Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever - Dog Breed Profile

Author: Dooziedog.com

Key Facts:

Size: Small

Height: 43 - 55 cm (17 - 21.5 inches)

Weight: 17 - 23 kg (37.5 - 50.5 lb)

Life Span: 14 years

Grooming: Medium

Exercise: Medium

Feeding: Simple

Temperament: Playful & trainable

Country of Origin: Canada

AKC Group: Sporting

Other Names: Little River Duck Dog, Yarmouth Toller

Temperament:

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is high-spirited, friendly and sociable. These dogs are quick learners and enjoy working for their owner. They make enjoyable family pets and get along with other dogs and household pets. These retrievers are very patient with children and will alert their handler when they sense danger. The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retreiver is a lively and obedient companion.

Grooming:

The coat needs weekly brushing, but when it is moulting brushing needs to be more frequent to remove the loose hairs.

Exercise:

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers need a medium amount of exercise. They enjoy swimming and retrieving and can also do well in dog sports such as fly-ball, agility skills and obedience, with the right training.

History:

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers evolved in Nova Scotia in the early 19th century. They were bred to retrieve ducks from icy waters and excelled in swimming and retrieving. They are similar to other breeds that emerged from this part of the world including Newfoundlands and Chesapeake Bay Retriever, as they are all aquatic dogs.

Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Compact, powerful and attentive.

Color: Orange or red. White coloring is permitted on the chest, head blaze and tail tip.

Coat: Water resistant, double coated, medium length with smooth hair on the face. Plenty of feathering especially on the tail.

Tail: Long, well feathered, carried low at rest and is curved over when active (but not touching the back).

Ears: Set high, triangular-shape, of medium length and carried slightly erect.

Body: The body is deep-chested with well-sprung ribs. The brisket reaches to the elbow and the back is strong, short and straight. The loins are strong and muscular, with moderate tuck-up.

Additional Comments:

* These retrievers have a distinct method for trapping ducks and other waterfowl. They jump and play on the shoreline until their actions lure inquisitive ducks close enough for the hunters to shoot them. They then swim out and retrieve them. To 'toll' means to lure.

* The toes on Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers are webbed to help them swim quickly.

About the author: This article provided courtesy of http://www.dooziedog.com/dog_breeds/nova_scotia_duck_tolling_retr iever/