Buyer question
Is a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever good for beginners?
Usually not: our Animal Library rates the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever 2 out of 5 for beginners (needs an active owner).
Source: the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever page in the Everybarn Animal Library. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever in the Animal Library
The detail
The smallest retriever, bred in Nova Scotia to play along the shoreline and lure curious ducks within range, then fetch them from cold water. The Toller is quick, clever and intense, with a high-pitched scream when excited and a strong need for work.
- Temperament
- Alert, driven, affectionate
- Best fit
- Active owners, dog sports
- Trainability
- 4 out of 5 (Smart, can be stubborn)
- Energy
- 5 out of 5 (Hard exercise daily)
- Grooming load
- 3 out of 5 (Weekly brush, seasonal shed)
What to weigh
Tollers are busy dogs that need daily running and mental work, and many make a piercing scream when excited. They can be reserved with strangers and shed heavily twice a year.