Apartment fit
A Toller can live in an apartment only when the owner provides serious exercise and manages noise carefully.
SportingMedium
Canada
CanadaNova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Weight
35-50 lb
Height
17-21 in
Lifespan
12-14 yrs
Coat
Double Medium
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a medium Canadian retriever bred to lure and retrieve waterfowl, with a red double coat and high working drive.
Smallest retriever breedDeveloped in Nova Scotia to toll and retrieve ducksRed or orange-red water-repellent coatHighly intelligent and energetic
Breed Names
Official, native, and commonly used variants
Toller
IntelligentEnergeticAlertPlayfulAffectionateDriven
Weight
35-50 lb
Height
17-21 in
Lifespan
12-14 yrs
Coat
Double Medium
At A Glance
Daily living snapshot
A quick read on energy, upkeep, and what day-to-day life with this breed usually feels like.
Energy
High
Barking
Moderate to High
Drooling
Low
Shedding
Moderate
Grooming
3/5
First-time owner
Yes
Overview
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, often called the Toller, was developed in Nova Scotia to toll, lure, and retrieve ducks. Tolling means playful movement along the shoreline that attracts curious waterfowl into range before the dog retrieves from water.
This is the smallest retriever, but not a low-energy pet. Males are typically 18 to 21 inches and females 17 to 20 inches. The coat is medium-length, water-repellent, and red or orange-red, often with white markings on the feet, chest, tail tip, or face.
Tollers are intelligent, intense, and often vocal when excited. They suit active owners who enjoy training, water work, retrieving games, and structured exercise. Health conversations should include hips, eyes, autoimmune disease, Addison's disease, and progressive retinal atrophy.
Temperament & Personality
IntelligentEnergeticAlertPlayfulAffectionateDriven
This breed tends to suit homes looking for a intelligent, energetic, alert companion, with daily rhythms shaped by high energy, moderate to high barking, and low drooling.
Coat type
Double
Coat length
Medium
Shedding
Moderate
Colors
Red, Orange-Red
Lifestyle Compatibility
Family Friendly4/5
Good with Kids4/5
Good with Dogs4/5
Good with Strangers3/5
Apartment Friendly2/5
Exercise Needs5/5
Grooming Needs3/5
Trainability5/5
Good fit if you want
- A family-friendly companion
- Room for routine exercise
- A more forgiving first ownership experience
Plan ahead for
- 5/5 exercise needs
- moderate shedding and coat upkeep
- moderate to high barking in daily life
Owner Fit & Everyday Behavior
Best for
- active owners who enjoy training
- retriever homes that want a smaller, intense dog
- people with access to safe water or field-style exercise
- families ready for daily mental work
Not ideal for
- low-activity households
- owners wanting a quiet couch retriever
- homes with no plan for excitement vocalization
- people away all day without exercise support
Common challenges
- excitement barking or screaming
- under-stimulation
- ear care after swimming
- intensity around toys and retrieving
Barking & behavior
Many Tollers vocalize when excited. Build quiet reinforcement, impulse control, and calm transitions around play.
Training style
Use positive training with variety, retrieving, water work, and problem-solving. Repetition without purpose can frustrate this clever breed.
Grooming & shedding
The medium double coat sheds moderately. Brush weekly and check ears after swimming.
Care Guide
Exercise
Most Tollers need 60 to 90 minutes of daily exercise plus retrieving, swimming, scent work, or training games. They are happiest with a job-like outlet.
Grooming
Brush the water-repellent double coat weekly and more during shedding. Check ears after swimming and keep feathering free of mats.
Training
Use reward-based training with variety and impulse-control work. Teach quiet skills early because excitement vocalization can become a habit.
Nutrition
Feed for a lean, active medium retriever and adjust portions around training, water work, and sport seasons.
Behavior & Environment
Energy level
High
Barking level
Moderate to High
Drooling level
Low
Watchdog ability
3/5
Guard dog ability
1/5
Climate tolerance
Cold weather4/5
Heat tolerance3/5
Health Considerations
Common concerns to discuss with your vet and breeder.
Hip dysplasiaEye disordersProgressive retinal atrophyAddison's diseaseAutoimmune diseaseEar infections
Frequently Asked Questions
What does tolling mean?
Tolling means luring ducks with playful movement along the shoreline before retrieving them after the shot.
Is the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever a large dog?
No. It is a medium dog and the smallest retriever breed, usually 17 to 21 inches tall.
Does the Toller need a lot of exercise?
Yes. Most need 60 to 90 minutes of activity plus retrieving, swimming, training, or other mental work.
Can a Toller live in an apartment?
It is possible for very active owners, but barking, excitement, and exercise needs make apartment life challenging.
What color is a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever?
The breed is red or orange-red, often with white markings.
Is the Toller good for first-time owners?
It can be, if the owner wants an active training partner and understands the breed's intensity.
What health issues should buyers ask about?
Ask about hips, eyes, progressive retinal atrophy, Addison's disease, autoimmune disease, and ear health.
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