about Tollers

Agility

There are many organizations that offer agility events and titles for dogs. Even so, many people train their dogs in agility just for the enjoyment of developing teamwork with their dogs and the sheer fun of running together towards the same goal.

Some obstacles your dog would learn to navigate include contact obstacles such as the a-frame, teeter-totter, dog walk and pause table; open and collapsed tunnels, weave poles and various types of jumps, including a tire jump. Obstacles are placed in a different order for each event at progressively more difficult combinations to challenge you and your dog as you grow together as a team.

If you are wondering if agility is for you, check out local clubs. Usually they will allow you to sit in on a training session, or will give you dates of an upcoming local trial so you can watch and decide if this is a sport for you and your dog. You can teach your dog agility if you take the time to train slowly and keep it fun for the dog. Remember, if introduced correctly, it can be your dog’s version of an amusement park!

More information on agility registries and rules
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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Health

Much like any breed, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers face health issues. NSDTRCC has a long history of trying to meet these issues head-on.

Obedience

It can be practiced as something to keep dog and handler busy during the winter or as serious as traveling to many trials per year.

Field

Tollers can compete with other retriever breeds in all three areas of the Canadian Kennel: Working Certificate, Hunt Test and Field Trial.