Breed Standards
Fédération Cynologique Internationale
Royal Kennel Club
NAME
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
ORIGIN
Canada.
PUBLISHED
24.06.1987.
UTILISATION
The Tolling dog runs, jumps and plays along the shoreline in full view of a flock of ducks, occasionally disappearing from sight and then quickly reappearing, aided by the hidden hunter, who throws small sticks or a ball for the dog. The dog’s playful actions arouse the curiosity of the ducks swimming offshore and they are lured within gunshot range. The Toller is subsequently sent out to retrieve the dead or wounded birds.
CLASSIFICATION
Group 8 - Pinscher
,Section 1 : Retrievers
,With working trial
BRIEF HISTORICAL SUMMARY
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever was developed in Nova Scotia in the early 19th century to toll (or lure) and retrieve waterfowl.
GENERAL APPEARANCE
The Toller is a medium-sized, powerful, compact, balanced, well-muscled dog; medium to heavy in bone, with a high degree of agility, alertness and determination. Many Tollers have a slightly sad expression until they go to work, when their aspect changes to intense concentration and excitement. At work, the dog has a speedy, rushing action, with the head carried out almost level with the back and heavily-feathered tail in constant motion.
IMPORTANT PROPORTIONS
BEHAVIOUR / TEMPERAMENT
The Toller is highly intelligent, easy to train and has great endurance. A strong and able swimmer, he is a natural and tenacious retriever on land and from water setting himself for springy action the moment the slightest indication is given that retrieving is required. His strong retrieving desire and playfulness are qualities essential to his tolling ability.
HEAD
Clean-cut and slightly wedge-shaped.
NECK
Strongly muscled and well set on, of medium length, with no indication of throatiness.
BODY
Level.
Short and straight.
Strong and muscular.
Deep, brisket reaching to the elbows. Ribs well sprung, neither barrel-shaped nor flat.
Tuck-up moderate.
TAIL
Following the natural very slight slope of the croup, broad at the base, luxuriant and heavily feathered, with the last vertebra reaching at least to the hock. The tail may be carried below the level of the back except when the dog is alert when it curves high over, though never touching the body.
LIMBS
Should appear as parallel columns; straight and strong in bone.
Muscular, broad and square in appearance. Rear and front angulation should be in balance. Upper and lower sections being approximately equal in length.
GAIT / MOVEMENT
The Toller combines an impression of power with a springy, jaunty gait, showing good reach in front and a strong driving rear.
Feet should turn neither in nor out and the legs travel in a straight line. As speed increases, the dog should single-track, with the topline remaining level.
COAT
The Toller was bred to retrieve from icy waters and must have a water-repellent double coat of medium length and softness with a softer, 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 at the throat, behind the ears and at the back of the thighs, and forelegs are moderately feathered.
Colour is various shades of red or orange with lighter featherings and underside of tail, and usually at least one of the following white markings tip of tail, feet (not extending beyond the pasterns), chest and blaze. A dog of otherwise high quality is not to be penalized for lack of white. The pigment of the nose, lips, and eye rims to be flesh-coloured, blending with coat, or black.
SIZE
For males over 18 months is 19-20 ins. (48-51 cm); females over 18 months 18-19 ins. (45-48 cm).
One inch (2,5 cm) over or under ideal height is allowed.
Should be in proportion to the height and bone of the dog - Guidelines 45-51 lbs. (20-23 kg) for adult males; bitches 37-43 lbs. (17-20 kg).
FAULTS
Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.
Any dog clearly showing physical or behavioural abnormalities shall be disqualified.
Anatomical Features
N.B.: Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.