The Complete Nova scotia duck tolling retriever Guide

You didn’t land on the Nova scotia duck tolling retriever by accident. This is a breed people seek out, and for good reason. The decoy retriever, athletic, clever, and red-headed, and the smallest and most unusual of the retrievers, they’re a natural fit for active families, hunters, and dog sport enthusiasts who want a versatile, clever, and energetic sporting companion who want a clever, athletic, and uniquely capable small retriever who uses playful antics to lure waterfowl. Let’s dig in.

What are the characteristics of a Nova scotia duck tolling retriever?

Think you know what you’re getting into with a Nova scotia duck tolling retriever? These scores will either confirm your suspicions or give you something to think about. Either way, good to know now.

Training

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Trainability	5 out of 5	Highly intelligent and problem-solving. Tollers are among the more cognitively capable sporting breeds
Obedience	4 out of 5	Reliable and responsive with consistent positive training
Focus	4 out of 5	Good focus during training
Stubbornness	2 out of 5	Not stubborn. Their eagerness and intelligence make them cooperative

Friendliness

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Good with family	5 out of 5	Devoted and deeply affectionate with their family
Good with children	4 out of 5	Playful and gentle with children
Good with strangers	4 out of 5	Friendly with new people
Good with other dogs	4 out of 5	Good with other dogs

Adaptability

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Apartment living	3 out of 5	Can manage in a larger apartment with committed daily exercise
Cold weather	4 out of 5	Their dense coat handles cold and wet conditions well
Hot weather	3 out of 5	Tolerates moderate heat
Routine flexibility	4 out of 5	Adaptable to varied routines with adequate exercise
First time owner	4 out of 5	A good option for active first-time owners

Physical needs

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Energy level	5 out of 5	Very high energy and excellent endurance
Endurance	4 out of 5	Good endurance for all-day hunting
Exercise needs	5 out of 5	Needs at least 60 minutes of vigorous daily exercise
Mental stimulation	5 out of 5	One of the more intelligent sporting breeds. They are problem-solvers
Grooming needs	3 out of 5	Dense, water-repellent double coat that requires moderate maintenance

Personality

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Playfulness	5 out of 5	Playful and physically exuberant. Their tolling behavior is genuine play
Affection	5 out of 5	Deeply affectionate and warm
Loyalty	4 out of 5	Loyal and devoted
Independence	2 out of 5	Low independence. Prefers close human connection
Alertness	3 out of 5	Alert and engaged

Behavior

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Barking tendency	2 out of 5	Not prone to excessive barking
Digging tendency	2 out of 5	Low digging tendency
Chewing tendency	2 out of 5	Low chewing tendency
Prey drive	5 out of 5	Very strong retrieve and waterfowl drive
Guarding instincts	2 out of 5	Too friendly to guard

What are common health issues of a Nova scotia duck tolling retriever?

Like all breeds, Nova scotia duck tolling retrievers are prone to certain health conditions. Here’s what to keep on your radar.

What are the recommended health tests for Nova scotia duck tolling retrievers? 

Your Nova scotia duck tolling retriever can’t tell you when something’s off. That’s what these tests are for. Here’s what vets typically recommend for them.

• CAER ophthalmologist eye exam
• OFA hip evaluation
• DNA test for collie eye anomaly (CEA) and PRA
• OFA thyroid evaluation

Do Nova scotia duck tolling retrievers need pet insurance?

We’ll let the numbers do the talking, but spoiler: a lot of Nova scotia duck tolling retriever owners are really glad they had coverage.

Those numbers aren’t hypotheticals. They’re real claims from real Nova scotia duck tolling retriever owners in 2025.

The right pet insurance means you’re making decisions based on what your dog needs, not what you can afford.

With Lemonade, you can build a plan around your Toller specifically. Start with accident and illness coverage as your base, then add on what makes sense for your dog, things like physical therapy, dental illness, or behavioral treatment, and skip what doesn’t. Coverage applies to conditions that aren’t pre-existing (AKA, a condition that occurs after your policy is active and your waiting periods have passed), and you’ll know exactly what’s included before you commit. No fine print ambushes, no surprises at claim time.

And when you do need to file? You can do it in the app in minutes. No paperwork, no hold music, no waiting around.

Nova scotia duck tolling retrievers are worth protecting with proper coverage. Here’s how to do it right.

How much does pet insurance cost?

The cost of your premium is personal. It depends on your Tollers age, your location, and what you add to your plan. That said, here’s a realistic look at what other Nova scotia duck tolling retriever owners pay with Lemonade:

Age	Average monthly premium
1 year old	$60-$65
2 years old	$55-$60
3 years old	$60-$65
4 years old	$55-$60
5 years old	$60-$65
6 years old	$65-$70
7 years old	$75-$80

Not sure if Lemonade is the right fit for your Toller?

