This all came back to me when, in my current dog-buying mood, I learned from the good folks at Pheasants Forever that Lakota Retrievers would be at Pheasant Fest again this year. Apparently movements of some kind that attract ducks to shore, so hunters of yore could bag them easier (more on that below). Who in their right mind would give anything that long a name? And WTH was duck “tolling” anyhow?Ĭome to find out he wasn’t lying, and that duck tolling is this interesting/crazy thing these dogs do. In fact, when the guy I was talking to about the dog told me, I thought he was yanking my chain. I (Jay) had never seen nor head of a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever until the 2011 Pheasant Fest last winter. The Nova Scotia Duck-tolling Retriever was first recognized by the AKC in 2003.Another nice-looking Toller (source: ). The Toller is subsequently sent out to retrieve the dead or wounded birds. The dog's playful actions arouse the curiosity of the ducks swimming offshore and they are lured within gunshot range. 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 Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever was developed in Nova Scotia in the early 19th century to toll (or lure) and retrieve waterfowl. They learn fast and are generally willing to please, but bore easily and then can be a bit stubborn. Tollers may be initially wary of strangers, but warm up quickly. They are good with children, other dogs and pets. They are affectionate and gentle, but young Tollers can be overly boisterous at times. They are alert but not hyperactive, and can adjust to many circumstances. You cannot throw a ball just once for a Toller! Everything they do is done with gusto, whether it's hunting, obedience, agility or just walking around the block. A white blazeon the face, chest, tail tip or feet is characteristic, and may serve to make the dog's gamboling more noticeable to distant ducks.Īs befitting a dog bred to play and retrieve tirelessly, the Toller is very energetic and playful. A longer coat is not appropriate for a working dog, although the tail feathering should be long, adding to the emphasis of the wagging tail. Because they were bred to work in icy waters, they have a water-repelling double coat of medium length. The jaws are strong enough to carry a duck. Their powerful yet compact build enables them to rush around tirelessly, leaping and retrieving with tail always wagging. Bathe him only as needed, which shouldn’t be more than a few times a year unless he rolls in something stinky.īecause Tollers run as much as they swim when hunting, they are smaller and more agile than most other retrievers. As with most dogs, there is a certain amount of shedding year-round. Besides some thyroid and autoimmune problems, progressive retinal atrophy is starting to show up.Ĭonstant and Seasonal Shedding: Brush him daily during spring and fall, when he sheds heavily. With its limited gene pool, a corresponding increase in some health dangers has occurred. Hypoallergenic: NoThis is a healthy working breed that is increasing in popularity. ![]() Low Maintenance: Grooming is only necessary once in a while to maintain upkeep. It enjoys hunting or going for a walk, but swimming and retrieving are its favorite activities. ![]() The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever requires about an hour a day of strenuous exercise. Good with Kids: This is a suitable breed for kids and is known to be playful, energetic, and affectionate around them. ![]() The Nova Scotia Duck-tolling Retriever will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |