Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

"Thanks" to the AKC registering them in July of 2003 (and millions of people seeing them on TV worldwide on westminster..), they aren't really what I'd consider rare anymore. In fact, there are very few people now who don't know what a Toller is anymore. I hope they don't get any more popular than they're becoming as they truly aren't a breed most people can handle.

Tollers are extremely active dogs and many Toller people compare them to herding breeds such as Border Collies and Aussies. However, they're not quite as active as a Border Collie. They're more comparable to an Aussie as far as energy and activity goes, though that also depends on the dog. I know Tollers who can easily keep up with a Border Collie and often the Borders get worn out gicker, and then I kow Tollers who tire easily while a Border Collie can keep going and going. Tollers, unlike the Aussie and the BC are obviously in the sporting group as opposed to the herding group obviously so they will have differences.

Tollers do tend to be fairly vocal dogs, some worse than others. The ones I know aren't really barky, but they do whine quite a bit and tend to make sort of moaning noises often when they're bored or frustrated. Some/a lot also scream. It is an extremely unpleasant noise and they do it when they're excited and/or anxious. [linkhttp://video.google.ca/videoplay?docid=424593928446760396&q=Toller+scream]Here[/link] is a link to one variation of the scream. His scream isn't at all as intense or high pitched as they come though but it's the only decent video I could find.

The Toller is my breed of choice, and truly the only breed I will own at all times in my life. I love absolutely everything about them (well, except for their scream...lol). I'll try to share as much as I can about them with you, and I'm sure I'll end up saying some stuff you already know but I hope I can help.

The Toller is a medium sized breed. Females are between 18-20" tall, and weigh between 37-43lbs. Males are between 19-21" and weigh between 45-51lbs.

I'm not sure if you have cats or other small animals, but Tollers do often have a strong prey drive and I'd never trust one alone with a cat or small animal (I'd never trust any breed alone with a smaller animal though). Just make sure you're watching the Toller at all times and don't leave it unattended with something they may consider as prey. I've loved Tollers all my life and have been researching them for atleast 10 years now...which is a long time considering I can't even have a purebred until 2008. Tollers are very high energy, high drive dogs. They need something to do, or else they will find a way to amuse/entertain themselves. They can and will become destructive if not stimulated enough each day. They require a lot of exercise, but they will lay down in the house while you want to watch TV or something. I have a Toller/Border Collie mix at the moment. She gets 2 jogs a day, aswell as a walk which ends up in a romp/play/run/obedience practice aswell in a nearby field. Now, they don't neccessarily need 2 jogs a day, that is just something I like to do. They do need atleast an hour (preferably more) of playing/retrieving each day aswell as mental stimulation. Tollers love to work, they love to please. However, that being said, they do get bored if you repeatedly do the same thing over and over again. They thrive on learning new things. Tollers can also be somewhat stubborn and if they don't see a point in whatever you're teaching them, they'd prefer not to learn it. Owning a Toller is like having a 2 year old child for 12-14 years. Tollers must be socialized tons and I think it is wise to take them to puppy classes and atleast one set of obedience classes simply for socializing if you don't live in an area where you frequently encounter other dogs. If they aren't socialized, they can become very fearful around new things and I've known a few to become fear biters and barkers due to lack of socialization as a young pup. Socializing has to continue for the rest of the dogs' life aswell, not just as a pup. Tollers love to be with their family. I find that they, in general, much prefer people over other dogs (they do get along with other dogs though). That being said, they don't get thrilled to meet strangers like a Golden or other sporting breeds do. They don't like to be left alone for long periods of time, but a lot of breeds don't.  I'm sure I missed something, but if you have an specific questions I'd be happy to try and answer them for you.

Here's a link to the [linkhttp://ca.geocities.com/ontoller@rogers.com/DoNOTBuy.html]"Top 10 Reasons Not to Get a Toller"[/link]....they aren't bad things (in my opinion), but it is full of information and includes info about the breed that a lot of people prefer not to deal with in a dog.
 
If you're really interested in the breed, I'd be more than happy to help you find a breeder if you tell me which province you live in (as I see you also live in Canada) or give you more info about them . I love talking about Tollers and I don't get to do it often!

Thanks so much Orangedog! I knew some of the general info in there but definitely not all of it. Those "10 reasons not to get a Toller" were interesting, as well. I'm actually looking for a friend and after really considering it I'm thinking that this breed wouldn't be suitable for her. Beautiful, intriguing breed though []

Glad I was able to provide some useful information!  It wouldn't hurt to spend some time with a few Tollers though at a show or something (many breeders will even allow you to visit their dogs at home if you have any interest in them, so again, if you'd like I can help you find a breeder). Re-reading my post, I kind of made them sound like spazzy, crazy dogs. They aren't. They just need a job to do. They can and will laze around the house with you happily, provided you toss the ball for a while in the house, work on some obedience skills, give them a kong with peanut butter, or something else to keep their mind stimulated, etc. Like I said though, they certainly aren't the breed for everyone and I hope you and your friend are able to find a breed suitable for her.