Tollers

Toller Information

About Tollers

Learn about Tollers – from Health to Breeding and Dog Sports.

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The Canadian Kennel Club Standard

Learn about Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers: the origin, purpose, temperament and CKC breed standard.

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Buying a Toller Puppy

Are you thinking of adding a Toller to your family? Check out these great resources including the Toller Breeder Directory,

Questions to Ask a Breeder and more.

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Rescue

Sometimes Tollers need a little help. Check here to locate a Rescue contact or to learn if there are any Tollers currently in Rescue.

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Gallery

Browse our gallery of our members’ awesome Toller photos!

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Reference

Need some specific Toller information? This is the section for you!

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Member Benefits

Members of the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Club of Canada receive exclusive benefits.

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Reap the rewards benefits value

There are plenty of reasons to join the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Club of Canada – including valuable breed information, access to exclusive awards and scholarships, and more.

Share your love of the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever while receiving access to quality information, valuable resources, and great people!

There are dog people and then there are toller people.

Membership Benefits

  • Awards & Scholarships Eligibility
  • Access to Toller Talk
  • Valuable Toller Information
Membership Details
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Toller Facts

Did you know?

We're Almost 50!
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Club of Canada was established in 1974 and has enjoyed recognition from the Canadian Kennel Club as the official Canadian voice of this breed for 45 years. Our members are primarily from Canada, but many members hail from the U.S., Europe and Australia as well.
One of Five Distinct Canadian Breeds
The Toller is one of five distinct Canadian breeds, including the Newfoundland dog, Labrador retriever, Canadian Eskimo Dog and the now extinct Tahltan Bear Dog.
Toller origins
Originating from Yarmouth County, Nova Scotia the Toller was called the Little River Duck Dog for many years until the breed was firmly set and recognized as distinct and true. The province of Nova Scotia has adopted the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever as its provincial dog – the only breed to have received such an honour.
First Best in Show
The first Toller to be awarded Best in Show was CH Sproul's Highland Playboy CD. 'Mork' was bred by John and Mary Sproul and was owned and showed by Jim and Linda Barnes. Many Tollers have achieved Best in Show awards since.
Biennial National Specialty Show
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Club of Canada hosts a biennial National Specialty show to showcase the breed and to join owners and breeders together in a celebration of all things Toller. The 2022 National Specialty held in Long Sault, Ontario is the 20th event of its kind. Typically over 140 dogs are entered in conformation classes, obedience, rally obedience and field events over the specialty weekend. It’s also an opportunity for Toller enthusiasts to get together for informal and formal social events to share achievements and future plans.
Term "toller"
Tolling is a term applied to the action of the dog when out hunting with its human partner. The concealed hunter will toss a stick or a toy for the dog to fetch in sight of the ducks or geese on the water. The flash of colour and movement at the shore “tolls” the birds closer to shore within range of the hunter. Once down, the dog is sent out to retrieve the birds.
Small Size, Big Achievements
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is the smallest of the recognized retrievers, but is no way limited by its size when put to work. Their smaller stature is an advantage in ponds and marshes as they are easier to lift back into a small boat or canoe, but whether they are working from a boat or the shore, most Tollers are happiest when fetching the largest geese.

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Awards & Scholarships

Members of the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Club of Canada are eligible for many exclusive awards and scholarships.

Club Information

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Club of Canada is the official voice of Tollers in Canada. Established in 1974, the club was formed to promote and educate about the breed.

Toller Talk

This publication is a benefit of club membership and downloads are only available to members. For membership information and to access a membership application, please register.