5th Annual TollerMania Celebrates Nova Scotia's Unique Dog Breed

The breed's history dates back to the 1800s in Little River Harbour, now part of the Municipality of Argyle. Local hunters observed that waterfowl, particularly ducks, were drawn to the playful behavior of foxes near the shoreline. To exploit this curiosity, hunters began using dogs to mimic the foxes, enticing ducks to come closer for easier hunting.

This technique became known as "tolling," and the dogs developed for this purpose were initially referred to as Tollers. The exact breeds mixed to create Tollers remain debated, with many suggesting retrievers and setters played significant roles. The breed was first named Little River Duck Dogs, and in 1945, it was officially recognized as the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever by the Canadian Kennel Club.

These dogs are not only wonderful family pets but are also still utilized for hunting. However, prospective owners should be aware that they are high-energy dogs requiring substantial mental and physical stimulation along with extensive training. Those familiar with the breed often describe them as extremely energetic.