Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retrievers are known to be very intelligent, alert, high-energy dogs. However, they should not appear long-backed. Tollers should be slightly longer than tall (a ratio of approximately 10 to 9). Tollers are always a medium-sized breed, never large however, there has been a trend towards larger dogs in recent years. They range in height from 17–21 inches (43–53 cm) at the withers, and weigh 40–55 pounds (18–25 kg), with females being slightly shorter and lighter. Tollers are the smallest of all the retriever breeds. The hair on the muzzle is short and fine. Featherings are soft and moderate in length. Some winter coats may form a long loose curl at the throat. The coat may have a slight wave on the back, but is otherwise straight. The Toller was bred to retrieve from icy waters and must have a water-repellent double coat of medium length and softness, and a soft dense undercoat. Dogs with white on the shoulders, around ears, back of neck, or across back or flanks, or with silvery, grey or black areas in coat are disqualified from conformation shows. The Toller has usually at least one of the following white markings: tip of tail, feet (not extending above the pasterns), chest, and blaze. Although very rare, there are chocolate/liver brown Duck Tollers. Even the lighter shades of golden red are deeply pigmented and rich in color. Ĭolor is any shade of red, ranging from a golden red through dark coppery red, with lighter featherings on the underside of the tail, pantaloons, and body. The tail is well feathered and held jauntily when the dog is excited or moving. The ears are triangular and set high and well back from the skull. Those who breed Tollers for conformation shows consider the head (clean cut, slightly wedge-shaped) to be an important feature, and believe it should resemble that of a fox and must never be blocky like that of a Golden Retriever. They should be of moderate build-a lack of substance or a heavy build are penalized by judges, as both detract from the type and athleticism. Conformation judges require Tollers to be capable of tolling, and physical faults that inhibit working ability are heavily penalized. According to the breed standards, the Toller should be athletic, well-muscled, compact, medium boned, balanced and powerful. The breed is often mistaken for small Golden Retrievers, but the Toller is more active, both physically and mentally. This Toller has the rich orange coat color and "foxy" head shape that are desirable for the breed The Toller was made the provincial dog of Nova Scotia in 1995. On June 11, 2001, it was approved for admission into the Miscellaneous Class of the American Kennel Club and was granted full recognition into the Sporting Group on July 1, 2003. Some consider that the breed came of age in 1980, when two Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retrievers were awarded Best in Show at championship events that included many breeds. The Toller was officially admitted to the Canadian Kennel Club in 1945. It may share origins with the smaller Kooikerhondje, which has a similar method of work. Its exact origins are not known but it appears that some Cocker Spaniel, Golden Retriever, or Irish Setter may have gone into the mix. The breed was developed in the community of Little River Harbour in Yarmouth County, Nova Scotia, around the beginning of the 19th century to toll waterfowl. They are particularly suited for retrieving in cold water climates because of their water-repellent double coat. The Toller then retrieves any downed birds. When the birds are close, the hunter calls the dog back to the blind, then rises, putting the birds to flight, allowing him a shot. After the duck is shot, the dog brings it to the hunter. The Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever was bred to "toll", or lure, ducks into shooting range by causing a disturbance near the shore.
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