Breed Group
Also known as a Toller, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a handsome dog being the smallest of all the retriever breeds. They do look quite similar to a Golden Retriever and although they are popular as both companion dogs and family pets in the States, very few puppies are registered with The Kennel Club every year here in the UK. Tollers are a great choice for people who lead active, outdoor lives because these intelligent dogs love nothing more than to be out and about having an abundant amount of energy.
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever has an interesting history with records of their ancestors dating as far back as the 1890's. They were bred as working gundogs during the early part of the twentieth century and proved to be excellent retrievers. It is thought the breed was created by crossing Golden Retrievers, the Chesapeake Bay, Flat-Coated Retrievers and Labradors although Cocker Spaniels, working collies, Irish Setters and even spitz-type dogs may also have been used to produce the dogs we see today.
At first, they were known as the Little River Duck Dog or Yarmouth Toller, but in the late fifties when the breed was officially registered with the Canadian Kennel Club, their name was changed to the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. These charming dogs first appeared here in the UK in the 1980's and since then, the breed is slowing becoming a popular choice both as a companion dog and family pet. However, the number of Tollers registered with The Kennel Club every year remains quite low which means puppies tend to be hard to find.
