The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever or "Toller" as it is more commonly called was only registered by the Canadian Kennel Club in 1945, although it’s origination dates back to the 1860’s. As it’s name implies this "Canadian Original" was developed in the Little River district of Yarmouth County, hence it’s original name of Little River Duck Dog. No one knows for sure exactly what breeds are in the Tollers’ background, however, most breeders agree that the Flat-Coated Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Cocker Spaniel, Irish Setter, Golden Retriever, Brittany Spaniel and farm collies may have all been a part of the Tollers’ history. The idea was to develop a dog that resembled the Red Fox, had strong retrieving and hunting instincts and was small, playful and intelligent.

The most unique feature of the Toller is his ability to toll or entice ducks. Tolling is not something that can be taught but is inbred much like pointing would be. To effectively use a tolling dog, the hunter will be well hidden in a blind, close to the water and downwind from the birds. A stick is then thrown for the Toller to retrieve and at such a point that the dog can be easily seen by the birds. When the Toller is sent for the retrieve he does it in a very quick and animated fashion enthusiastically waving his bushy tail, thus attracting the ducks’ attention. These retrieves may have to be continued for some time which is why a strong retrieving dive is essential. The whole time the Toller is aware of the ducks’ movement but should never overtly acknowledge them. Eventually, the curious ducks will swim closer and closer and when they are within range the hunter will call back his dog, flush the birds and then shoot. Then the Toller assumes his second role as a retriever and is sent for the dead or injured birds. Tollers also make excellent upland bird dogs.

The Toller is the smallest of the retrieving breeds with males being 19-20 inches and approximately 45-51 pounds, while females are 18-19 inches and 37-43 pounds. The Toller has a rich, luxuriant double coat of medium length which comes in various shades of red or orange usually accompanied by at least one of the accepted white markings. These markings are on the chest, a blaze on the face, feet and tip of the tail. The white tail tip is especially prized by many hunters as they feel that a flashing white tail tip helps attract the ducks.

The Toller is a bright, active and playful dog. They thrive on family life and seem to especially enjoy children. Most are well behaved and calm in the house but really come to life when taken out for retrieving practice. Tollers need a fair amount of exercise but since they are retrieving fools this is easily taken care of. Tollers get along very well with other dogs and males can usually be kenneled together with no problems. Tollers are very loving and loyal to their families but are not as "gushy" with strangers as a Golden might be.

Tollers are really starting to make their mark in the show ring, with many group placements by many different Tollers and a Best In Show win in Ontario last summer. This Best In Show was the fifth for the breed all won by different dogs. They are also doing very well in the obedience ring with several High In Trials, one being with a score of 199.5 ! !

Tollers make excellent pets and are quite versatile. We take part in conformation, obedience, working certificate training, flyby and agility. Toller breeders are few and far between especially compared to the number of Golden breeders. Standardizing type and controlling hereditary disease is what breeders are presently striving for. The hereditary problems are much the same as in most retrievers namely hip dysphasia, cataracts and Progressive Retinal Atrophy.