Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

"Tolling" dogs have been used since the middle of the nineteenth century in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence. Several hypotheses exist to explain the origin of these tolling dogs: crossings between Chesapeake Bay Retrievers and Golden Retrievers, or crossings made by Mr. Allen between a Flat-Coated Retriever and a Labrador Retriever, then a Cocker Spaniel and a Red Setter. In 1902, Ruddy, a tolling belonging to Mr. Patillo, was descended from a cross between an English Setter and an Irish Red Setter. Finally, farm dogs of the Colley type may have participated in the creation of the tolling. The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever was bred and selected in Nova Scotia from the early nineteenth century to obtain a dog for retrieval in icy water. Breeding was based on obtaining a red-coated dog resembling a fox, which would have the special property of attracting ducks out of the water. The breed gradually became known in Europe (especially Northern Europe). It is somewhat more widespread in North America. It was only recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale in 1982.

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is described in the Fédération Cynologique Internationale standard as an intelligent, enduring, responsive and very affectionate dog. It is a dog that adores retrieving and water.

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a medium-sized dog with powerful and compact appearance. The body is well-proportioned and well-muscled with medium to heavy bone structure. In action, the tail, abundantly fringed, wags constantly. Wide at its base, it reaches at least to the hock. The head, slightly wedge-shaped, is carried almost level with the top line. The almond-shaped eyes are well-set apart. Medium-sized, the iris is amber to brown in color. Set high and well back on the skull, the triangular ears of medium size are very slightly raised at the base and well-fringed behind the fold. The nose, lips and eyelid margins should be flesh-colored in keeping with coat color or black.