Sporting group

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

The smallest retriever — a fox-like, high-energy dog with a famous “Toller scream”.

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers are compact, athletic retrievers bred to lure ducks within range with playful antics. They are bright, affectionate and intense, and they need lots of exercise and mental work.

Height
17–21 in43–53 cm
Weight
35–50 lb16–23 kg
Life expectancy
12–14 years
Size
Medium
Group
Sporting
Origin
Nova Scotia, Canada

Coat: Medium-length, water-repellent double coat. Colours: Red, Orange, With or without white markings.

At a glance

Exercise Requirement4.5 / 5
20-30 min gentle walk2+ hours intense stamina
Indoor "Off-Switch"2.5 / 5
Restless / constantly searching for actionInstantly curls up and relaxes indoors
Trainability4.0 / 5
Strong independent thinkerEager biddable student
Mental Stimulation4.5 / 5
Content with routineNeeds a job or creates mischief
Affection Level4.0 / 5
Polite distanceConstant lap snuggler
Stranger Friendliness3.0 / 5
Naturally aloof / watchfulGreets every stranger as best friend
Child Patience & Safety4.0 / 5
Prefers quiet adultsRemarkably sturdy & patient
Other Dog Friendliness4.0 / 5
Strong solo-dog preferenceLoves pack play and multi-dog homes
Prey Drive4.0 / 5
Ignores crittersHigh pursuit instinct / fence chaser
Vocalization & Barking4.0 / 5
Nearly mute / quietWatchful alarm barker or howler
Shedding Level3.5 / 5
Minimal to non-sheddingHeavy year-round fur shedding
Grooming Burden3.0 / 5
Wash & wear coatDaily brushing + salon visits
Drool Tendency1.0 / 5
Dry-mouthedRequires dedicated slobber towels
Apartment Suitability2.5 / 5
Needs acreage or private runThrives in urban elevator apartments
Beginner Friendliness3.0 / 5
Demands experienced handlerIdeal forgiving companion for first-timers
Owner Demand Level3.0 / 5
Very forgiving for novicesRequires skilled firm handling

Ratings describe typical dogs of the breed on a 1–5 scale. Individual dogs vary with lines, upbringing and training.

Temperament

Tollers are clever, alert and affectionate with their families. They love retrieving and games and excel at agility, obedience and flyball. Many are reserved with strangers.

They are high-energy and can be vocal — the high-pitched “Toller scream” of excitement is well known. Under-occupied Tollers become restless and noisy.

Living with a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

Exercise

Needs 90 minutes or more of vigorous activity daily, including retrieving and swimming.

Grooming

Brush weekly, more during seasonal sheds. Trim the feet and ears occasionally.

Training

Very smart and eager, but easily bored. Keep sessions varied; teach a calm settle and control over vocalising.

Kids & other pets

Good with active children and other dogs. May chase small animals.

Time alone

Struggles with long periods alone; may scream, bark or chew.

Home fit

Best suited to a house with secure outdoor space; apartment living is hard on this breed and its neighbours.

Is a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever right for you?

Take the Breed Fit quiz to see how a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever matches your home, schedule and tolerance for shedding, barking and exercise — or find out which breed matches your personality with Dogsona.

Take the Breed Fit quizTry Dogsona →

Health

With good breeding and care, a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever typically lives 12–14 years. These are the conditions most associated with the breed — not a prediction for any individual dog.

  • Autoimmune disease

    Tollers have higher rates of immune-mediated conditions such as Addison’s disease and immune-mediated rheumatic disease.

  • Collie eye anomaly

    An inherited eye defect with a DNA test.

  • Progressive retinal atrophy

    Inherited vision loss detectable by the prcd-PRA DNA test.

  • Hip dysplasia

    Screened parents reduce the risk of joint disease.

  • Degenerative encephalopathy

    An inherited neurological disease with a DNA test.

Ask a breeder for

  • Hip evaluation
  • Eye examination
  • DNA tests: CEA, prcd-PRA, degenerative encephalopathy

Sources: OFA CHIC breed requirements: Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever; Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Club (USA). This is general information, not veterinary advice — talk to your vet about your own dog.

Cost to own

After the first year, expect roughly $1,200–$2,500 a year for food, routine vet care, preventives, insurance and supplies (US estimate).

  • Pet insurance for a puppy typically runs $30–$60 a month; premiums rise with age and breed risk.
See the full first-year cost breakdown →

History

In the 1800s hunters in Yarmouth County, Nova Scotia, used dogs that frolicked along the shore to “toll” (lure) curious ducks within gunshot range, then retrieved the birds. The technique may have been copied from foxes.

The breed was recognised by the Canadian Kennel Club in 1945 and is Nova Scotia’s provincial dog. The AKC recognised it in 2003.

Did you know?

  • The Toller is Nova Scotia’s provincial dog.
  • Tollers are the smallest AKC retriever breed.
  • The “Toller scream” is a high-pitched sound of excitement.

Library guides for Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever owners

Similar breeds

Frequently asked questions

Are Tollers good family dogs?
Yes, for active families who enjoy training and outdoor activity.
Do Tollers bark a lot?
They can be very vocal, especially the “Toller scream” when excited.
Do Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers shed?
Yes, moderately year-round and heavily during seasonal sheds.