Collection: Personalised Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Gifts

Part of the Retriever family, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is one of the smallest of this breed group and the newest, first registered in 1988. Bred to lure and retrieve waterfowl, it is easy to mistake this dog for a Golden Retriever. They have a similarly loyal following particularly in America but are not as popular or as well-known in the UK as the Golden Retriever or the Labrador.

A great family dog, they are active and happy and are especially good with children with kind and obedient temperaments.

Bred to lure and then retrieve shot game birds, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a niche breed that originated in Nova Scotia on Canada’s Atlantic Coast. Previously they were called Little River Duck Dogs after the area, Little River, from where they originated and now they are known simply as ‘Tollers’ by aficionados.

The oldest record of this breed comes from 1890 and they are likely to have been the result of a cross-breeding programme with Golden Retrievers, Chesapeake Bays and Labradors.

Tolling comes from the Old English word, ‘tollen’ which means to entice and that is exactly what this breed is known for, they entire and lure whilst the hunter hides waiting to take a shot. Their new name came about in the 1950s and they first appeared in the UK in the 1980s. They are still relatively scarce so expect a wait if you want a puppy.

The Toller is a real outdoor dog and best suits a family who like to spend time outside in nature following active pursuits. They are reasonably easy to train and have a biddable temperament that is rational and kind.