A dog that is eager to please its master; Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a breed that shines among others because of its extremely energetic and playful behavior. Also called Tollers, this dog is an excellent companion if you are looking for thrill and excitement. People who are fond of engaging in sports should consider owning this little gundog. It is a reputable hunter during its early years of existence, but shifted its career as a competent athlete.
The versatile skillset of the Toller proves its effectiveness in the field. This dog is highly intelligent, which it uses to dominate in different sports. Having a size not as large as other retrievers would be a problem for this gundog. It showcases its agile and substantial movement with the help of its sleek body. If you are a person looking for a dog that could cope with your indoor and outdoor activities, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is definitely a breed you should own. It is a perfect combination of athleticism, stamina, and intelligence. In this article, we are going to look into the characteristics and origins of the proud sports dog: the Toller.
Origins of the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
The long name of the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever could be traced back to its place of origins. It came from Nova Scotia, which is a province in Canada. This dog originated in the 19th century when sportsmen in the province were in need of an energetic and small retriever dog to help them in the field. They ended up creating the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, which suits perfect for the job. This breed was initially known in different names: Yarmouth Toller and Little River Duck Dog, which were all derived from its place of origins.
In terms of Tollers’ hunting abilities, they showcase unique talent in the field. They were once called the “Decoy Dog” for its ability of imitating a fox, which is effective in capturing the attention of waterfowls. The Toller only needs to play fetch along the shoreline to make ducks turn their heads. The duck would then be lured to the fascinating retriever, which makes it easier for the hunter to fire his rifle. After finishing with a gunshot, the retriever will go back to its master with the waterfowl on its mouth. This skill proves to be useful in the field and is a rare trait for dogs.
Over the years, changes in the Toller’s employment occurred. This little gundog still proves to be a skillful hunter, but it does not spend much time in the hunting field. It adapted into a versatile working style, wherein eagerness is one of its primary assets. The Toller is always enthusiastic in making in owners proud; it always ready to give its complete effort when it comes its job. Interestingly, the Toller built its reputation as a sporting dog, thanks to its athletic body.
Characteristics of the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Height: 17 – 20 inches
Weight: 35 – 50 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12 – 14 years
Hypoallergenic: No
For starters, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a breed known for its medium-sized body. It could stand up to roughly twenty inches tall and weighs up to fifty pounds. The size of the Toller is relatively small compared to other retriever breeds, but this feature does help it excel in the field as a hunter.
The appearance of the Toller leaves people amazed. It has an iconic crimson coat that has variations, such as golden red and dark copper; white markings are also visible in its coat. Underneath its beautiful coat is a sleek and sturdy body, allowing it to be effective in the field. Its face resembles the appearance of a true retriever, mainly because of its eyes that express an affectionate and outgoing nature.
Moreover, the Toller gained recognition for its expertise in the field. Once a credible hunter that targets waterfowls, the Toller is now building its credibility as a sporting dog. The breed’s agile and energetic traits allow it to excel in sports. Plus its exceptional intelligence, the Toller surely is a clear definition of what a sporting dog is.