Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Friendly, intelligent and curious breed that loves water and plays retrieving games. Bred to hunt and retrieve waterfowl.


Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Breed overview
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a highly affectionate, loyal, and energetic breed that makes a great family pet. They are great with children and other dogs and are very trainable. However, they require a lot of exercise and stimulation to maintain their health and happiness. They are not recommended for apartment living and may become stressed if left alone for long periods of time. Early socialization and training are important to help them become well-behaved and well-rounded dogs. They excel in hunting and other dog sports and make great companions for active individuals or families.
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What To Expect When Caring For a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Nutrition
As an active breed, Tollers require a high-quality diet that provides plenty of protein and energy. Owners should consult with their veterinarian to determine the right diet for their individual dog.
Like all breeds, Tollers should have access to fresh water at all times, and their weight should be monitored to prevent obesity.
Exercise
The Toller is an active breed that requires plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. They excel in agility and other dog sports, and enjoy swimming and fetching.
Daily walks, hikes, or play sessions in a secure fenced area are important for the breed to stay happy and healthy.
Training
The breed is intelligent and eager to please, but can also be strong-willed. Positive reinforcement training methods work best for the Toller, and they respond well to games and interactive training sessions.
Early and consistent training is important to channel the breed's energy and train them to become well-rounded adult dogs.
Health
Overall, the breed is a healthy one with few major health concerns. Responsible breeders will screen their breeding dogs for hip dysplasia, eye disorders, and other health issues.
The breed has a lifespan of 10-14 years on average.
Grooming
The Toller's thick double coat requires regular brushing to prevent matting and remove loose fur. They shed seasonally, so extra brushing may be required during shedding periods.
They do not require frequent bathing, but their ears should be checked regularly for signs of infection.
Open your heart and home to a furry friend eagerly waiting to become your loyal life companion. By choosing to adopt, you are giving a deserving dog a second chance at happiness and supporting the fight against pet overpopulation.

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Traits & Characteristics
The breed typically weighs between 35 to 50 pounds and stands 18-21 inches at the shoulder.
Coat colors include various shades of red and orange with white markings. The breed has a thick double coat with a water-resistant outer layer and a soft undercoat.
The Toller's tail is a distinctive feature as it is long and fluffy, often wagging excitedly when the breed is on the hunt or playing games.
Affection
The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a highly affectionate breed. They love their human family members and enjoy spending time with them. This breed is known for its loyalty and will do anything to please its owner and make them happy.
Children
How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is great with children. They are very tolerant of their playfulness and energetic nature. The breed has high energy levels and loves to play and run around with kids. They are very protective of children and will do anything to keep them safe.
Dogs
The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is generally friendly towards other dogs. However, they can be a bit reserved when they first meet new dogs. They do well with socialization and early training to help them become more comfortable around unfamiliar dogs.
Strangers
The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is generally friendly towards strangers. They are not overly wary or aggressive towards people they don't know. However, they may be reserved when meeting new people for the first time.
Playfulness
The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is an incredibly playful breed. They love to play and engage in games with their human family members. Their high energy levels and love of play make them great companions for active individuals or families.
Alertness
The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a highly alert breed. They are very aware of their surroundings and are always on the lookout for potential danger. This trait makes them excellent watchdogs and protectors.
Adaptability
The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is moderately adaptable. They are not particularly prone to stress or anxiety, but they do need a lot of exercise and stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. This breed may not be suitable for people who live in small apartments or who have a sedentary lifestyle.
Shedding
The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a moderate shedder. They require regular brushing and grooming to keep their coat healthy and reduce shedding. This breed is not recommended for people with severe allergies.
Grooming
The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever requires regular grooming to keep their fur clean and healthy. Their water-repellent double coat needs to be brushed regularly to prevent matting and tangling. They are a high maintenance breed when it comes to grooming.
Drooling
The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is not a heavy drooler. They have a relatively dry mouth and do not slobber or drool excessively.
Size
The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a medium-sized breed. They typically weigh between 35 to 50 pounds and stand 17 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder.
