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                      NOVA SCOTIA DUCK TOLLING RETRIEVERS
                                       
   
   
Author

     * Cindy Tittle Moore, 22 March 1993
       
   
   
   This article is Copyright 1993-1996 by Cindy Tittle Moore, PO Box
   4188, Irvine CA 92716. All rights are reserved. Individuals may
   download and print a copy for their personal use. Non-commercial
   distribution without profit is encouraged: in particular, NSDTR rescue
   organizations, NSDTR breed clubs, and NSDTR breeders all have express
   permission to freely distribute this article, provided this Copyright
   and the article remain intact, and provided the recipient is not
   required to pay for it. It may not be copied to another website nor
   otherwise distributed in whole or in part without the Author's written
   permission. Rather than copying it, please feel free to link to this
   article's web site or discuss how to get it. This way everyone has a
   good chance of getting the most up-to-date copy when they look for it.
   
   
   Revision history:
     * Mailing lists, web info of interest added. Nov 1995
       
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
Table of Contents

     * History
     * The Toller Today
     * Characteristics and Temperament
     * Frequently Asked Questions
     * Special Medical Problems
     * Recognized
     * Standard
     * Resources
       
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
History

   The earliest recorded references to the use of small red dogs to
   attract games is in the writings of Nicholas Denys, a 17th century
   colonizer of both Nova Scotia and New Brnswick. 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 most commonly accepted 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. There are many stories of their origin and no one knows
   for certain which, if any, is the true story. Although, the fox-cross
   story can be safely discounted!
   
   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.
     _________________________________________________________________
   
The Toller Today

   Today, the Toller remains a rare breed, although it is gaining favor
   rapidly in a number of places.
   
  Canada
  
   Tollers are enjoying a resurgence in Canada There is an ongoing effort
   to get a book out on the breed by a respected Canadian breeder, Alison
   Strang. The Toller was recently made the official dog of Nova Scotia.
   
  Sweden
  
   The little river dogs are quite popular in Sweden, where there are an
   estimated 2,000 Tollers. The first dogs were imported in the mid 80's
   and in 1995 there were some 250 new puppies, with more dogs imported
   from both Canada and Denmark.
     _________________________________________________________________
   
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
   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.
   
   While there is some split between hunting and show lines, the split is
   not as severe as in other breeds, especially Labrador Retrievers.
   There are a number of breeders who state in their advertisements that
   they only breed show dogs. Working level tests may indicate hunting
   potential but are never the same as actually hunting over the dog.
   Some of the show-only dogs tend to be longer in the back with a short
   upper arm in the front leg. The bone lengths in the front leg should
   be the same. Incorrect bone length results in a dog with poor
   structure that can't take a day in the field. The working dog on the
   other hand is compact as the standard states with correct bone lengths
   and can do the field work. These dogs also do well in the show ring.
     _________________________________________________________________
   
Frequently Asked Questions

   _Does AKC recognize this breed?_
   
     No, although there are current efforts underway to get the toller so
     recognized.
     
   _So this means I can't show this dog in conformation or obedience with
   the AKC?_
   
     This is correct. Remember, though, that since the breed is
     recognized by the SKC and the UKC, it is eligible for shows put on
     by these clubs.
     
   _Do tollers really have fox in their ancestry?_
   
     No. This is genetically impossible. They were simply bred to
     resemble foxes.
     
   _Are they easy to train?_
   
     Young tollers are rather distractible, as is generally true with
     retrievers. At about two years of age they reach a level of mental
     maturity that makes the training process easier. This is not to say
     that tollers can't be trained until this maturity arrives, but that
     while they learn quickly, they also bore quickly. Training sessions
     should be short and light, fun and challenging. It may be difficult
     to train them to do things that they were not bred for, as this is a
     dog with highly developed hunting instincts.
     
   _What is "tolling"? Do they really dance around on the shore?_
   
     Tolling means "luring" or "enticing." The dogs do not really dance
     at the shore. The hunter sets up several blinds by a large, calm and
     quiet lake. When the weather is good, a suitable blind is selected,
     and the dog is sent out to retrieve sticks and other material the
     hunter throws toward the shore. The toller goes directly out and
     fetches the stick like any good retriever. However, since tollers
     are a jaunty and animated breed, it is thought that the flash and
     bounce of their white points attracts the ducks. After a number of
     retrieves the ducks are within gunshot range and the toller is
     subsequently sent out after killed and wounded ducks.
     
