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Breed profile

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

Small, fox-red retriever with a big work ethic and a famous high-pitched 'Toller scream' when excited.

Red Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever bounding through shallow water, spray flying
A Toller doing what Tollers do best.Photo: kallerna (edited by jjron) / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Weight
16–23 kg35–51 lb
Height
43–53 cm17–21 in
Lifespan
12–14 yrs
Group
Gundog / Sporting
Origin
Canada
Popularity
#69 US#63 UK · 2025

Known for: Running partnersWorking dogsFamily dogs

Energy
Shedding
Trainability
Barking
Good with kids
Flat-friendly

Temperament

Intelligent, Energetic, Affectionate, Outgoing.

Health problems to know about

  • Addison's disease
  • Immune-mediated rheumatic disease
  • Steroid-responsive meningitis-arthritis
  • Progressive retinal atrophy (prcd)
  • Collie eye anomaly

Ask breeders for the parents' health test results, and check what your national breed club recommends screening for.

Daily care

Two hours of activity a day, ideally retrieving and swimming, plus training to keep the mind busy. Weekly brushing, more when shedding.

A good fit for

Active owners, dog-sport fans, and families who spend a lot of time outdoors.

Probably not ideal for

Quiet homes, flats, and anyone who can't give daily exercise and training.

Sources

  1. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Dog Breed Information | American Kennel Club
  2. Retriever (Nova Scotia Duck Tolling) | Breeds A to Z | The Royal Kennel Club
  3. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever | Wikipedia

Popularity: AKC 2025 registration rankings (US); Royal Kennel Club 2025 registrations (UK, ranked by us). Breed traits are tendencies, not guarantees. Individual dogs vary, and mixed breeds and rescues can be wonderful fits too.

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