Energy
The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a very high-energy breed. They require a lot of exercise and playtime to maintain their health and happiness. They are great companions for active individuals or families who enjoy outdoor activities and exercise.
Exercise
The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever requires a lot of exercise and physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They love to play and run around outside, so they are great companions for active individuals or families.
Working
The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is an excellent working breed. They are highly trainable and adaptable, making them great candidates for a variety of jobs or tasks. They excel in hunting, retrieving, and other dog sports that challenge their physical and mental abilities.
Hunting
The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a natural hunter. They have a strong prey drive and love to chase after small animals. They excel in hunting and retrieving tasks, making them great hunting companions for avid hunters.
Vigor
The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a highly energetic and vigorous breed. They have a lot of stamina and endurance, making them great companions for outdoor activities and exercise. They thrive in active households that provide them with plenty of stimulation and playtime.
Health
The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is generally a healthy breed. They are not prone to many hereditary illnesses or conditions. However, they do require regular veterinary check-ups and vaccinations to maintain their overall health and well-being.
Obesity
The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is moderately prone to obesity. They have a high energy level and require a lot of exercise to maintain a healthy weight. They also have a tendency to overeat if given the opportunity, so it is important to monitor their diet and nutrition.
Cold
The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is highly tolerant of cold weather conditions. Their thick fur coat provides excellent insulation and helps keep them warm in cold temperatures.
Heat
The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is not very tolerant of hot weather conditions. They have a thick fur coat that can be uncomfortable in hot temperatures. They require extra cooling and protection when it is hot outside.
Apartment
The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is not particularly well-suited for apartment living. They require a lot of space to run around and play. They are better suited for homes with large yards or outdoor spaces where they can get plenty of exercise and playtime.
Wanderlust
The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is moderately prone to wandering. They have a strong prey drive and love to chase after small animals. They need a lot of supervision, especially when outside, to prevent them from wandering off and getting lost.
Sensitivity
The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is moderately sensitive. They may become stressed or anxious in stressful situations, but they are generally well-adjusted and adaptable. Early socialization and training can help them become more comfortable in unfamiliar situations.
Separation
The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is moderately tolerant of being left alone. They are a highly social breed that enjoys spending time with their human family members. They may become anxious or destructive if left alone for long periods of time.
Barking
The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is not a particularly vocal breed. They do bark occasionally, but they are not prone to excessive barking or making noise for no reason.
Mental
The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a highly intelligent and mentally-stimulated breed. They require a lot of mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. They excel in obedience training, agility, and other dog sports that challenge their intelligence.
Novice_owners
Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a great breed for novice dog owners. They are highly trainable and adaptable, making them easy to work with. They are also very affectionate and loving, which makes them great family pets.
Trainability
The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a highly trainable breed. They are intelligent, obedient, and eager to please their owner. They excel in obedience training, agility, and other dog sports. Early socialization and training are important to help them develop into well-behaved, well-rounded dogs.
Affection
The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a highly affectionate breed. They love their human family members and enjoy spending time with them. This breed is known for its loyalty and will do anything to please its owner and make them happy.
Children
How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is great with children. They are very tolerant of their playfulness and energetic nature. The breed has high energy levels and loves to play and run around with kids. They are very protective of children and will do anything to keep them safe.
Dogs
The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is generally friendly towards other dogs. However, they can be a bit reserved when they first meet new dogs. They do well with socialization and early training to help them become more comfortable around unfamiliar dogs.
Strangers
The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is generally friendly towards strangers. They are not overly wary or aggressive towards people they don't know. However, they may be reserved when meeting new people for the first time.
Playfulness
The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is an incredibly playful breed. They love to play and engage in games with their human family members. Their high energy levels and love of play make them great companions for active individuals or families.
Alertness
The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a highly alert breed. They are very aware of their surroundings and are always on the lookout for potential danger. This trait makes them excellent watchdogs and protectors.
Adaptability
The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is moderately adaptable. They are not particularly prone to stress or anxiety, but they do need a lot of exercise and stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. This breed may not be suitable for people who live in small apartments or who have a sedentary lifestyle.
