Breed History:

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever originated in Nova Scotia, Canada, during the early 19th century. It was developed as a specialised hunting dog for a unique technique known as "tolling," where the dog's playful movements along the shoreline attract curious ducks within range of hunters. Once the birds approached, the dog would retrieve the fallen game from both land and water.

The breed is believed to descend from a mix of retrievers, spaniels, setters, and collie-type dogs, resulting in a compact yet powerful retriever with excellent stamina, intelligence, and swimming ability. Despite being the smallest of the retriever breeds, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is renowned for its versatility and excels in hunting, canine sports, and family life.

Today, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is admired as a loyal family companion, exceptional gun dog, and versatile sporting breed known for its intelligence, endurance, and distinctive tolling ability.

If you want to learn about other retriever breeds, check out our page "Different Retriever Dog Breeds". 

Size – Medium

Life Expectancy: 12–14 years

Breed Appearance:

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a compact, athletic, and well-balanced dog with a muscular build.

The breed commonly features:

• Wedge-shaped head
• Strong, medium-length muzzle
• Amber to brown, almond-shaped eyes
• Medium-sized, triangular folded ears
• Deep chest
• Strong, muscular neck
• Well-developed limbs
• Long, feathered tail carried with a slight upward curve

Its medium-length double coat consists of a water-resistant outer coat and a dense insulating undercoat, providing protection in cold water.

Common coat colours include:

• Shades of red
• Orange-red
• Golden red

Most dogs have white markings on the chest, feet, tail tip, or blaze, although these are not required.

The breed's rich red coat and athletic build reflect its heritage as a hardworking Canadian water retriever.

Breed Type – Sporting Dog:

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is an intelligent, energetic, and affectionate sporting breed.

It is known for being:

• Loyal
• Intelligent
• Energetic
• Playful
• Affectionate
• Alert

The breed forms strong bonds with its family and is generally good with children and other pets when properly socialised. It may be somewhat reserved with strangers.

Training:

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is highly intelligent and eager to please.

Training should focus on:

• Early socialisation
• Positive reinforcement methods
• Basic obedience training
• Advanced retrieving exercises
• Recall training
• Consistent leadership

The breed excels in:

• Field trials
• Hunt tests
• Agility
• Dock diving
• Obedience
• Search and rescue

Structured, reward-based training helps the breed become a reliable working dog and well-mannered companion.

Health & Care:

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is generally healthy but may be prone to several health concerns, including:

• Hip dysplasia
• Degenerative myelopathy
• Progressive retinal atrophy
• Collie eye anomaly
• Addison's disease
• Autoimmune thyroid disease
  

Routine veterinary care, responsible breeding, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight help support long-term health.

Living Conditions:

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever thrives in active homes where it receives plenty of exercise and family interaction.

Ideal environments include:

• Houses with secure yards
• Rural or suburban homes
• Active families
• Experienced or committed first-time dog owners
• Homes with access to parks, trails, or water

The breed prefers living indoors with its family and is not suited to prolonged isolation.

Exercise:

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever has high exercise requirements.

Recommended activities include:

• Long daily walks
• Swimming
• Retrieving games
• Hiking
• Agility
• Mental enrichment activities

Regular physical activity and mentally stimulating work are essential to maintain the breed's physical and mental well-being.

Grooming:

The medium-length double coat requires moderate maintenance.

• Brushing two to three times per week
• More frequent brushing during seasonal shedding
• Occasional bathing
• Routine ear cleaning
• Nail trimming
• Regular dental care

The breed sheds moderately throughout the year, with heavier shedding during seasonal coat changes.