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.
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