   _Is tolling widely practiced in the US?_
   
     No. The conditions necessary: a large calm lake with little shore
     brush and no other hunters or distractions nearby, are not to be
     found in very many places. But since the dog is a competent flusher
     and retriever in traditional hunting, they still have the potential
     to be extremely useful hunting companions anywhere.
     
   _Would they make good watch dogs? Guard dogs?_
   
     They make very good watch dogs due to their inherent suspicion of
     strangers. But they do not make good guard dogs and should not used
     as such.
     
   _Are tollers a rare breed?_
   
     Yes. There are about 400 tollers registered with the US club, and
     about 3,000 registered world wide as of early 1993. The breed nearly
     died out in the two decades after it was recognized by the CKC, but
     has made steady, although slow, gains since then.
     
   _Does this mean I'll have a hard time finding a puppy?_
   
     Probably. You may have to wait some time for a litter, and you will
     likely have to have it shipped across the country to you. Litters
     are few and demand for the puppies high. On the other hand, it's
     possible to get the luck of a draw and have a puppy a few months
     after your phone call. Be prepared for the grilling you're likely to
     get from the breeders.
     
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
Special Medical Problems

   Tollers are subject to hip dysplasia and eye problems, but no more
   than most other retriever breeds, and less than Golden Retrievers. All
   breeding stock should be OFA'd and CERF'd before breeding.
   
   The Canadian and US Toller clubs each has a Code of Ethics that
   prohibits breeding dogs without having hip and eye certification. A
   CERF is no longer adequate. The major eye problem, PRA, cannot be
   picked up by a CERF examination. In order to detect PRA, a dog must be
   ERG'd (electroretinogram) by a qualified opthalmologist. Anything else
   is meaningless.
   
   Currently, problems with hypothyroidism and immune mediated problems
   as well as dwarfism are surfacing. For the most part, these problems
   are still extremely rare.
     _________________________________________________________________
   
Recognized

   Canadian Kennel Club FCI
   Kennel Club of Great Britain
   States Kennel Club
   Swedish Kennel Club
   United Kennel Club
     _________________________________________________________________
   
Standard

   (NSDTRC-USA -- Approved 1989)
   
   Origin and Purpose: The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever was
   developed in Nova Scotia in the early 19th century to toll (or lure)
   and retrieve waterfowl. The tolling dog runs, jumps, and plays along
   the shoreline in full view of flocks of ducks, occasionally
   disappearing from sight and then quickly reappearing, aided by the
   hunter, who throws small sticks or a ball for the dog. The dog's
   playful actions arouse the curiousity of the ducks swimming offshore
   and they are lured within gunshot range. The Toller is subsequently
   sent out to retrieve the dead or wounded birds.
   
   General Appearance: The Toller is a medium-sized, powerful, compact,
   balanced, well-muscled dog; medium to heavy in bone, with a high
   degree of agility, alterness and determination. Many Tollers have a
   slightly sad expression until they go to work, when their aspect
   changes to intese concetration and excitement. At work, the dog has a
   speedy, rushing action, with the head carried out almost level with
   the back and heavily-feathered tail in constant motion.
   
   Temperament: The Toller is highly intelligent, easy to train and has
   great endurance. A strong and able swimmer, he is a natural and
   tenacious retriever on land and from water, setting himself for
   springy action the moment the slightest indication is given that
   retrieving is required. His strong retrieving desire and playfulness
   are qualities essential to his tolling ability.
   
   Size: Ideal height for males over 18 months is 19-20 in. (when breed
   standards are converted to metric, the figures 48-51 cm. should be
   used); females over 18 months 18-19 in. (when breed standards are
   converted to metric the figures 45-48 cm. should be used). 1 in. (when
   breed standards are converted to metric the figure 2.5 cm. should be
   used) over or under ideal height is allowed. Weight should be in
   proportion to the height and bone of the dog (guidelines 45-51 lbs,
   when breed standards are converted to metric, the figure 20-23 kg.
   should be used, for adult males; bitches 37-43 lbs., when breed
   standards are converted to metric, the figures 17-20 kg. should be
   used).
   
