The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is one of the most unusual breeds of gundog, at least in terms of how the dog works.
History: The breed was developed in the Little River district of Yarmouth County, Nova Scotia around the beginning of the 19th Century. Its unique role in hunting is to lure (toll) curious ducks within range of the concealed hunter. It does this by running and leaping along the shore. Once thought to be a fox / terrier mixture, the breed is genetically a mixture of retriever, spaniel, setter and possibly farm collie breeding. In 1945 this breed  was officially admitted to the Canadian Kennel Club.
Appearance: 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 head is clean-cut and slightly wedge shaped. The broad skull is only slightly rounded, giving the appearance of being flat when the ears are alert. The eyes are set well apart, slightly oblique and almond in shape. Eye color blends with the coat or is darker. The high set ears are triangular in shape with rounded tips, set well back on the skull, framing the face, with the base held slightly erect. The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever has a water repellent double coat that can withstand extreme temperatures. The coat is medium length and soft, and a soft and dense undercoat. The coat color may be any shade of red or orange, with deeper colouring preferred by many.
Size: Height:  17-21 inches (43-53 cm)
Weight: 37-51 pounds (17-23 kg)
Temperament: These dogs are intelligent, gentle, easy to obedience train. They make great companion dogs as long as they get enough exercise to fulfill their energetic needs. The Toller has been known to be a little wary around strangers and unfamiliar animals. However, this breed will tolerate quite a bit of child’s play, and would do well with another four legged companion given they are properly socialized. These are excellent family pets which get on well with other dogs and animals. They bark when there is danger but that is likely to be all.
Health: This is a healthy working breed that is increasing in popularity. However, they, like almost all dog breeds, have certain genetic disorders that are prevalent in the breed. These are: Hip dysplasia, Progressive retinal atrophy, Addison’s Disease.
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 shampooing works best on the coat of this breed, and should not be bathed regularly as this removes the oils from the skin and coat, which gives it the ability to be water resistant.
Puppy price: Ј300-500