The Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever is a gundog that originates from Canada.  They were developed in Yarmouth County, Nova Scotia at the beginning of the 19th century.  Dogs that attributed Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever to the breed include the Cocker Spaniel, Golden Retriever, and the Irish Setter.  The Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever has been a recognized breed since 1945 when it was admitted into the Canadian Kennel Club, it would be 56 years before the AKC would show them recognition as well.

    The uniqueness to the Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever comes from the way it works while hunting.  While hunting waterfowl the dog remains down by the water, while the hunter is hidden behind a blind.  The dog will play near the water, normally fetching sticks or balls.  These antics and the Retriever's white markings draw the attention and curiosity of the waterfowl who will swim out toward the dog to investigate.  This act of luring the game is known as tolling, and once the birds close in the dog is called back to the blind.  The hunter then makes his shot and the Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever is sent back out to retrieve any downed birds.

    Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retrievers stand between 18-20 inches at the withers and weigh in between 45-51 pounds, while females tend to be slightly smaller.  They are the smallest bred of the retriever family.  Their coat is of medium length and has a waterproof outer coat with an undercoat for warmth.  Coats are either red or orange, the deeper shades more preferred.  White is generally present on the chest, feet, nose, head, and tip of the tail.  The Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever also has unusually webbed feet that allow them to swim easily and a feathered tail they use for balance.

    The Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever is a gentle breed, and very active.  They are highly intelligent, and they therefore may get bored with repetition.  This breed requires extensive daily exercise and regular grooming.  They get along well with older children, and should not be left unsupervised with children that do not know how to interact with dogs.  When looking into this breed it is important to know of the "Toller scream" a high-pitched and very loud noise that is a mixture of a growl, whine, bark, and howl.  Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retrievers will often make this sound when very excited, or any other reason they see fit.

    Like many breeds the Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever has a small gene pool, and therefore suffer from certain genetic disorders.  These diseases include Addison's disease, progressive retinal atrophy, and hip dysplasia.