   Coat and Color: The Toller was bred to retrieve from icy waters and
   must have a water-repellant double coat of medium length and softness
   with softer dense undercoat. The coat may have a slight wave on the
   back, but is other wise straight. Some winter coats may form a long
   loose curl at the throat. Featherings are soft at the throat, behind
   the ears and at the back of the thighs, and forelegs are moderately
   feathered. Color is various shades of red or orange with lighter
   featherings and underside of tail, and usually at least on of the
   following white markings - a tip of tail, feet (not extending beyond
   the pasterns), chest and blaze. A dog of otherwise high quality is not
   to be penalized for lack of white. The pigment of the nose, lips and
   eye rims to be flesh-colored, blending with coat, or black.
   
   Head:
     * a) Skull: The head is clean-cut and slightly wedge shaped. The
       broad skull is only slightly rounded, the occiput not prominent
       and the cheeks flat. [...] the head must be in proportion to body
       size. The stop is moderate.
     * b) Muzzle: Tapers in a clean line from stop to nose, with the
       lower jaw strong but not prominent. The underline of the muzzle
       runs almost in a straight line from the corner of the lip to the
       corner of the jawbone, with depth at the stop being greater than
       at the nose. Hair on the muzzle is short and fine.
     * c) Nose: Tapers from bridge to tip, with nostrils well open. Color
       should blend with that of the coat or be black.
     * d) Mouth: Lips fit fairly tightly, forming a gentle curve in
       profile, with no heaviness in flews. The correct bite is tight
       scissors, full dentition is required. Jaws are strong enough to
       carry a sizeable bird, and softness in mouth is essential.
     * e) Eyes: Set well apart, almond shaped, medium size, set high and
       well back on the skull with the base held very slightly erect;
       well feathered at the back of the fold, hair short at the rounded
       tips.
       
   Neck: Strongly muscled and well set on, of medium length, with no
   indication of throatiness.
   
   Forequarters: Shoulders should be muscular with the blade well laid
   back and well laid on, giving good withers sloping into short back.
   The blade and upper arm are roughly equal in length. Elbows should be
   close to the body turning neither in nor out, working cleanly and
   evenly. The forelegs should appear as parallel columns straight and
   strong in bone. The pasterns are strong and slightly sloping. The
   strong webbed feet are of medium size, tight and round with well
   arched toes and thick pads. Dewclaws may be removed.
   
   Body: Deep-chested with good spring of rib, brisket reaching to the
   elbow. The back is short and straight, the topline level, the loins
   strong and muscular. The ribs are well sprung, neither barrel shaped
   nor flat. Tuck up is moderate.
   
   Hindquarters: Muscular, broad and square in appearance. Rear and front
   angulation should be in balance. Thighs are very muscular, upper and
   lower sections bent approximately equal in length. Stifles are well
   bent and hock well down, turning neither in nor out. Dewclaws must not
   be present.
   
   Tail: Following the natural very slight slope of the croup, broad at
   the base, luxuriant and well feathered, with the last vertebra
   reaching at least to the hock. The tail may be carried below the level
   of the back except when the dog is alert, it curves high over though
   never touching the body.
   
   Gait: The Toller combines an impression of power with a springy gait,
   showing good reach in front and a strong driving rear. Feet should
   turn neither in nor out and legs travel in a straight line. As speed
   increases, the dog should single track, with the topline remaining
   level.
   
   Faults: (to be penalized according to degree)
   Dogs more than 1 in. (2.5 cm.) over or under ideal height.
   Tail too short, kinked or curled over touching the back.
   Lack of substance in the adult.
   Abrupt stop. Large, round eyes.
   Nose, eye rims, and eyes not of prescribed color.
   Bright pink nose. Open coat.
   Splayed or paper feet, down in pasterns.
   Roached, sway back, slack loins.
   Tail carried below level of back when dog gaiting.
   
   Disqualifications:
   White on shoulders, around ears, on back of neck, across back of
   flanks.
   Silvery coat, grey in coat, black areas in coat.
   Lack of webbing in feet.
   Undershot bite, wry mouth.
   Overshot bite, by more than 1/8 in.
   In adult classes, any shyness.
   Butterfly nose.
   Any color other than shades of red or orange.
     _________________________________________________________________
   
Resources

  Books
  
   There are NO books on the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. Gail
   McMillan started a book project with Alpine and has brought in Alison
   Strang of the Westerlea Kennel to help. The book is billed for release
   sometime in 1996.
   
