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Breeds / Medium

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever puppies

Alert, friendly and quick, the Toller is the smallest of the retrievers and was bred to lure waterfowl within range by playing at the shoreline. They are affectionate and eager to please, with a high drive to work.

A Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Photo: kallerna, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped

The facts

  • Size class Medium
  • Country of origin Canada
  • Adult weight 15.9 to 22.7 kg
  • Adult weight in pounds 35 to 50 lb
  • Adult height 43 to 53 cm
  • Energy level Very high
  • Grooming Moderate
  • Coat type Medium double
  • Shedding Moderate
  • Typical lifespan 12 to 14 years
  • Good with children Reliably good
  • Good with other dogs Usually good

Where these figures come from

About the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

The Toller was developed in Nova Scotia to work the shoreline, playing and darting at the water's edge to draw curious ducks within range before retrieving them. They are the smallest of the retrievers, 43 to 53 cm and 15.9 to 22.7 kg, red or orange with white markings and a water repellent medium double coat. They are quick, intense and eager to please, closely bonded to their own people, and often reserved with strangers in a way that surprises anyone expecting a Labrador.

The energy level is very high and the mind needs work as much as the body does. Half an hour of brisk walking plus retrieving is a floor rather than a ceiling, and most Tollers do better with a sport such as agility, flyball or fieldwork. Brush weekly, daily in the moult, paying attention behind the ears where the finer coat knots. The breed has a distinctive high scream when excited, which catches new owners out. Ratings with children are high, with supervision and socialisation.

What to expect at eight weeks

At eight weeks a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever puppy is sleeping around 18 to 20 hours a day, is not house trained, and cannot hold on for more than an hour or two at a stretch. A medium breed puppy at eight weeks is a manageable armful that will not stay that way. Most of the growth happens between now and six months, so buy for the adult dog where you can. This is a very high energy breed. The mistake owners make is trying to tire them out physically. Training, scentwork and puzzles will do more than distance ever will. Grooming needs are moderate, so build the brushing habit now while the coat is still short and easy. The socialisation window is open and closing: everything they meet calmly now, from vacuum cleaners to men in hats, is easier for the rest of their life.

Health worth knowing about

Conditions this breed is reported to be predisposed to. Predisposed does not mean inevitable, it means ask about it.

Your Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever puppy's first six months

Kit sizes: crate 36 inch (36 x 24 x 26 in, 91 x 61 x 66 cm) for an adult of up to 22.7 kg; chew toys made for medium breeds. Worked out the same way as the crate size calculator. PetMD bases a crate on the dog's own measurements, not weight or breed alone, so measure once the puppy is home.

Buying guides for this

Other medium breeds

American Cocker Spaniel 9.1 to 13.6 kg American Pit Bull Terrier 13.6 to 27.2 kg American Staffordshire Terrier 18.1 to 31.8 kg American Water Spaniel 11.3 to 20.4 kg Aussiedoodle 18 to 31.8 kg Australian Cattle Dog 15.9 to 22.7 kg

More on the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

On the list: families with childrenOn the list: runners and active ownersOcean and beach dog namesCanadian dog namesNames for red and ginger dogs

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Not veterinary advice. Breed information is general. Your own dog, and your own vet, always win.

Sources

Photo: kallerna, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons, cropped. All photographers are listed on the photo credits page.