theNova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

Intelligent, Outgoing, Affectionate
Sporting Group Sporting Group

meet theNova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

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The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is AKC's 150th breed.

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at aGlance

Energy & Size

high ENERGY &
medium size

AKC Dog Ranking

99th
Most Popular Breed

Personality

  • Check Affectionate
  • Check Intelligent
  • Check Outgoing
Smart, outgoing, busy; as affectionate and eager to please as any good retriever.

theBreed Standard

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Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Breed Standard Illustration 01 02 03 04 05 06

  • General Appearance

    This medium sized, powerful, compact, balanced dog is the smallest of the retrievers. The Toller's attitude and bearing suggest strength with a high degree of agility. He is alert, determined, and quick, with a keen desire to work and please.
    Many Tollers have a slightly sad or worried expression when they are not working. The moment the slightest indication is given that retrieving is required, they set themselves for springy action with an expression of intense concentration and excitement. The heavily feathered tail is held high in constant motion while working.

  • Head

    The head is clean-cut and slightly wedge shaped. The broad skull is only slightly rounded, giving the appearance of being flat when the ears are alert. The occiput is not prominent. The cheeks are flat. The length of the skull from the occiput to the stop is slightly longer than the length of the muzzle from the stop to the tip of the nose. The head must be in proportion to body size.

  • Body

    Neck, Backline, Body: Neck - The neck is strongly muscled and well set on, of medium length, with no indication of throatiness. Backline - Level. Faults - roached or sway back. Body - The body is deep in chest, with good spring of rib, the brisket reaching to the elbow. Ribs are neither barrel shaped nor flat. The back is strong, short and straight. The loins are strong and muscular, with moderate tuck-up. Fault - slack loins.

  • Forequarters

    The shoulder should be muscular, strong, and well angulated, with the blade roughly equal in length to the upper arm. The elbows should work close to the body, cleanly and evenly. When seen from the front, the foreleg's appearance is that of parallel columns. The pasterns are strong and slightly sloping. Fault - down in the pasterns. Feet - The feet are strongly webbed, slightly oval medium in size, and tight, with well-arched toes and thick pads. Front dewclaws may be removed. Faults - splayed or paper feet.
     

  • Coat

    The Toller was bred to retrieve from icy waters and must have a water-repellent double coat of medium length and softness, and a soft dense undercoat. The coat may have a slight wave on the back, but is otherwise straight. Some winter coats may form a long loose curl at the throat. Featherings are soft and moderate in length. The hair on the muzzle is short and fine. Seasonal shedding is to be expected. Overcoated specimens are not appropriate for a working dog and should be faulted. While neatening of the feet, ears, and hocks for the show ring is permitted, the Toller should always appear natural, never barbered. Whiskers must be present.Faults - coat longer than medium length. Open coat.

  • Hindquarters

    The hindquarters are muscular, broad, and square in appearance. The croup is very slightly sloped. The rear and front angulation should be in balance. The upper and lower thighs are very muscular and equal in length. The stifles are well bent. The hocks are well let down, turning neither in nor out. Rear dewclaws must not be present. Disqualification - rear dewclaws.

A Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
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theNova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers of AKC

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get involved inClubs & Events

National Breed Club

theNova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Club (USA)

Local Breed
Club

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