How does the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever work in the field?
The toller is the smallest retriever, bred to lure ducks into range by playing at the water's edge. In Britain it is mostly worked as a retriever, picking up and on the foreshore.
The Nova Scotia duck tolling retriever is the smallest of the retrievers, and its name describes a job few other dogs do. Tolling means luring: the dog plays energetically at the water's edge, and curious ducks swim in to investigate, coming within range of the hidden guns, before the dog retrieves what is shot. In Britain tollers are worked mainly as retrievers, like the much bigger Labrador, picking up and on the foreshore, where their speed, agility and love of water serve them well. Working-bred tollers are uncommon here, so look for parents with working test experience or regular work, and ask the breeder how each is used.
What is the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever like to live and work with?
Alert, intelligent and full of energy, and often reserved with strangers. Many are vocal when excited.
Tollers are alert, intelligent and full of energy, with a strong desire to work. They are affectionate with their family and often reserved with strangers. Many are vocal, and the high-pitched 'toller scream' of excitement is well known to owners. They learn quickly and get bored quickly, so a toller left without enough to do will find its own entertainment. They suit active owners who enjoy training, and they do well in working tests and other dog sports. Look for parents that are confident and outgoing rather than nervous, and settled at home.
Which health tests matter for the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever?
Both parents should have hip and elbow scores and a current eye certificate. Key DNA tests are collie eye anomaly, prcd-PRA and cleft lip and palate.
Ask for both parents' hip scores and elbow grades under the BVA/KC schemes, and a current eye certificate under the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme. DNA tests are available for several inherited conditions in the breed, including collie eye anomaly (CEA), progressive retinal atrophy (prcd-PRA) and a form of cleft lip and palate. These are inherited recessively, so a puppy is not expected to be affected by the tested variant when at least one parent has a reliable clear result. Tollers are also prone to some autoimmune conditions that have no DNA test, so ask the breeder what has appeared in the parents' close relatives; an open answer is a good sign. Results for Kennel Club registered dogs can be checked on the Kennel Club's Health Test Results Finder. Our guide to buying a working gundog covers the other checks to make.
How much training and exercise does the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever need?
Short, varied sessions suit tollers, and steadiness, including staying quiet, needs particular work. An adult needs at least an hour of exercise a day.
Tollers learn fast and thrive on short, varied sessions. Training follows the retriever pattern of steadiness, marking, delivery to hand and the stop whistle, and steadiness deserves particular attention, because their excitement can spill over into noise and running in. Plenty of water work keeps them keen. An adult toller needs at least an hour of exercise a day, with mental work as well as miles. The double coat sheds heavily once or twice a year and needs regular brushing, especially through the moult, and the feathering should be checked for burrs after work.
How long does it take to train the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever?
For the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, readiness for the intended role matters more than a birthday. Check demonstrated foundations, physical suitability and the support needed for the next stage.
During early learning, the puppy learns recall, a sit on the whistle and short retrieves, and is introduced to water. After comfortable everyday foundations, steadiness is the priority, including staying quiet, alongside delivery to hand and the stop whistle. With reliable foundations, add longer marks, blind retrieves and game, and, for anyone interested in the breed's original work, the playful behaviour at the water's edge that gives tolling its name. Working-bred litters are uncommon, so keep an eye on the toller puppies for sale. Use the training progression guide to discuss readiness with a reward-based trainer. Ask your vet about physical demands, and plan game, water and gunfire introductions with competent help.