What to Know Before Getting a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Ever wanted a Labrador's brains and bounce — but in a smaller, foxier, more colorful package? Then say hello to the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever.
These compact red dynamos are winning hearts left and right with their smarts, energy, and charm.
But here's the truth most cute photos won't tell you: a Toller is a big commitment wrapped in a medium-sized body.
In this guide, you'll get the good, the messy, and everything in between — so you know exactly what you're signing up for before you bring one home.
What Makes Tollers So Special?
Think of a Toller as a retriever on a smaller scale.
They usually stand around 17 to 21 inches tall and weigh between 35 to 50 pounds. But don't let the size fool you — these dogs are packed with energy and personality.
If you're active and love spending time outdoors, you'll have a blast with a Toller by your side.
Here's what really sets them apart:
Wicked Smart
Tollers pick up commands fast and genuinely love to learn — obedience, agility, or just fun tricks.
Eager to Please
Unlike some clever-but-stubborn breeds, a small treat or a little affection goes a long way with a Toller.
They Talk
Tollers "chat" with their humans in a distinctive way. You will never feel alone with one in the house.
Built to Retrieve
Bred to lure and fetch waterfowl, they thrive on games with a purpose — fetch, water work, and dog sports.
“Don't let their size fool you — these dogs are packed with energy and personality.”
Sounds perfect so far. But there's a catch.
But… Tollers Aren't for Everyone
Let's be real: raising a Toller takes commitment.
Here are the five things you absolutely need to consider before bringing one home.
1. They Need LOTS of Exercise
A fenced yard alone isn't enough — not even close.
Tollers need serious daily exercise: think long walks, fetch, hikes, or focused play sessions. Without it, they get bored, anxious, and sometimes downright destructive.
2. They're High-Maintenance Mentally, Too
Their intelligence is both a gift and a challenge.
These dogs need mental stimulation — training, puzzles, games, or dog sports. Leaving a Toller alone all day with nothing to do rarely ends well for your furniture.
3. Prey Drive Is Real
Tollers were bred to chase, and that instinct runs strong.
Cats, squirrels, even moving bikes might set them off. Early training and socialization are key — and you'll probably want to keep them leashed unless you're in a fully secure area.
4. They Shed. A Lot.
That gorgeous red coat? It'll be on your clothes, your couch, and pretty much everywhere else.
Expect heavy "blowouts" twice a year during shedding season. Regular brushing helps — and the good news is most Tollers enjoy grooming sessions if you start early.
5. They're Vocal
Tollers make great watchdogs — they'll absolutely alert you when someone's at the door.
But quiet, they are not. If you live in an apartment or have noise-sensitive neighbors, this is worth thinking about now rather than later.
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Exercise Needs | |
| Trainability | |
| Grooming | |
| Watchdog Instinct | |
| Good With Family |
Quick poll
Which Toller trait worries you most?
Now, how healthy are they, and how long will they be around?
Health and Lifespan
The breed is generally healthy, thanks to responsible breeding practices.
But like all dogs, Tollers can have their issues — and a few are worth knowing about before you buy.
What this means in practice: a reputable breeder will happily show you paperwork on the parents. If they dodge the question, walk away.
With good care, Tollers can live 12–14 years or more. Routine vet visits, quality food, and an active lifestyle go a long way.
So the big question: is a Toller actually right for you?
Who Should Get a Toller?
Here's the honest answer.
Active singles & couples
Great matchIf your weekends involve hikes, runs, or the trail, a Toller keeps up happily.
Families with kids
Great matchPlayful and affectionate — big enough to keep up, small enough to manage.
Dog-sport enthusiasts
IdealAgility, obedience, and water work are right in their wheelhouse.
Homebodies & long workdays
Not idealGone for long hours daily? A bored Toller becomes a destructive Toller.
If you're outdoorsy and ready to commit time and energy — mentally and physically — a Toller can be an amazing companion.
If you're more of a homebody, or away for long stretches every day, this probably isn't your breed.
Ready to commit? Here's what to grab first.
What You'll Need Before Bringing One Home
Set yourself up for success before day one.
- A solid vacuum (trust us on this one)
- Grooming tools — a good brush and quality shampoo
- A real plan for daily exercise and training
- A fenced yard or secure outdoor space
- Puzzle toys that challenge them mentally
- Expecting a low-energy lapdog
Frequently Asked Questions
They can be — if you're active and committed to daily exercise and training. Their intelligence and eagerness to please make training rewarding, but their energy and mental needs are a lot for someone expecting a low-key pet.
Yes, they're a vocal breed and love to "talk." They make excellent watchdogs, but that also means they're not the quietest choice for apartments or noise-sensitive neighbors.
A lot — think an hour or more of real activity daily, plus mental stimulation. A quick walk around the block won't cut it. Fetch, hikes, swimming, and dog sports are ideal.
Generally yes. They're playful, affectionate, and sturdy enough to keep up with active kids, while staying small enough to manage. As always, supervise young children and teach both kids and dog to respect boundaries.
It depends. Their strong prey drive means cats and small animals can trigger a chase instinct. Early socialization helps, but you may always need to manage introductions carefully.
Quite a bit, with two heavy "blowout" seasons a year. Regular brushing keeps it under control, and most Tollers enjoy grooming if you start when they're young.
Hip dysplasia, certain autoimmune conditions, and Addison's disease — including Juvenile Addison's (JADD). Always ask a breeder for health clearances on the parents.
Not long without a plan. A bored, under-exercised Toller can become anxious and destructive. If you work long hours, arrange exercise, enrichment, or a dog walker so they're not idle all day.
Sviatoslav Oleksiv founded The Pets and Love in 2019. A lifelong pet owner and Rhodesian Ridgeback enthusiast, he writes and edits our guides to help fellow pet parents give their animals the best care.
Every guide follows our editorial standards. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice — always consult a licensed veterinarian about your pet's health.