The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is one of the most unusual breeds of gundog, at least in terms of how the dog works. The hunter stays hidden in a blind and sends the dog out to romp and play near the water, usually by tossing a ball or stick to be retrieved. The dog's activity and white markings pique the curiosity of waterfowl, who swim over to investigate. The act of enticing or luring game to approach is known as "tolling". When the birds are close, the hunter calls the dog back to the blind, then rises, putting the birds to flight, allowing him a shot. The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever then retrieves any downed birds.
Appearance
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever should be athletic, well-muscled, compact, medium boned, balanced and powerful. The chest is deep. Conformation judges require Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers to be capable of tolling, and physical faults that inhibit working ability are heavily penalized. They should be of moderate build—a lack of substance or a heavy build are penalized by judges, as both detract from the type and athleticism. The legs are sturdy and solid.
Those who breed Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers for conformation shows consider the head (clean cut, slightly wedge-shaped) to be an important feature, and believe it should resemble that of a fox and must never be blocky like that of a Golden Retriever. The ears are triangular and set high and well back from the skull.
The tail is well-feathered and held jauntily when the dog is excited or moving.
Temperament
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is highly intelligent, alert, outgoing, and ready for action, though not to the point of nervousness or hyperactivity. It is affectionate and loving 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 Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever's strong retrieving desire coupled with his love of water, endurance and intense "birdiness", is essential for its role as a tolling retriever.
As befitting a dog breed to play and retrieve tirelessly, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is very energetic and playful. You can not throw a ball just once for a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever! Everything they do is done with gusto, whether it's hunting, obedience, agility, or just walking around the block.
