Toll is another word for lure. This dog was developed in the early 19th century to frolic along shorelines in full view of waterfowl. It occasionally disappears from sight, reappearing to fetch a stick or ball thrown by an unseen hunter. Curious ducks may move in closer to watch the dog s antics. The Duck Tolling Retriever is then sent out to retrieve any ducks that are shot.
Tollers come in various shades of red.
Bred to retrieve from icy waters, they have a water-repellant double coat of medium length and softness with a softer dense undercoat. Males weigh up to about 50 pounds. The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever could also be called the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling, Retrieving Watchdog, Show Dog and Pet. This medium-sized, powerful dog is versatile enough to fill all these roles. On top of everything else, it s Canada s only official provincial dog.