Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is the smallest of the retriever breeds and the only one developed in Canada — specifically in Yarmouth County, Nova Scotia.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Origin
Canada
Lifespan
12–14 years
Weight
17–23 kg (37–51 lbs)
Height
45–54 cm (18–21 in)
Exercise
60 to 90 min/day
Diet
Omnivore — active breed medium-size formula
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
The Story
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is the smallest of the retriever breeds and the only one developed in Canada — specifically in Yarmouth County, Nova Scotia. The Toller was bred to mimic the behaviour of foxes playing on riverbanks to lure curious ducks within gunshot range. It plays and frolics at the water's edge while the hunter hides; curious ducks paddle toward the activity and when the hunter calls the dog back, the ducks flush. It is one of the most specialised hunting techniques in the dog world, producing a dog of extraordinary intelligence, high energy, and striking red coat.
Also Known As
Quick Facts
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Physical Profile
Source: wikimedia
The Toller is a medium-sized, compact retriever of athletic build with a striking red-gold to orange-red coat. White markings on the chest, feet, and tail tip are characteristic. The coat is medium-length, dense, and water-repellent with a soft dense undercoat.
Grooming
Moderate
Shedding
Moderate
Brushing
2-3x-Weekly
Bathing
Every-6-8-Weeks
Coat Colors
Recognized By
Source: wikimedia
Temperament & Personality
Tollers are high-drive, intelligent, and energetic — closer in temperament to Border Collies than to Golden Retrievers despite their retriever classification. They are affectionate and devoted but need enormous amounts of exercise and mental stimulation. They produce a distinctive high-pitched "Toller scream" when excited.
Personality Scores
Adaptability
3/5Attention Need
4/5Friendliness
4/5Playfulness
5/5Protectiveness
2/5Living Profile
Ideal Space
House-Small-Garden
Daily Exercise
60 to 90 min/day
Ideal Weather
-10°C to 25°C
Cognitive Benchmarks
Adaptability
30%
Attention
40%
Playfulness
50%
Communication Style
Stress Signals
the Toller scream (high-pitched vocalisation), excessive energy, destructive behaviour, pacing, mouthing
Care & Wellness
Professional Care Protocol
- •Tollers need 1.5–2+ hours of vigorous daily exercise including swimming and retrieving. The coat needs brushing 2–3 times weekly. Early socialisation and training from puppyhood is important. They are not suitable for sedentary households.
Nutrition Notes
Addison's disease and autoimmune issues common — anti-inflammatory diet may be protective. SRMA (steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis) in some lines. Joint supplements for active dogs.
Vaccination Schedule
Vaccination Schedule
Senior Care
Addison's disease (hypoadrenocorticism) — breed-predisposed. SRMA. Autoimmune thyroiditis. PRA (prcd-PRA DNA test). Hip dysplasia. The unique "Toller scream" (high-pitched excitement vocalisation) is normal breed behaviour, not distress. Canada's smallest retriever. 12-14 years.
Wellbeing Activities
Nutrition & Sustenance
Daily Calories (Adult)
1200 kcal
Daily Calories (Young)
800 kcal
Recommended Foods
Foods to Avoid
Health Overview
Progressive retinal atrophy and Collie Eye Anomaly occur. Addison's disease (hypoadrenocorticism) is elevated in the breed. Autoimmune thyroiditis and immune-mediated conditions are more common than in most breeds. Hip dysplasia occurs.
Common Conditions
Price Estimates
Pricing Guide
Average estimates as of 2025
Canada's provincial dog (Nova Scotia). Unique hunting method — tolling (playful frolicking lures curious ducks). Red/orange coat. Very rare outside North America. India: essentially unavailable.
Purchase Price
$1,500 to $3,500
Adoption Fee
$100 to $500
Data from 2025
Fun Facts
The Toller's hunting technique — "tolling" — mimics the behaviour of wild foxes playing on riverbanks to lure curious ducks within striking range.
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever was the last breed developed in Canada.
Tollers produce a distinctive high-pitched vocalization called the "Toller scream" — typically produced when extremely excited.
