Babies up to 2 months are fed 5-6 times, from 2 to 4 – 4-5 times;
• Up to six months – 4 times;
• Up to 8 monthseggs – 3 times, and by the 12th month they are transferred to 2 meals a day.

Health

With an average lifespan of 12 to 13 years and some individuals living up to 15, the breed cannot be considered long-lived. Breeders are striving to lower the number of diseases that affect retrievers. But the dogs are strong, withstand great physical exertion, tolerate cold and heat well.

When given the right attention and medical assistance, a pet can bring joy and strength to its owner on its own.

Vaccinations

The only method available to stop the spread of infectious diseases is vaccination. For instance, rabies is an entirely fatal disease. A pet infected with this virus can only be put to sleep by a veterinarian.

A lot of clinics even display their charter, which says that doctors cannot jeopardize their own health or the health of animals. As a result, they refuse to treat rabies-positive dogs or take them in for hospitalization.

Generally speaking, binding vaccinations are required before pets can be brought into public spaces, crossed borders, or knitted.

• leptospirosis;
• carnivore distemper;
• enteritis;
• parainfluenza;
• hepatitis;
• rabies.

In addition, there are booster shots for lichen and piroplasmosis, which are meant to shield the animal during a time when the illness is more common in the area.

Every year at two months, dogs receive vaccinations. During the first year of life, a strict vaccination schedule is followed:

1. 2-2.5 months – distemper, hepatitis, enteritis (complex vaccine);
2. After 2 weeks after the first vaccination – repeat complex + leptospirosis and parainfluenza;
3. 6-7 months – rabies, possible repeat of complex.

Additional immunization: yearly and every 12 months for all the diseases listed above (one shot every 12 months, in the same month). The medication has a limited 12- to 14-month half-life. Certain vaccinations have a two-year shelf life but eventually lose their effectiveness.

Since Toller is a hunter, it is especially crucial that he follow the vaccination schedule because the pet interacts with the outside world on a regular basis.

The puppy receives their first vaccination in the nursery; they also have a passport with all the medications used for the procedures and the date of the vaccination. The dog is cleansed of helminths and its health is monitored for two weeks prior to vaccination. The animal ought to be in good health on the day of the vaccination. The average cost to conduct it in a clinic is between 300 and 800 rubles.

Diseases

Although the breed is new, it is still being improved. At this point in the selection process, a lengthy list of potential hereditary illnesses affecting Tollers has been created. Breeding animals are therefore given the strictest care possible, with their health being examined for even the slightest departures from normal. The most typical issues are:

• Thyroid insufficiency, diabetes;
• Congenital and acquired heart defects;
• Degenerative myelopathy and encephalopathy (damage to the central nervous system, brain cells, leads to paralysis of the limbs, epilepsy);
• Vascular diseases (liver shunt, blockage of veins);
• Hip dysplasia;
• Intervertebral hernia;
• Problems with intervertebral discs.

Walking

For dogs that are active, owners of apartments should take them on two 1.5-hour walks on a regular basis. You can shorten walks to once a day, but extend them to two hours, if the animal is allowed to run around in a private home’s yard.

Compared to adult pets, baby Tollers are even more active. At three months old, they begin to walk and are taken outside four times for thirty minutes each. Even though a puppy retriever is hard to keep up with and likes to run away out of curiosity, it is still preferable to use a leash and harness even though the dog does not know commands.

When taking walks with your pet, pay attention to what he picks up from the ground and who he interacts with. Any contact with unfamiliar objects can spread a virus or result in food poisoning.

Walking gives the dog an opportunity to let off steam. This is a key element in the animal’s socialization process. Using guiding commands, the baby is introduced to the surroundings from the first few months of life. This is particularly crucial in an urban setting where the dog is surrounded by traffic, people, and the emissions from nearby businesses and cars.

Proper socialization is step-by-step. Initially, the puppy is taken for walks in peaceful areas, socialized with animals of the same size and age, and trained to the expected behaviors. The dog is then shown in busy areas, such as parks, bus stops, and train stations. It’s crucial to acclimate the animal to riding public transportation and other vehicles. As the pet gets older, if the guidelines are not followed, it will either become fearful and reticent or aggressive.

