Maori Haz Posted May 26, 2006 Report Share Posted May 26, 2006 Has anyone had any experience with this breed because they are beautiful looking dogs. Maybe you NTTF because they are a canadian breed. It's just my family friend's dog has had a litter and i was wondering if they were good working... Haz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Piebob Posted May 26, 2006 Report Share Posted May 26, 2006 No experience of these dogs but I remember an article in one of the shooting mags. If you don't get any responses, and I can find the article, I'll post again. I seem to recall that the dogs were used to scare ducks into nets or traps (can't remember which). The idea is that you could set nets or traps at a channel leading out of a duck pond and then send the dog towards the pond. The ducks think it is a fox looking for his dinner, and quickly head away from the danger and into your trap/net. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Poacher Posted May 26, 2006 Report Share Posted May 26, 2006 Description The Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever looks somewhat like a small Golden Retriever. It is a well-muscled dog that is medium to heavy boned. It has a deep chest that is well-insulated for swimming in cold water. The coat is dense, and comes in various shades of red and orange. It usually has small white markings on the feet, chest, tail tip and sometimes face and may have a slight wave on its back, but the coat is otherwise straight. The ears are triangular and set high and are well back from the skull. The head is clean-cut and slightly wedge-shaped. The powerful, compact, well-muscled body is on sturdy, solid legs. Temperament Sensible and very devoted to its family. An owner in Michigan credits her well-being to her dog, after he twice saved her, once legitimately and more than once "illegitimately." The first instance occurred in a hiking expedition where she ended up on an unstable ledge. This medium-sized dog braced himself so that his owner could grasp his collar and pull herself to safety. The other instance involved her swimming attempts. He would not let her go deeper than ankle-high water in order to keep her safe! These dogs are intelligent, easy to obedience train and good with children. They make great companion dogs as long as they get enough exercise to fulfill their energetic needs. Tollers may be a bit more reserved around strangers than the Golden Retriever. The same charming way this water dog has with his game, he demonstrates with his owner. He is hard-working and clever, and enjoys being with his master. His expression may seem low-spirited, but once in the hunt he is the happy hunter. The Toller's strong retrieving desire and playfulness are natural traits, both necessary for his tolling ability. Tolling (luring) is a natural trait (like pointing) and cannot be taught. They have an intense natural excitement about their duty. Young dogs need to practice; training sessions involve establishing a close relationship and having children throw things for them to retrieve. Some owners say the Toller is a retrieving fool. If one makes the mistake of throwing a ball for them, they will keep the unfortunate soul throwing until his arms gives out. These are excellent family pets which get on well with other dogs and animals. They are very patient with children. They bark when there is danger but that is likely to be all. Height, Weight Height: 17-21 inches (43-53 cm.) Weight: 37-51 pounds (17-23 kg.) Health Problems This is a healthy working breed that is increasing in popularity. With its limited gene pool, a corresponding increase in some health dangers have occurred. Besides some thyroid and autoimmune problems, progressive retinal atrophy is starting to show up. Living Conditions The Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. They do well in cold climates. Exercise These high energy dogs need a lot of physical exercise. A good way to exercise these dogs is to throw a ball or stick for them to retrieve. Life Expectancy About 12-14 years. Grooming The water-repellent, double coat of the Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever should be combed and brushed with a firm bristle brush, paying particular attention to the dense undercoat. Dry shampoo regularly, but bathe only when necessary for it removes the natural oils in the skin which make it naturally water resistant. This breed is an average shedder. Origin The Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever originates from Canada. Tolling Red Decoy Dogs probably accompanied their masters from Great Britain to Nova Scotia. They were crossed with retrievers and working spaniels. It was developed to toll (lure) ducks in the manner of the fox. The clever manner in which foxes work together to obtain a duck dinner has been observed over the centuries. The Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever is the creation of skillful Canadian hunters. The Toller's rather unusual job is to lure ducks and geese within shotgun range, and to retrieve them from the water after they have been hit. From his concealed blind near the shore, the hunter tosses a stick parallel to the shore, and with great liveliness, but without barking, the Toller retrievers it. It may take a dozen or more throws before the ducks or geese become curious and approach the shore. When the overly inquisitive ducks are within shooting range, the hunter calls his dog back to the blind, stands up to put the birds to flight, and shoots. The Toller then acts as an efficient retriever. Indians utilized this mesmerizing practice by stringing a fox skin across a length of shore and yanking it quickly back and forth, simulating the movement of the fox. The breed used to be called the Little River Duck Dog or Yarmouth Toller, but when the Canadian Kennel Club began registering them in the late 1950's, the present name was established. FCI gave them full international recognition in 1982. There are a fair number of Tollers and breed specialty clubs in the USA. Group Gun Dog Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
new to the flock Posted May 26, 2006 Report Share Posted May 26, 2006 from the Canadian Kennel Club "Book of Dogs" ---Tolling means "to entice game to approach by arousing their curiosity." To the huntsman waiting in a duck blind, this means to draw the waterfowl within firing range by using the antics of a made-to-order breed of dog a trick learned quite be accident from the fox. The story goes that early in the 19th century a huntsman in Maryland, waiting patiently for a flock of ducks to come closer, observed the birds suddenly lift their heads and swim for shore. What attracted them was a fox dashing back and forth among the rocks flashing his bushy tail while a second waited in ambush. In short order, some overly curious ducks became breakfast for the two foxes. Putting this curiosity of the waterfowl to practical use, early sportsmen invented a dog closely resembling the fox in appearance, active but silent at work with the ability of a water retriever.--- The ones that I have seen work are good little retrievers, mark well, and are friendly. NTTF Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maori Haz Posted May 26, 2006 Author Report Share Posted May 26, 2006 Thanks for all the replies, been to see the puppies (yesteryday) , VERY cute, can't get any though unfortunately Still nice to see them, definately my fave dog at the moment Haz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Piebob Posted May 27, 2006 Report Share Posted May 27, 2006 They look like beautiful dogs. Thanks NTTF, the ducks go TOWARDS the danger, not away from it as I had posted I guess there won't be too many about - it looks as if there were only 4 breeders who registered litters with the Kennel Club between January and March this year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maori Haz Posted May 27, 2006 Author Report Share Posted May 27, 2006 Yeah, the reason our friends had some were because they were canadian and had had one when children so wanted to have some now, really beautiful dogs with good temperament... when im older maybe.. Haz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darren m Posted May 27, 2006 Report Share Posted May 27, 2006 Are these dogs strickly working dogs or could they make good pets or both . how clever are they in terms of learning abilities in comparison with a lab and a clever collie Darren . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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