Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
The retriever that lures ducks by playing.
- Weight
- 35–50 lbs
- Height
- 17–21 in
- Lifespan
- 12–14 yrs
In short
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a Canadian sporting dog bred to lure ducks within gun range by playing at the shoreline, then retrieve them. Adults weigh 35–50 lbs and live 12–14 years. Tollers are high-energy and vocal, and many give a piercing 'Toller scream' when excited.
Is it right for you?
A great match if you…
- want a high-energy retrieving and swimming partner
- do dog sports like agility or flyball
- have a yard and time every day
Think twice if you…
- need a quiet dog
- are away long hours
- want a calm couch companion
The daily plan
- Exercise
- 90–120 min a day
- Training
- 3–5 × 5–10 min sessions × length
- Treat limit
- 90–120 kcal all treats, 10% rule
At a glance
TrainabilityQuick study9.0/10
EnergyAthlete10.0/10
Calm at homeSettles well7.0/10
SheddingHeavy shedder8.0/10
What sets it apart
-
01
Red, water-repellent coat
Shades of red, often with white markings; the double coat sheds heavily in blowouts.
-
02
Busy, feathered tail
A heavily feathered tail, often white-tipped, that waves during tolling, the shoreline play that lures ducks in.
-
03
Smallest retriever
Compact, quick and tireless, so they need daily running and swimming despite the size.
Size & coat
| Specification | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 45–50 lbs | 37–43 lbs |
| Height | 18–21 in | 17–20 in |
| Lifespan | 12–14 yrs | |
| Coat | Medium-length, water-repellent double coat | |
Personality
Tollers are busy, playful and always ready to retrieve. They can be reserved with strangers. Many give a high-pitched 'Toller scream' when excited, especially before a retrieve or a walk.
With kids
Usually good with family kids who enjoy active play.
With other pets
Generally good with dogs; may chase cats and small pets.
With strangers
Often reserved at first, then friendly; early socialization prevents wariness.
Alone time
Dislikes long periods alone; boredom brings screaming, barking and chewing.
Training
Tollers learn quickly and love to work, but repetition bores them. Keep sessions short, varied and fast, and build calm as carefully as drive.
-
How often
3–5 sessions of 5–10 minutes spread through the day.
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Socialize early (8–16 weeks)
Use 8–16 weeks for calm strangers, new places and handling. Reward quiet in exciting moments so the scream doesn't become a habit.
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Self-control
Teach a calm 'wait' before every retrieve, and only throw when the dog is quiet. Practice a reliable recall away from birds and toys.
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What it works for
They work for retrieves, toys and food. Use small, high-value pieces and a retrieve as the jackpot. Freeze-dried liver is one option. Keep treats within 10% of daily calories.
Exercise
Tollers need daily running, retrieving and swimming, plus a job for their brain. Retrieving work suits them better than plain walks.
Exercise a day
90–120 min
CouchModerateAthlete
Good outlets
- Retrieving games
- Swimming
- Agility or flyball
Brain work
- Nose work
- Trick training
- Field training
Best home
Best with a yard and active owners; apartments rarely work.
Watch for Retrieving obsession can lead to overexertion, so cap repetitive fetch and watch for heat.
Feeding
Adult maintenance for a typical Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever (35–50 lbs) lands around 900–1,175 kcal a day. Feed to body condition, not the bag's chart alone, and keep treats inside the 10% rule.
