What's this?

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a specialist with waterfowl, and its onshore antics lure curious birds within firing range while the hunter waits in ambush. Tolling is the name for this luring technique and is a trick used by the fox, which is why, at one time, the Toller was thought be a fox/retriever mix, a genetically impossible feat. What is accepted is that the breed is a mixture of retriever, spaniel, setter and possibly farm collie breeding. Once called the Little River Duck Dog, the Toller was developed in Yarmouth County, Nova Scotia. It was perfected during the latter half of the 19th century in Yarmouth County and, after having bred true for many generations, was given breed recognition by The Canadian Kennel Club in 1945 and christened the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. This is a powerful, medium-size sporting dog, intelligent and a keen worker. Males measure 19 to 20 inches at the shoulder and weigh from 45 to 51 pounds; females average 1 inch less and weigh from 37 to 43 pounds. The coat is medium long with a dense undercoat in red or orange. It may be marked with white on the tip of tail, chest, feet and forehead. The tail is long and heavily coated, and full of action when the dog is tolling. Grooming consists of weekly brushing to remove dead hair and keep the undercoat mat-free. During shedding season, daily brushing helps keep the hair under control. Duck Tollers are moderately active dogs that enjoy agility, flyball, Frisbee, long walks and having fun with their people. They're great companions for school-age children who can match their energy level.

.