  Articles
  
   _ Canadian Kennel Club Book of Dogs: Centennial Edition_. (Short
   description, contains Canadian standard.)
   
   McClure, Bill. "Canada's Unique Toller," in _Gun Dog Magazine_,
   Nov/Dec 1986. (2 pages.)
   
   Spencer, James B. "The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever: A Breed in
   Transition," in _Wildfowl Magazine_, December/January 1986/1987. (Four
   pages.)
   
   Spencer, James B. _Hunting Retrievers: Hindsights, Foresights, and
   Insights_, Alpine Publications, 2456 E. 9th St., Loveland, CO 80537,
   1989. Contains a chapter describing the Toller.
   
   Wolters, Richard. _Duck Dogs -- All About Retrievers_, Penguin Group,
   Penguin Books USA Inc, New York, first printing April 1990. (A very
   interesting historical recounting of a NSDTR at work and some good
   information on the breed.)
   
   Rand, Vicki. "The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever in H.R.C." in
   _Hunting Retriever_, August/September 1990 pp37-38. (Short 2 page
   article, color pictures.)
   
   Rand, Vicki. "Dog Breeds of the World -- The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling
   Retriever," in _Bloodlines_, September/October 1990, pp 28-33.
   (Essentially the same as above article; more pictures.)
   
   Howard, Jeff. "The Truth About the Tolling Dog," in _Michigan
   Sportsman_, Sept. 1991. (Several pages, photos.)
   
   Botner, Gretchen. "Here's the Nova Scotia Duck Toller", in _Dog
   World_, April 1992 (v77n4), Maclean Hunter Publication. (Cover and
   feature article 3.5 pages with color photos.)
   
   Strang, Allison. "The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever," in _The
   Sporting Life Magazine_, May/June 1992. (4.5 pages with color photos.)
   
   
   MacMillan, Gail. "The Pleasingest Puppy," in _Dog World_, October
   1992. pp 36-39. (3.5 pages, color photo.)
   
  Breeders
  
   For a list of breeders in Canada, contact:
   
   Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriver Club of Canada
   (see address below)
   
   For a list of breeders in the US, contact:
   Sue Van Sloun
   Box 116
   Westport Pt, MA 02791
   508-636-5386
   (Canadian breeders that are members of the US Club are also listed.)
   
  Breed Clubs
  
   Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Club (USA)
          Cathy Thompson
          11631 Shawnee Rd., Leigh, FL 33913
          
          Club information and membership applications
          
   Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Club of Canada
          Lynn E. Vail, secretary
          # 802 , 719 Princess Street, New Westminster, British Columbia,
          V3M 6T9; (604) 524-3775
          
        
                
        Ontario Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Club
                Barb Mitchell, secretary
                RR #2, Rockwood, Ontario, Canada N0B 2K0
                
   
          
   Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrieverklubben (Sweden)
          Nina Larson Ehnage, Sarvstigen 2, S-18130 Liding, Sweden
          Club newsletter "Tollaren" is edited by Irina Tollestam, at
          toll@oden.se.
          
  Miscellaneous
  
   You can get 3 8.5x14 color copy sheets of Tollers (adults, puppies and
   hunt photos) by sending (US) $5.75, payable to G. Botner, to 951 Moon
   Court, Marco Island, FL 33937. Expense is for postage and materials
   only (non-profit).
   
  Online Information
  
   Websites include:
     * Working Retriever Central, at http://starsouth.com/wrc/
     * North American Hunting Retriever Association, at
       http://www.cvm.okstate.edu/~ACVA/nahra/nahrafaq.htm
       
   Mailing lists include:
     * The Hunting Retriever mailing list. Send email to
       majordomo@law.uark.edu, with subscribe HUNTING-RETRIEVER in the
       body of the mail message to join.
     * The Gundog-L mailing list (gatewayed to rec.hunting.dogs). Send
       email to listserv@tamu.edu with subscribe GUNDOG-L yourfirstname
       yourlastname in the body of the mail message to join.
       
   
     _________________________________________________________________
   
   
    Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever FAQ
    Cindy Tittle Moore, rpd-info@netcom.com
