Breed history

Written by Administrator

Thursday, 23 July 2009 18:44

The earliest recorded references to the use of small red dogs to attract game is in the writings of Nicholas Denys, a 17th century colonizer of both Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. Denys does not state where the dogs came from (speculation is Belgium, where they were used to lure waterfowl into nets) but does comment on their retrieving ability which was not present in Europe's dogs. Whether these dogs are the early Toller ancestors, no one knows.

The traditional version of their origin is that a James Allen (or Allan) obtained a liver-colored flat coated retriever in 1860. This dog was crossed with a short coated retriever similar to a Labrador, probably a Lesser St. John's Water Dog (now extinct, but in the backgrounds of Labradors, Chesapeakes, and Newfoundlands). Puppies from this cross were then bred with brown cocker spaniels and finally Irish Setters for the red color. It is also speculated that farm collies, Golden Retrievers, and Chesapeake Bay Retrievers may have played a part.

In their book, Strang and MacMillan outline a persuasive case for the Tollers being descended at least in part from the Dutch "cage dogs" called Kooikerhondje. These dogs are strongly similar to Tollers in physical appearance. In addition, these dogs were used to entrap water fowl as follows: A large pond with radiating arms away from the pond (so that one arm could always be chosen according to wind conditions to keep the birds from scenting the human or dog). The Cage Dogs ran between alternating screens so that the ducks caught glimpses of the dog (very much like modern day tolling) and thus drew the ducks away from the central pond and into one of the arms, or channels. The channels were constructed to narrow and entrap the ducks at the end with nets. In this way, large numbers of fowl could be captured quickly without the need for guns or other expensive equipment. The authors speculate that the practice emigrated from the Netherlands to England and thence to the Yarmouth district, potentially many decadesbefore their traditional beginnings.

Through the efforts of Cyril Colwell, the breed was recognized by the Canadian Kennel Club in 1945 and at that point christened the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. However, the breed threatened to lapse into obscurity again; the breed had to be re-registered in the late 1950's. In the 1960's, Eldon Pace and Avery Nickerson carried on the torch for the Toller and dedicated themselves to producing the finest

hunting dogs possible.

In 1980, two Tollers won Best In Show at separate shows, piquing the interest of serious fanciers and breeders. Tollers have made steady gains since then, going on to participate in other current-day

activities such as obedience and flyball with gusto and racking up further gains in the breed ring. In 1988, the Canadian Kennel Club's centenary was marked by the issue of stamps bearing the likeness of quintessential Canadian breeds. These were the Tahltan Bear Dog, the Canadian Eskimo Dog, the Newfoundland, and, of course, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. In 1995, Nova Scotia picked the Toller as its official dog, thus marking 50 years of recognition by the CKC.

Characteristics and Temperament

Affectionately known as the "Toller," this breed was once called the Little River Duck Dog since it was developed in the Little River district of Yarmouth County, Nova Scotia. This engaging dog is a

specialist with waterfowl. Tolling, or luring, is the practice of tricking ducks within gunshot range. Hunters had long observed this behavior in foxes and deliberately bred a small fox-like dog to make

use of tolling in their own hunting. Tollers are powerful, medium-sized sporting dogs, intelligent and keen workers. Males measure 19 to 20 inches at the shoulder and weigh from 45 to 51 pounds; females average one inch less and weigh from 37 to 43 pounds. The coat is medium long with a dense undercoat in red or orange. It may be marked with white on the tip of tail, chest, feet and forehead. The tail is long and heavily coated, and full of action when the dog is tolling. The coat is a true retriever double coat; the harsh outer coat waterproofs while the under coat insulates. The dogs are described as excellent hunters -- some giving their owners a look of disgust if the shot is missed -- willing to work in cold and wet conditions. While the breed was developed for waterfowl, many are used in the upland. They are equally comfortable whether the scent is on the ground or in the air. Well trained dogs hunt close and don't roam, but enthusiasm can easily run away with good field manners! They take well to obedience and some have been used successfully as therapy dogs.