Toller, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

Origin
The breed with the long name, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, but commonly referred to by the slightly simpler name "Toller," originally comes from Canada and was developed on the Nova Scotia peninsula in the early 1800s. The breed didn't arrive in Sweden until the 1980s. There are different theories about its origins, but it is believed that the Toller was developed by crossing various breeds, including the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Newfoundland dog, and probably also the Irish Red Setter — from which the beautiful red colour is presumed to have originated. The Toller is the smallest of the retriever breeds and, like the other retrievers, is bred to retrieve waterfowl. Therefore, they should be brave, willing to work, independent, alert, persistent, and good swimmers. However, what sets the Toller apart from other retriever breeds is that it also works before the shot. The Toller's appearance is no coincidence; the red coat, possibly with white markings, catches the waterfowl’s interest. The Toller's characteristic luring of waterfowl, or tolling, works by the Toller playfully running along the water's edge, either on its own or with the hidden handler throwing various objects that the Toller playfully retrieves back to the handler. This causes the waterfowl, which may be resting in groups far out on the lake, to approach out of curiosity and eventually come within shooting range of the hunter. Afterwards, the Toller retrieves the shot game.

Use Today
Today, the Toller is still mainly used for retrieving and tolling hunting, and the breed club is very keen that it remains a reliable hunting dog, preserving its origins. However, the Toller is also a very versatile all-round breed that is excellent for a variety of dog sports. Many Tollers are, and have been, very successful in everything from obedience, agility, and rally obedience to nose work, tracking, and much more. The Toller is an energetic breed that requires an active lifestyle where it can use both its body and intelligence.

Tolling Hunting/Tolling Hunting Trials
The Toller has its own hunting trial in which only Tollers are allowed to participate. This trial is called the tolling hunting trial and is divided into three classes: novice, open, and elite. The trials aim to test the dog's hunting abilities, obedience, cooperation with its handler, and willingness to find and retrieve game. After a completed trial, the team can receive awards for their work. The awards are Good, Very Good, and Excellent, with the latter being the highest achievable. There is also Not Sufficient, meaning the team did not earn an award in that trial. The trials consist of various parts that the judge evaluates. The parts include tolling, passivity, reaction to shots, steadiness, marking ability, water passion, memory, search ability, endurance, and the willingness to retrieve. In the higher classes, the dog's ability to be directed is also assessed. The purpose of the tolling hunting trials is to evaluate the participating dogs' hunting skills in a manner consistent with hunting practices, for the benefit of breeding work, and it is also a very fun sport to perform with your Toller. There is something truly special about watching a breed do what it was originally bred for.

My Hunting Favourites From Pinewood
Personally, I like stylish and practical equipment when I train and compete with my dogs. Pinewood offers plenty of clothing specifically for these purposes. Something I can't live without in my dog training is a good dog handler's vest with many pockets and a large practical back pocket where I can fit many of the necessary accessories I need for my training. Flexible and durable functional trousers is also a must for me, as I often move in terrain that can be hard on my clothes. I train in all sorts of weather, rain and sun, and Pinewood really has something suitable for all occasions. Scroll down to see some of my absolute favourites from Pinewood.

/ Author: Amanda Pettersson; Toller owner, Toller breeder, and proud Pinewood ambassador. (@The.pawsome.league)