Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers are energetic, playful, and smart dogs that do well as members of active, outdoorsy families.

Tollers are friendly with kids but often wary or reserved around people they don't know. Because of this wariness, they're unlikely to stand up to strangers and therefore don't tend to make good guard dogs.

Thanks to their hunting and retrieving background, Tollers have a strong prey drive and like to chase other animals. Homes with cats or other pets that won't appreciate this (usually harmless) game may not be a good fit for this breed.

An excited Toller is often a loud Toller. These pups have a high-pitched bark (more of a scream, really) that is piercing and frantic. Teaching a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever not to be vocal requires patience and persistence. Early socialization can help.

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers need a high-quality dog food that's appropriate for their life stage (e.g., puppy, adult, senior.) To meet this active breed's nutritional needs, consider a diet formulated specifically for medium-size dogs.

All dogs are at risk for obesity if they eat too many calories. Avoid accidental overfeeding by measuring out meals. And be sure to consider calories from treats when calculating their daily intake. As a general guideline, treats should make up no more than 10% of a dog's calories.

For most of the year, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers need only weekly brushing to stay looking their best. But during shedding periods (when they blow their coats), they require more frequent grooming.

It's important to trim a Toller's nails regularly, as long nails can cause pain or walking issues. And maintaining good dental hygiene is essential for any dog's overall long-term health. Aim to establish an at-home routine that includes regular teeth brushing and dental chews or toys, and talk with your veterinarian about professional dental cleanings.

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers are tireless dogs that need a lot of daily exercise to be happy. They enjoy all the usual dog sports such as flyball, hunt and field trials, agility, tracking, and obedience. These activities provide a physical outlet for their energy and a mental work out.

Long walks, jogs, and hikes are other great ways to provide exercise. But for a Toller, nothing beats retrieving. To win this breed's heart, throw a ball. And then throw it again. And again. And again. And… you get the picture.

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers are incredibly smart and relatively easy to train. However, a firm (but gentle) approach is usually required. If Tollers sense that their humans aren't in charge of the household, they will happily take on the role.

Tollers tend to be food-motivated. So, favorite treats make for compelling rewards during training sessions. But keep in mind, this breed is sometimes easily distracted. So, keep training sessions short or varied.