Also called Toller, Yarmouth Toller, Little River Duck Dog, Little Red Duck Dog · Retrievers, Flushing Dogs and Water Dogs · Canada: Little River Harbour
A bright, alert and very trainable dog that loves to retrieve and play.
what they are likeNova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever temperament
A bright, alert and very trainable dog that loves to retrieve and play. At rest many Tollers wear a slightly wistful look that switches to sharp focus and excitement the moment work begins. They are affectionate and outgoing with their own family and patient with children, while often staying a little reserved with strangers, so early and varied socialisation suits them well.1473
how to spot oneNova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever coat and colours
medium-length, water-repellent double coat
A compact, well-muscled, medium-boned retriever built for agility and endurance. Its weatherproof outer coat of medium length lies over a soft, dense undercoat, a combination bred for work in icy water, and its webbed feet help make it a powerful swimmer.128
Coloursredorangegolden redcrimsondark copperlighter feathering and tail undersidewhite markings (usually at least one of: tail tip, feet, chest, blaze)123
a typical week and yearThe care rhythm
A typical home-care rhythm for a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
BrushingDaily during heavy sheddingevery 3 days
Deshedding spring and autumnExtra brushing while the coat blowsevery day
Double coats insulate against cold and heat, so shaving is not recommended
Bathevery 10 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseAbout 120 minutes a dayevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year
how busy a day looksNova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever exercise needs
High energy. Plan for daily exercise (The Royal Kennel Club guides up to about an hour a day) plus retrieving games, swimming and training to keep the mind busy. Tollers thrive in dog sports such as agility, flyball, dock diving, obedience, tracking, hunt tests and field trials.874
where they are happiestNova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever at home
Adapts to a small house with a small to medium garden, provided it gets enough daily outdoor exercise. It is happiest with an active household and should not be left alone for long periods.87
who they like aroundNova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever with people and other pets
A people-oriented family dog that bonds closely and enjoys being included in activities. Can be cautious around strangers, so regular positive socialisation from puppyhood is recommended.79
the hands-on bitsNova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever grooming and care
Brush the double coat more than once a week and expect heavier seasonal shedding, when extra brushing helps keep loose undercoat under control.87
what goes in the bowlNova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever food and feeding
A complete, balanced dog food suited to a medium-sized, active breed, with portions matched to the dog's age and activity level.4
the things everyone asksOwner questions
How often should I feed my Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, and at what times?
Feed your Toller at least two meals a day for an adult, and three to four smaller meals for a puppy. Stick to regular times each day, and always follow the food label and your vet's advice on portions.410
What should a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever eat, and which foods are dangerous?
A complete, balanced dog food suited to a medium-sized, active breed is best. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, as these can be harmful to dogs.411
How often should I bathe a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever?
Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 10 weeks, but you can bathe more often if your Toller gets very dirty or has skin issues. Always use a dog-safe shampoo and avoid over-bathing to protect their water-repellent coat.12Pet Wiki plan
How often does a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever need brushing?
Brush your Toller's double coat more than once a week, and daily during heavy seasonal shedding to keep loose undercoat under control. Their medium-length, water-repellent coat benefits from regular brushing to stay healthy.87Pet Wiki plan
How do I trim a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever's nails, and how often?
Trim nails about every four weeks, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time and stop before the quick to avoid pain, and ask your vet or a groomer if you're unsure.12Pet Wiki plan
How much exercise does a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever need?
This high-energy breed needs daily exercise, with Pet Wiki's plan suggesting about 120 minutes a day. Include retrieving games, swimming, and training to keep their mind busy, and they thrive in dog sports like agility and flyball.874Pet Wiki plan
How do I look after a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever's teeth and ears?
Brush teeth two to three times a week with dog-safe toothpaste, and check ears weekly for moisture or debris, especially since floppy ears trap moisture. Never push anything into the ear canal, and ask your vet for guidance on cleaning.12Pet Wiki plan
How long does a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever live?
Tollers typically live between 10 and 14 years, with proper care and regular vet check-ups. Senior years usually start around age 8, so adjust their routine as needed.45Pet Wiki plan
Is a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever good with children and other pets?
Yes, they are affectionate and patient with children in their own family, and can get along with other pets when properly socialized. They may be reserved with strangers, so early and varied socialization is recommended.14739
Can a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever be left alone?
