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Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, or the
Toller as it is colloquially known, is used to lure or toll
birds within range of the hunter's gun. This is a trait that
is borrowed straight from the wily fox.
History:
The history of this breed is totally obscure.
If anyone knows which breeds were used in its development they
remain silent. Whatever the origin, the Toller appeared on the
horizon in the late nineteenth century in Yarmouth County,
Nova Scotia. The Canadian hunters had noticed that foxes
sometimes lured their prey close to the edge of the water by
playing on the bank - this is one case where curiosity does
kill the duck.
They developed the Toller to duplicate this
activity, and then to double as a retriever when the duck was
shot. The dogs have never been widespread outside their native
land, but are starting to become popular throughout the world.
Tollers can now be found in the US, the UK, and Australia.
Physical characteristics:
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a
medium-sized dog. Height: 17 - 21 in (43 - 53 cm). Weight: 37
- 51 lb (17 - 23 kg). The Toller almost resembles the fox that
it emulates. It has a richly colored coat that can be pale to
dark red, with paler feathering on the chest, underside and
back of the legs.
The Toller has a wedge-shaped head with dark
brown eyes and a brown or liver nose. The nose color is in
harmony with the coat. The medium-sized ears are set on the
side of the skull and hang down the sides of the head. The
stocky body is slightly longer than the dog is tall, but does
not appear elongated. The coat is medium-length, with longer
hair on the chest, neck, ears, legs, and tail. The tail is
bushy and is carried low.
Behavior:
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever makes a
good all-round dog for the owner who likes the outdoors. This
dog thrives on the attention its owner gives, and it is most
happy in its retrieving function. In most cases, this dog
makes a good family companion, but it is still wise to
socialize it with children when it is a puppy. The Nova Scotia
Duck Tolling Retriever can make a good watch-dog as long as it
is encouraged to bark just at the sounds you consider
important.
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