Shedding
The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a moderate shedder. They require regular brushing and grooming to keep their coat healthy and reduce shedding. This breed is not recommended for people with severe allergies.
Grooming
The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever requires regular grooming to keep their fur clean and healthy. Their water-repellent double coat needs to be brushed regularly to prevent matting and tangling. They are a high maintenance breed when it comes to grooming.
Drooling
The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is not a heavy drooler. They have a relatively dry mouth and do not slobber or drool excessively.
Size
The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a medium-sized breed. They typically weigh between 35 to 50 pounds and stand 17 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder.
Energy
The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a very high-energy breed. They require a lot of exercise and playtime to maintain their health and happiness. They are great companions for active individuals or families who enjoy outdoor activities and exercise.
Exercise
The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever requires a lot of exercise and physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They love to play and run around outside, so they are great companions for active individuals or families.
Working
The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is an excellent working breed. They are highly trainable and adaptable, making them great candidates for a variety of jobs or tasks. They excel in hunting, retrieving, and other dog sports that challenge their physical and mental abilities.
Hunting
The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a natural hunter. They have a strong prey drive and love to chase after small animals. They excel in hunting and retrieving tasks, making them great hunting companions for avid hunters.
Vigor
The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a highly energetic and vigorous breed. They have a lot of stamina and endurance, making them great companions for outdoor activities and exercise. They thrive in active households that provide them with plenty of stimulation and playtime.
Health
The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is generally a healthy breed. They are not prone to many hereditary illnesses or conditions. However, they do require regular veterinary check-ups and vaccinations to maintain their overall health and well-being.
Obesity
The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is moderately prone to obesity. They have a high energy level and require a lot of exercise to maintain a healthy weight. They also have a tendency to overeat if given the opportunity, so it is important to monitor their diet and nutrition.
Cold
The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is highly tolerant of cold weather conditions. Their thick fur coat provides excellent insulation and helps keep them warm in cold temperatures.
Heat
The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is not very tolerant of hot weather conditions. They have a thick fur coat that can be uncomfortable in hot temperatures. They require extra cooling and protection when it is hot outside.
Apartment
The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is not particularly well-suited for apartment living. They require a lot of space to run around and play. They are better suited for homes with large yards or outdoor spaces where they can get plenty of exercise and playtime.
Wanderlust
The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is moderately prone to wandering. They have a strong prey drive and love to chase after small animals. They need a lot of supervision, especially when outside, to prevent them from wandering off and getting lost.
Sensitivity
The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is moderately sensitive. They may become stressed or anxious in stressful situations, but they are generally well-adjusted and adaptable. Early socialization and training can help them become more comfortable in unfamiliar situations.
Separation
The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is moderately tolerant of being left alone. They are a highly social breed that enjoys spending time with their human family members. They may become anxious or destructive if left alone for long periods of time.
Barking
The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is not a particularly vocal breed. They do bark occasionally, but they are not prone to excessive barking or making noise for no reason.
Mental
The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a highly intelligent and mentally-stimulated breed. They require a lot of mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. They excel in obedience training, agility, and other dog sports that challenge their intelligence.
Novice_owners
Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a great breed for novice dog owners. They are highly trainable and adaptable, making them easy to work with. They are also very affectionate and loving, which makes them great family pets.
Trainability
The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a highly trainable breed. They are intelligent, obedient, and eager to please their owner. They excel in obedience training, agility, and other dog sports. Early socialization and training are important to help them develop into well-behaved, well-rounded dogs.
Similar breeds

History of the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever was developed in the early 19th century in Nova Scotia, Canada, where they were used by hunters to attract and retrieve waterfowl.
The breed has a mix of several different breeds in its ancestry, including the Cocker Spaniel, Golden Retriever, Irish Setter, and possibly the Chesapeake Bay Retriever.

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Puppies
Toller puppies are energetic, playful, and intelligent. Early socialization and training are important to ensure they become well-rounded adult dogs.
They often have a high prey drive and enjoy water, so it's important to supervise them around bodies of water to prevent accidents. Like all puppies, they require plenty of patience and positive reinforcement training.