Puppy (to 12 mo)
- Daily calories
- 1,125–1,450 kcal
- Protein
- 26–30%
- Fat
- 16–20%
- Treat limit, all treats
- 115–145 kcal
- Saylor's liver, suggested
- 6–7 pieces a day
Adult Maintenance
- Daily calories
- 900–1,175 kcal
- Protein
- 24–28%
- Fat
- 14–18%
- Treat limit, all treats
- 90–120 kcal
- Saylor's liver, suggested
- 5–6 pieces a day
Active / Working
- Daily calories
- 1,225–1,600 kcal
- Protein
- 26–30%
- Fat
- 18–22%
- Treat limit, all treats
- 125–160 kcal
- Saylor's liver, suggested
- 6–8 pieces a day
Senior
- Daily calories
- 775–1,025 kcal
- Protein
- 24–28%
- Fat
- 12–16%
- Treat limit, all treats
- 80–105 kcal
- Saylor's liver, suggested
- 4–5 pieces a day
Compare every life stage
| Life stage | Daily calories | Protein | Fat | Treat limit (all treats) | Saylor's liver, suggested / day |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Puppy (to 12 mo) | 1,125–1,450 kcal | 26–30% | 16–20% | 115–145 kcal | 6–7 pieces |
| Adult Maintenance | 900–1,175 kcal | 24–28% | 14–18% | 90–120 kcal | 5–6 pieces |
| Active / Working | 1,225–1,600 kcal | 26–30% | 18–22% | 125–160 kcal | 6–8 pieces |
| Senior | 775–1,025 kcal | 24–28% | 12–16% | 80–105 kcal | 4–5 pieces |
The treat limit is the 10% rule for every treat combined. Saylor's liver is suggested at about 2% of daily calories, as a small topper: liver is very rich in vitamin A, so it should not become a staple. Check with your vet if your dog has a health condition or a special diet.
Health & grooming
Tollers are generally healthy; watch hips, eyes, autoimmune disease and inherited disorders. Choose a breeder who DNA-tests.
| Watch for | Ask the breeder or vet for | When |
|---|---|---|
| Hip dysplasia | OFA or PennHIP hip evaluation | Once, in breeding dogs (ask the breeder for results) |
| Progressive retinal atrophy and collie eye anomaly | CAER eye exam plus prcd-PRA and CEA DNA tests | Eye exam yearly in breeding dogs; DNA once |
| Cleft palate (CP1) | CP1 DNA test | Once, in breeding dogs |
| Autoimmune disease (e.g. Addison's, thyroid) | Thyroid panel; ask the breeder about autoimmune disease in the line | Before buying; recheck if symptoms appear |
Official health tests for breeding dogs
The OFA's CHIC program asks Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever breeders to test for these. Ask to see the results before you buy a puppy.
- Hip evaluation
- Eye exam (ophthalmologist)
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA test
Grooming Moderate year-round, with heavy seasonal blowouts
Brush weekly, daily during blowouts. Bathe as needed. Trim nails every 2–3 weeks, check ears weekly (especially after swimming) and brush teeth several times a week.
History
Early 1800s
Little River Duck Dog
Tollers developed in Yarmouth County, Nova Scotia, to lure ducks and retrieve them.
1945
Canadian recognition
The Canadian Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1945.
1995–2003
Provincial dog and AKC
Nova Scotia named the Toller its provincial dog in 1995, and the AKC recognized the breed in 2003.
Questions owners ask
Are Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers easy to train?
Yes, for active owners. They learn fast and love work, but need variety to stay engaged.
Are Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers good with kids and other pets?
Usually yes with kids and dogs, though they may chase cats and small pets.
How much exercise does a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever need?
About 90–120 minutes a day of running, retrieving and swimming, plus mental work.
Do Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers shed?
Yes, moderately year-round with heavy seasonal blowouts. Brush weekly.
What health problems do Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers have, and how long do they live?
Most live 12–14 years. Watch for hip dysplasia, eye disease, autoimmune disease and inherited disorders.
Is a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever good for apartments or first-time owners?
Usually not. They need daily hard exercise and can be loud, which suits active, experienced owners.
Freeze Dried Beef Liver Dog Treats
Back in stock soon
We're restocking. When it's back, a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever needs only 5–6 pieces a day, well inside the 90–120 kcal treat limit.
See the productWhere the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever ranks
Health tests follow the OFA's CHIC program. The treat limit is 10% of daily calories for all treats combined. Every dog is different, so use this as a starting point and ask your vet about yours.
Breeds like the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Closest in size, energy, trainability, calm at home and shedding.