Tollers are people-oriented and bond closely with their family, so they should not be left alone for long periods. They adapt best to an active household where they are included in daily activities.87
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
what to watchNova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever health problems
The conditions the breed clubs and health schemes name for the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. Most animals of the breed never get them; this is what to ask a breeder or an insurer about.
Addison's disease (including juvenile form, JADD)
The adrenal glands stop making vital hormones, causing vomiting, weakness and collapse; it is treatable for life once found. DNA test for JADD is UK Kennel Club Best Practice and CHIC; UK club survey recorded adult cases; no published rate ↗
Steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis (SRMA)
Painful inflammation around the brain and spine in young dogs, with fever and a stiff neck; it usually responds to steroids. UK Toller club survey: 8% of 214 dogs reported ↗
Progressive retinal atrophy (prcd-PRA)
The retina slowly dies, ending in blindness; a DNA test shows if the parents are clear. UK Kennel Club Good Practice DNA test (a significant concern in the breed); no published rate ↗
Collie eye anomaly (CEA/CH)
A development fault at the back of the eye that is usually mild but can cause blindness; a DNA test finds carriers. UK Kennel Club Good Practice DNA test; club survey: 5% carriers among tested dogs ↗
Degenerative myelopathy
The spinal cord slowly weakens in old age, so the back legs drag; a DNA test shows risk. UK Kennel Club Good Practice DNA test; club survey: 33% carriers among 18 tested dogs ↗
Hip dysplasia
The hip joint forms loosely, which can mean stiffness and arthritis. Hip evaluation recommended by the Toller club (CHIC) and UK Kennel Club Best Practice; no published rate ↗
Tests a good breeder can show you
DNA tests for prcd-PRA, CEA/CH and degenerative myelopathy UK Kennel Club Good Practice ↗
DNA tests for JADD and degenerative encephalopathy (DE) UK Kennel Club Best Practice; CHIC / NSDTRC-USA ↗
DNA test for cleft palate (CP1) CHIC / NSDTRC-USA ↗
Hip evaluation (OFA or BVA/KC) CHIC / NSDTRC-USA; UK Kennel Club Best Practice ↗
Eye examination (CAER or BVA/KC/ISDS) CHIC / NSDTRC-USA; UK Kennel Club Best Practice ↗
From the breed club or a health scheme. Not veterinary advice: for your own animal, ask your vet.
per year, in your countryWhat a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever costs
Running costs for a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
by countryIs the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever legal where you live?
No breed-specific rule names the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever in the 61 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
Laws change and local rules exist; this is a sourced overview, not legal advice.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
told by a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling RetrieverA day in the life
I bounce out of bed before the alarm, my tail a blur. My human laughs and fills my bowl. After eating, I race to the door, ready for action. At the park, I spot a tennis ball and freeze, waiting for the throw. When it soars, I spring into a low run, catch it mid-air, and gallop back. I drop it at my human's feet and bark once. We play fetch until my legs are wobbly. Then we walk home, and I curl up on the sofa, already dreaming of the next game.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
where it all beganNova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever history
Tolling, the practice of using a dog's playful movements to draw curious waterfowl closer, was noted in the Nova Scotia region by the French colonist Nicholas Denys in the 17th century, and hunters are thought to have copied the idea from foxes, whose antics on the shore attract ducks. The modern breed took shape in the early 1800s around Little River Harbour in Yarmouth County, probably from a blend of retriever, spaniel, setter-type and farm collie dogs. The hunter would throw a stick or ball along the shoreline; the red dog's lively fetching drew ducks within range, and afterwards it retrieved the birds from the water. The Canadian Kennel Club recognised the breed and gave it its present name in 1945, but it stayed largely a Maritime secret until 1980, when two Tollers won Best in Show at all-breed championship shows. Nova Scotia made it the provincial dog in 1995. Abroad it reached Britain in 1988, the FCI accepted it definitively in 1981, the UKC in 1987, and the AKC admitted it to the Sporting Group in 2003.31329867
Standard No. 312, Group 8 (Retrievers, Flushing Dogs, Water Dogs), Section 1 (Retrievers), working trial breed; definitive acceptance 30 Nov 1981; current standard published 24 Jun 19876
Canadian Kennel Club
Recognised as a purebred breed in 1945, when it also received its current name3
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