A training program for Walking Retrievers should incorporate agility, freestyle, jogging, playing with a ball or plate, and tug-of-war. Dogs will participate in any human activity, including golf, rollerblading, cycling, and swimming. Hunting, whether real or staged, is beneficial for the breed.

Coat care

Long, thick coats with fluffy undercoats that shed year-round and give off a distinct odor from secreted secretions characterize retrievers. Dogs get daily combing (with a maximum of two days between treatments). Give them two annual baths with mild shampoos, and make sure to wash their paws after every walk.

If the asphalt has not worn down the claws, they are trimmed. When ears become dirty, they are cleaned. Plaque is removed from teeth once every two weeks with chewing gum or paste. Eye tollers don’t leak, but they still need to be checked every five to seven days.

It is necessary to treat the thick coat for ectoparasites, particularly during the warm season. Using sprays, collars, or shampoos is preferable. Drops are not always absorbed because of the long coat. Insecticide pills are an additional option, but there are certain limitations. Animal helminths are eradicated in each trimester prior to viscous and vaccination.

Mating

It takes two years for dogs to be ready for mating. Even though they reach sexual maturity between 8 and 10 months, young animals are unable to conceive and give birth to healthy offspring. The 13th and 15th days of the female’s third heat are the ideal times for mating. A girl has two periods a year, and the owner needs to note when each one begins and ends.

If mating is scheduled, find a partner by contacting the canine club two weeks prior to the start of the event. The puppies will be granted official status and documentation in this manner. Owners must complete the contract paperwork and talk about the cost.

The animals are brought together on the male’s territory or in a neutral location at the scheduled time. As soon as the animals get to know one another and the female is ready, the male will attempt to mount if he detects a scent. Since tollers are proportionate, they don’t need help. If the dogs appear to be having trouble staying balanced, their owners should assist them in standing: the male should be supported by the lower back, while the girl should be held under the stomach.

Continue knitting for the next two days. The first symptoms of pregnancy (behavior change, appetite loss) will manifest in a week. However, it is best to perform tests at two to three weeks; blood, urine, or ultrasound tests will work.

Key points in training

According to breeders, Toller lost some of its mental faculties during the breeding process, so the breed cannot be regarded as the smartest. However, the proprietors guarantee that this is a bias.

Indeed, training these dogs is more challenging. However, restlessness and stubbornness—rather than a lack of intelligence—are the real causes of this. Thus, you can achieve excellent results with a technique that has been developed properly.

Variety is the most crucial rule for this breed. In order to keep the dog’s attention during a lengthy training session, you will need to select a variety of engaging exercises in a playful manner. Active and enjoyable training is required, and the owner must exhibit both firmness and interest.

It is forbidden to use force, raise your voice, or make insulting remarks, just like with other breeds. If the pet behaves incorrectly, rewards and toys may be withheld, vocal correction may be used, or the pet may be made to appear angry.

An obedient, intelligent pet must begin training at the age of two months. The favorite is then taught the fundamentals, such as the daily schedule, house rules, feeding schedule, nickname, and first teams ("NOT," "place," and "near").

The lively personality and endless energy of the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, also known as the Toller, truly make this breed shine. These dogs are renowned for their playful and intelligent personalities in addition to their stunning looks, which include a gorgeous red coat and expressive eyes. They are excellent companions for busy homes because they enjoy participating in family activities and thrive on interaction.

Tollers are unique in that they have a strong play and retrieval instinct. The original purpose of this breed was to lure waterfowl toward hunters by tolling them. Whether they’re splashing around in the water or fetching a ball at the park, their playful antics and eagerness to chase make them a pleasure to watch. Their contagious enthusiasm frequently makes everyone around them smile.

But there are obligations associated with being a Toller owner. For these dogs to remain happy and healthy, they need regular exercise and mental stimulation. They can become bored and mischievous if they don’t get enough physical exercise or interaction. Training is crucial because it improves the relationship between you and your dog and helps them channel their energy in constructive directions.

Be prepared for a devoted and caring friend if you’re thinking about bringing a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever into your household. They get along well with children and other pets due to their loving disposition. A Toller will become a treasured member of your family and enhance your life with the correct upbringing. Living with a Toller is always an adventure if you embrace their playful nature.

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