Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Description
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, often called the Toller, is the smallest retriever breed, weighing between 35 and 50 pounds. Originating in southwestern Nova Scotia, Canada, this medium-sized gundog was bred to lure and retrieve waterfowl by playing along shorelines, a behavior known as tolling. Their dense double coat, combining a soft undercoat with a harsh outer layer, repels water effectively, making them ideal for aquatic environments. Tollers display a striking coat in shades of buff, red, or red gold, often accented with white markings. This breed thrives in active households that enjoy outdoor adventures like hiking, swimming, and camping. They have a strong retrieving instinct and a playful nature but can be reserved with strangers, so early socialization is key. Their intelligence and eagerness to please make training rewarding, but they require consistent mental and physical stimulation to stay balanced.
Grooming
The Toller’s medium-length double coat sheds heavily during spring and fall, demanding regular upkeep to keep shedding under control. Brush your dog at least three times a week, increasing frequency during heavy shedding seasons. Use an undercoat rake to remove loose fur effectively and prevent matting. Bathing every 4 to 6 weeks helps maintain coat health; follow with blow-drying to loosen dead hair and speed up de-shedding. Pay attention to white markings, which can stain easily; spot-clean these areas as needed to keep them bright. • Brush 3× weekly; daily during heavy shedding • Use undercoat rake for dead hair • Bathe every 4–6 weeks, then blow-dry • Spot-clean white markings to prevent stains Pro tip: Regular blow-drying after baths not only dries the coat faster but also helps lift dead undercoat, reducing seasonal shedding bursts.
Learn the Double routine:
→ Complete Double Grooming Guide
Walking
Tollers need about 85 minutes of walking daily, split into two sessions to manage their stamina and enthusiasm. Morning walks can be brisk and stimulating, incorporating obedience drills or fetch to engage their retrieving drive. Evening outings should be calmer, allowing your dog to wind down while still getting sufficient exercise. This breed benefits from varied routes and occasional off-leash time in secure areas to explore scents and burn energy. Example routine: - Morning: 45-minute brisk walk with fetch and training drills - Evening: 40-minute relaxed stroll focusing on sniffing and socializing Consistent, purposeful walks help channel their natural curiosity and prevent boredom-driven behaviors like excessive barking or digging.
Boarding
When boarding a Toller, provide a crate sized between 42 and 48 inches to accommodate their medium build comfortably. These dogs enjoy interactive play, so staff should schedule two active play sessions daily, incorporating scent work or brain games to stimulate their sharp minds. Slow introductions to new people and routines help reduce stress, as Tollers can be reserved around strangers. Maintaining a predictable daily schedule with clear cues supports their well-being and eases transitions. Staff notes: Encourage gentle socialization and monitor for signs of overstimulation due to their vocal tendencies. Enrichment activities that mimic retrieving or tolling behaviors keep them engaged and content during their stay.