Teach Educate Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Cleaver Hunting and Jumping

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever was originally known as the Little River Duck Dog and originated in the Little River District of Nova Scotia. The history of the Toller in those early years is still somewhat unclear but history notes that as early as the 17th Century “small ginger coloured dogs” were used as Decoy dogs in Europe to help lure waterfowl into nets. Historic records first describe such a dog in Nova Scotia in the early 19th Century. It is not known if the Toller originated from these dogs or was developed from a combination of other breeds to imitate what was seen in early Europe.

The term “ Nova Scotia Duck Tolling” in the breed name descends from the phrase to toll (or lure) and retrieve waterfowl. A tolling dog runs, jumps, and plays along the shoreline in full view of a flock of ducks, occasionally disappearing from sight and then quickly reappearing, aided by the hunter, who throws small sticks or a ball for the dog. The dog's playful actions arouse the curiosity of the ducks swimming offshore and they are lured within gunshot range. The Toller is subsequently sent out to retrieve the dead or wounded birds from land or water.

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

The “Little River Duck Dog” was officially recognised by the Canadian Kennel Club for the first time in 1945 and was then officially given its title as the “Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever”, and has since enjoyed the status of being the official dog of Nova Scotia, the province of its origin compact, balanced, well-muscled dog. They show a high degree of agility, alertness and determination. It is often expressed that Tollers can
have a slightly sad expression when at rest, then as soon as they go to work their appearance changes in an instant to one of intense concentration and excitement. When being worked, a Toller has a speedy, rushing action, with their head carried out almost level with the back and their heavily-feathered tail in a constant swishing motion. Most Toller owners agree that the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is the best all round dog you can have.

The Versatility Of The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling are working dogs. They are active, intelligent and driven. Individual dogs display varying degrees of these characteristics, but the breed is essentially fast and smart. They are good natured dogs, willing and interested in life and all its opportunities, so it is important to find activities that suit your lifestyle and the needs of your Nova Scotia Duck Tolling or Toller.

Gundog
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling were and still are bred as duck hunting dogs. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling, swimming and retrieving is part of their nature and Tollers love doing it. A number of owners and their dogs who don’t hunt still enjoy the discipline in hunting tests and field trials.

Agility

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling tend to love and excel in Agility. They enjoy both the mental and physical challenge of agility and move like lightning around the course.

Obedience
Obedience uses the Toller’s natural intelligence to great effect. Tollers take to the training quickly and the
biggest problem is the handler keeping up!

Showing
Showing a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling in conformation is, in some ways, a lot less strenuous than any other activity, yet it still relies upon the Toller’s natural intelligence and flair so the handler and dog are at one. There are many more activities that Nova Scotia Duck Tolling take part in and excel at, but these are some of the most common.

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling shed their coat seasonally, and they are dogs who like to swim and roll and wallow. They are not a dog for the fastidious or the allergic. Many Tollers do just fine in households with cats or other animals. They do have a strong prey drive, however. If you don’t want your cat chased, this may not be the dog for you.

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling are generally wary of strangers, but if you want a dog to serve as protection, look elsewhere. While they are excellent natural watchdogs, and their barking may be more than enough to scare away a burglar, these dogs are not cut out to protect.

Excitement and eagerness. To the uninitiated, this can sound like the dog is being fed into a wood chipper; it’s high pitched, frantic and loud. Not all Tollers scream, but many do. If you are unable to teach quiet manners, or live in a neighbourhood where dog noise will get you in trouble, or just don’t like dogs who make noise, this is not the breed for you.

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