Are Tollers suitable for first-time owners?

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers are generally considered a better fit for owners with some experience. They are energetic and intelligent, so they do best with people who can commit time to training and play.

How much exercise do they need?

Bred to support hunters in the field, Tollers need a solid amount of daily exercise. Beyond walks, activities like fetch and swimming help keep them satisfied both physically and mentally.

Their water-repellent double coat tends to shed more heavily during seasonal changes. Regular brushing helps prevent matting and skin problems.

Can they be left home alone?

Because Tollers enjoy being close to their people, some can struggle with long stretches of alone time. Providing enough exercise beforehand and interactive toys, and building up alone time gradually, tends to help.

Are they easy to train?

Tollers are quick learners with strong comprehension, so consistent, patient training tends to go smoothly. Since they're also eager for mental stimulation, incorporating play into training sessions tends to work especially well.

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, often called the "Toller," is a medium-sized sporting breed developed in Nova Scotia, Canada, to lure ducks within range by playing and darting along the shoreline — a technique known as tolling. Tollers are quick learners with a strong retrieving drive and a playful, energetic spirit. Because they need both physical exercise and mental stimulation, they thrive with owners who can commit real time to training and play. Affectionate and devoted to their families, they tend to be a bit reserved around strangers at first.

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Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever key facts

Care level: Intermediate
Lifespan: 12-14 years
Size: Height 45-51cm / Weight 17-30kg
Diet: High-quality medium-breed dog food. Feed twice daily by age.
Temperament: Highly intelligent, trainable and patient. Strong retrieving drive and playful nature.
Exercise: 60+ min of exercise daily. A capable swimmer that loves retrieving and water play.
Coat Care: Abundant coat with feathering. Brush 2-3 times weekly.
Origin: Canada
Notes: Becomes frustrated without enough exercise and play. Watch for hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA).

TraitsIntermediateMediumRetrieverGundog

About Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

A medium-sized Canadian retriever bred to lure ducks along the shore. Playful, intelligent, and eager to retrieve, though better suited to owners with some experience. Lifespan 12-14 years, height 45-51cm, weight 17-30kg.

7 things to know before welcoming a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

1Needs Plenty of Exercise
Bred to work alongside hunters along the shoreline, Tollers need substantial daily exercise. Beyond walks, activities like fetch and swimming that satisfy their retrieving instinct help keep them content.
2Smart Minds Need Stimulation
Quick to learn and highly perceptive, Tollers can become bored without enough mental engagement. Regular training sessions and puzzle games help keep them both physically and mentally satisfied.
3A Natural Love of Water
With roots in luring ducks along the shore, Tollers instinctively enjoy swimming and water play. Access to a safe place to swim can be a great outlet for their energy.
4A Reserved Side with Strangers
While deeply affectionate with family, Tollers can be somewhat cautious around new people. Early socialization with a variety of people and environments helps them feel more at ease.
5Coat Care and Shedding
Their water-repellent double coat sheds noticeably during seasonal changes. Regular brushing helps prevent matting and skin issues and keeps their coat healthy.
6Plan for Time Alone
Tollers enjoy being close to their people and can grow anxious if left alone for long stretches. Giving them plenty of exercise beforehand and interactive toys can help ease long periods apart.
7Feeding by Life Stage
A quality medium-breed dog food split into two daily meals is a good baseline. Adjust portions to their growth stage and activity level to help maintain a healthy weight.

Frequently asked questions about Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

Q.Are Tollers suitable for first-time owners?: A.Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers are generally considered a better fit for owners with some experience. They are energetic and intelligent, so they do best with people who can commit time to training and play.
Q.How much exercise do they need?: A.Bred to support hunters in the field, Tollers need a solid amount of daily exercise. Beyond walks, activities like fetch and swimming help keep them satisfied both physically and mentally.
Q.Do they shed a lot?: A.Their water-repellent double coat tends to shed more heavily during seasonal changes. Regular brushing helps prevent matting and skin problems.
Q.Can they be left home alone?: A.Because Tollers enjoy being close to their people, some can struggle with long stretches of alone time. Providing enough exercise beforehand and interactive toys, and building up alone time gradually, tends to help.
Q.Are they easy to train?: A.Tollers are quick learners with strong comprehension, so consistent, patient training tends to go smoothly. Since they're also eager for mental stimulation, incorporating play into training sessions tends to work especially well.