Nova Scotia Symbols - The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

he Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, the smallest of all retrievers, is a purely Canadian breed. Known for its intelligence and endurance, as well as being an excellent pet, this medium size dog tolls, or lures, the game, rather than retrieving it. It entices waterfowl to get within range of the hunter in his blind.

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever has been bred in Nova Scotia for more than a hundred years and was given its Canadian Kennel Club designation as an official breed in 1945. For many years tollers were seldom seen outside the Maritimes, but this is no longer the case. For some, the breed came of age when, in 1980, two Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers were awarded Best in Show at championship events that included many breeds.

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever was declared the Provincial Dog in 1995 by an Act of the House of Assembly.