Owners of the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever affectionately refer to their dogs as " Tollers . " They have the distinction of possessing the American Kennel Club ’s ( AKC ) longest consent breed name . The AKC ’s diminutive retriever , the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is intelligent , kind , and has a gamey drive to please their masses . This high - energy breed will blithely play with you until you ’re worn out , but if their activity needs have been met , they ’ll fain lie down to snuggle .
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Origins
This stock start in the Canadian responsibility of Nova Scotia . The " decoy dog " was intended to copy the appearance and behavior of furious Fox , whose action is acknowledge to attract duck . When the ducks grow concerned in the George Fox and come closer to shore , they become well-situated quarry for hunter who are quick to fire . To " bell " – meaning " to entice plot to come near " – waterfowl , breeder wanted a hunt hound with the reddish color , square coat , and approximate size of a Charles James Fox . Once duck are down , the retriever snap up the ducks from the water and bring them to their possessor .
Characteristics
With a height of 17 to 21 inches at the shoulder and a weight unit of 35 to 50 dog pound , the Toller is thesmallest memberof the retriever family . The Toller ’s large cranium , wedge - mold capitulum , mystifying chest , and sinewy bow and hindquarters give it an athletic yet compact physique . These dogs are built for agility and endurance in the discipline .
Coat
The Toller ’s striking coat get in variegate colors of red , with white shape on the paws , chest , face , and dog end . The strain ’s dense double coat repels water to aid them work in very cold , wet condition . They do n’t require much grooming , but do need frequent brushing sessions to keep mats out of their top pelage and take out excess hair from their undercoat during shedding season . They are a middling restrained shedding stock , and regular brushing help keep shedding under control in the spring and spill . It ’s also of the essence to keep their auricle clean , as their floppy ears and propensity for swimming might translate their ear canals vulnerable to infection .
Toller Temperament and Training
The Toller shares a lot of characteristics with other retrievers . They are extremely levelheaded , have a warm desire to please , and are very active frump requiring veritable , casual exercise . Some toll collector are hesitant around stranger at first , but warm up up chop-chop . Because of their smaller and more manageable size , they make rattling family detent and may be a better set for young tike than other retrievers . Although they have a strong prey drive and a tendency to go after bozo and small-scale animals , they get along well with other dogs and can live with cats , especially if they are raised with them .
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever “Scream”
The high - pitched " screech " the stock emits is an strange characteristic . When they get excited , they give rise a barking sound much like an abnormal scream . The phone is endear among Toller rooter , but it is one you should hear before deciding whether or not you want to keep a Toller . The screeching can be very loud and shrill . While Tollers are not observe dogs , they will bark to alarm you to activities around the place , and the phone of their shrieking will certainly deter uninvited intruders .
Exercise Needs
toll agent are n’t for family with sedentary lifestyles . You call for to sic away at least an hr each day to provide them with vigorous workout , such as two 30 - instant brisk walk or jogs , or one walk followed by an acute play or education session , at a lower limit . furnish them with pot of mental stimulus will also foreclose them from becoming bored and destructive . They know to swim and are ideal dogs to take to neighboring lake , pond , or beach . If you have a pocket billiards , they ’ll lief take a prima donna . These bounder were plan to trace for foresighted periods of time in frigid climates , and clamber without sufficient mental and physical stimulation at place .
Training a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a very clever hound capable of excelling at any activity . They ’re simple to train and respond well to positive reinforcement method such as clicker training . Tollers compete in canine agility , scent work , competitory obedience , and a variety of other sports . They ’re also known to make excellent therapy dog candidates and are used assearch - and - rescue dogs .
Breed Health Concerns
Tollers are inflexible dogs , though they have a few recognized medical issue . The breed ’s average life is between 12 and 14 yr , although sure medical conditions can appear .
Where Can You Get a Toller?
TheNova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Clubmaintains a list of responsible and vetted stock breeder . You will require to fill out asimple contact formon the night club ’s site to have a list of their breeders get off to you . you could also look for stock breeder through theAKC Marketplace . The average price for a purebred Toller puppy is around $ 1,800 , though you’re able to expend up to $ 2,500 or more reckon on the pup ’s bloodlines .
Rescuing a Toller
If you prefer to determine a Toller in delivery , the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Club has arescue programwith information on dogs needing abode . you may also contactToller Rescue Inc. , which is based in Delaware but runs a national meshwork of volunteers caring for Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers available for adoption . You may also ascertain Tollers up for espousal in all - engender rescues and shelter throughPetfinderandAdopt - a - Pet .
Is the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Right for You?
These sociable , eager , and fascinating companions have a lot to offer . They ’re a lot of fun to train , enjoy work and playing with their families , and can be extremely tender . bell ringer are an first-class choice for active owners who enjoy being outside and are ready to invest the time necessary to train their dogs and even take part in weenie sports and therapy work . Just check that you ’re capable of meeting their mental and physical requisite , and that you do n’t mind a minuscule " Toller Screaming " when your dog gets excited .
