Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

As its name suggests, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever was developed in the Nova Scotia region of Canada. Thought to have developed from small, red "decoy dogs"� brought from Europe to Nova Scotia in the early 19th century, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever was first known as the Little River Duck Dog or Yarmouth Toller. Highly valued as a capable partner in the hunting of waterfowl, it is the smallest of the retriever breeds. The red fox is renowned in the bird hunting world as an expert "toller"�. This term refers to the habit of the fox to play along the banks of a river, luring nearby waterfowl in to take a curious closer look, while the fox's mate waits hidden nearby to make the kill. The toller type of dog draws upon this inherited instinct to perform this same dance chasing a ball or a stick along the waterside to lure the birds in close enough for the hunter to take a shot. The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever will then retrieve the downed bird for the hunter. The word "toll"� comes from the Middle English "tollen"�, which means to "lure"� or "entice"�.The Toller is of medium size, compact and sturdy, but agile. Its entire bearing suggests a powerful, quick dog. Its eyes are keen, alert and eager, and project intelligence. Breed standards describe its head as less like that of a Golden Retriever than longer like that of a fox. The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever has a thick straight double coat of medium length. The outer layer of coarse longer guard hairs deflects water, and the undercoat insulates the dog from cold. The coat color is typically any shade of red, from fawn to copper, with a lighter shade of the same under the body, the underside of the tail and on the backs of the legs. The tail is long with feathering and is held erect while the dog is working, relaxed when it is not. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever stands from 17 to 21 inches at the shoulder. Decoy dogs were used in Europe from the Middle Ages to lure game into a net. There are no records of the early history of the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever breed, but historians believe that the first settlers from Europe to the Nova Scotia region brought with them a red-coated decoy dog; the French first came to the area in 1604, and the English later. As the usefulness of the breed to hunters increased, it was crossed with retriever type dogs, with hunting spaniels, and with working farm dogs of the collie type. By the early 20th century the breed had taken its present form, and was in wide use in the region of Nova Scotia that centered on the Little River area of Yarmouth County. The breed was originally called the "Little River Duck Dog"�, and even now it is sometimes called the "Yarmouth Toller"�. In 1945 the Canadian Kennel Club recognized the breed, and fifteen dogs were introduced to the public. The first documentation of a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever having been brought to the United States is the year 1960, but it is likely that they were here earlier. Historians know that the practice of tolling with dogs was commonly practiced along the eastern coasts of the U.S. and Canada even in the mid-19th century, and by the dawn of the 20th it was all the rage up and down the coast from the Carolinas to the northernmost villages of Canada. Although the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever was likely occasionally used by hunters in America by the mid-20th century, it was several decades before serious breeders took note. The breed was finally recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2003, when it was categorized with the Sporting Group of dogs. The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a bright, active dog that needs a large amount of exercise, much of it outdoors. It does well with a family that is very active and with whom it can participate outdoor sports, camping and hiking are ideal. Its genetic heritage makes it a breed amenable to training off-leash, but when untrained or not supervised it should be confined within a high fence. The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever does best in a cooler climate; if kept in a warm climate it should be kept cool and monitored for heat stroke. The coat of the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever requires minimal care. It should be brushed a few times a week to discourage matting, especially of the under coat. Baths should be kept to a minimum to keep the waterproof quality of its coat. Because the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever has historically been a rare breed, its gene pool is fairly limited. This means that it sometimes exhibits common inherited health problems like hip dysplasia. Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), which causes blindness, is beginning to show up in the breed. Prospective owners should look for an experienced, responsible breeder who screens stock animals and offspring for these problems. The average lifespan of the Toller is 12-14, but individuals may live to be 16 years of age. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is loyal and family-oriented. It must have mental as well as physical stimulation, but is a quick and ready learner, always eager to please its handler. It is naturally inclined to obedience, but requires training to avoid boredom that may lead to unwanted behaviors. This breed is generally very good with children and with other household pets. Small children should be taught to be respectful, because the Toller can become impatient with rough play. Although not officially recognized before 2006, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever became AKC eligible to compete in agility and obedience in 2004. Within the first few months of eligibility the breed had earned 22 titles. With its keen intelligence, speed and eagerness to do its handler's bidding, the Toller still excels in these sports. And of course, as its fanciers point out, it may be the best gun dog there is!

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