Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever's are the smallest of all the retriever breeds. Tollers range in height from 17 to 21 inches at the withers, and weigh 37 to 51 pounds (17-23 kg); females are slightly shorter and lighter. Tollers are always a medium-sized breed, never large, however there has been a trend towards larger dogs in recent years.
Tollers should be slightly longer than tall (a ratio of approximately 10 to 9). However, they should not appear long-backed either.
The Toller is highly intelligent, alert, outgoing, loving, and ready for action, though not to the point of nervousness or hyperactivity. It is affectionate with family members and is good with children, showing patience. Some individuals may display reserved behavior in new situations, but this is not to be confused with shyness... The Toller's strong retrieving desire coupled with his love of water, endurance and intense birdiness, is essential for its role as a tolling retriever.
Health:
Tollers are generally hardy. However, they, like almost all dog breeds, have certain genetic disorders that are prevalent in the breed. This is sometimes blamed on a relatively small gene pool, a problem that is aggravated because some people buying Tollers only want dogs that are bred in Nova Scotia, believing that Nova Scotian dogs are the only "true" Tollers. The Toller's hereditary diseases include:
▪ Addison's Disease
▪ Progressive retinal atrophy
▪ Hip dysplasia
The average life span is about 12-14 years.
