The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a unique breed originating in Nova Scotia. It's major characteristic is the reason it is called a "Duck Toller". It is a breed that has a strong sense of play and will prance about endlessly throwing sticks or toys in the air and playing by itself. For some reason ducks are attracted to dogs which play in this manner, particularly to dogs which are the red color of the eastern fox and the "Duck Toller" fits this description.

In years past the ducks were lured into a long tunnel of netting and captured in this manner, with the dog being the lure. Nowadays the dog is used in the same manner except that the birds are lured into close enough proximity for the hunter to shoot them. The duck toller is noted for its happy character, the tail always being in motion and its propensity to play with toys. When working as a toller, the dog has speedy action, the tail always is in motion and he will prance and pounce completely without direction by a human. When the birds are downed, his retriever instincts are brought into play and the hunter will direct the dog to bring back the birds, which he does with great swimming strength and skill on land or in the water.

In 1945 the standard was first drawn up, but for many years the Nova Scotia Duck Toller was relatively unknown. Only recently was it admitted into the American Kennel club registry in the Sporting Dogs Group. He has continued to attract a loyal and enthusiastic crowd of fanciers, who prize his friendly and good natured character. He is a medium sized dog that is noted for his active and alert manner, playful spirit and easy trainability. He makes a good watch dog but is not a guard dog. His coat is red, or various shades of orange, with light feathering and of medium to short length. In appearance he looks very much like a small, lighter boned version of the Golden Retriever. In fact, the Duck Toller is believed to have been bred through crosses with Labrador Retrievers, Goldens and various Spaniels. He is by nature a strong retriever on land or on water and should exhibit powerful swimming ability and a natural love of the water.

The Nova Scotia Duck Toller does not make a good kennel dog, he worked as a "partner" to mankind for generations in his history and is a much better companion and pet when allowed to be with his people. Furthermore this is a breed that is easily bored and needs activity and plenty of exercise to thrive. He makes a great house pet as he is not overly large and he is exceptionally gentle with children and accepting of strangers. He fits well into a household with other breeds also, being good nattered and playful in his approach. Since his only drawback is his playfulness, he probably should be in a household with plenty of children and activity, although his gentleness, fondness for playing "solo" and easy trainability would not rule him out as a pet for the elderly.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Dogs