See how we stack up. Compare pet insurance options side by side and find the coverage that fits your Nova scotia duck tolling retriever and your budget.

History of the Nova scotia duck tolling retriever

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever was developed in Yarmouth County, Nova Scotia, Canada in the early 19th century. Their unique hunting method, called tolling, involves the dog playing and frolicking along the shoreline in a manner that mimics the behavior of foxes or otters, which naturally attracts curious ducks closer. Once the ducks are within range, the hunter rises from a blind and the Toller retrieves the fallen birds. This tolling behavior is a unique hunting strategy not used by any other retriever breed. The breed was developed from crosses that likely included the Flat Coated Retriever, Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Irish Setter, and Brittany Spaniel with local farm collies. The AKC recognized the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever in 2003.

Caring for a Nova scotia duck tolling retriever

Training

Training a Nova scotia duck tolling retriever is straightforward, but it’s worth the effort. They are intelligent, eager to please, and highly motivated by play and work, which means they pick up commands quickly and thrive with regular mental and physical training challenges. Positive reinforcement with treats, play, and varied activities that engage their working instincts tends to work best, and getting started early makes a real difference.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or leveling up, these are worth the read.

Grooming

Nova scotia duck tolling retrievers have a medium-length water-resistant double coat that requires moderate grooming. Brush weekly and more frequently during seasonal shedding to manage the dense coat, and the occasional bath keeps them looking their best. A deshedding tool used during seasonal coat blows helps manage the volume of loose hair.

From nail trims to professional care, here’s everything you need to keep your Toller looking (and feeling) their best.

Exercise and mental stimulation

Nova scotia duck tolling retrievers have high energy levels and need 60 to 90 minutes of exercise each day to stay happy and healthy. Swimming, fetch, and agility training are all great ways to burn through that energy. But physical exercise is only half the picture. Nova scotia duck tolling retrievers are highly intelligent dogs, and mental stimulation is just as important as the miles you put in. Without it, they become restless, hyperactive, and prone to destructive behavior and obsessive play-seeking. Puzzle toys, training sessions, and scent work are all solid ways to keep their brain engaged between walks.

Here’s how to build an exercise routine your Nova scotia duck tolling retriever will actually love.

Nutrition

Nova scotia duck tolling retrievers are medium dogs with high energy, so they need a diet to match. Most adults do well on around 1,000 to 1,300 calories a day, spread across two meals. Depending on what you’re feeding them, expect to spend around $45 to $70 a month on food. Not the cheapest line item, but not the most expensive either.

What goes in the bowl is your call, and your vet’s. Kibble, raw, fresh, or a combination: there’s no single right answer. Focus on quality ingredients, the right portions for your dog’s age and activity level, and you’re most of the way there.

Get the full picture on feeding a Nova scotia duck tolling retriever here.

Nova scotia duck tolling retriever costs and adoption

What does it cost to bring home a Nova scotia duck tolling retriever?

Before your Nova scotia duck tolling retriever even sets a paw in your home, there are some one-time costs worth planning for. Here’s what to expect upfront.

Category	Cost Range	Details
Adoption (Reputable breeder)	$1,500-$3,500	Health testing, vaccinations, early socialization, pedigree
Adoption (Rescue/shelter)	$50-$300	Basic veterinary care, spay/neuter, temperament evaluation
Initial veterinary care	$300-$600	Exam, vaccinations, spay/neuter if needed, microchip
Essential supplies	$200-$400	Crate, bed, leash, collar, food bowls, toys
Training classes	$150-$300	Basic obedience, puppy socialization

Unexpected costs have a way of showing up in year one more than any other. A starter emergency fund alongside a solid pet insurance plan is the best way to make sure they don’t catch you off guard.

What does it cost to own a Nova scotia duck tolling retriever each year?

Once you’re past year one, ownership costs settle into a more predictable rhythm. Here’s what most Nova scotia duck tolling retriever owners spend annually, though keep in mind these numbers can vary quite a bit depending on where you live, your dog’s individual health needs, and the choices you make along the way.

Category	Annual cost	Details
Food and treats	$600-$1,000	Based on the recommended portion for your Nova scotia duck tolling retriever
Routine Veterinary Care	$500-$1,000	Wellness exams, vaccinations, dental care
Professional Grooming	$200-$400	Every Every 8 to 10 weeks, Dense double coat needs moderate professional grooming and regular at-home brushing.
Toys and Supplies	$200-$400	Replacement items, mental stimulation toys

What are popular Nova scotia duck tolling retriever names?

We’ve crunched the numbers, and found the top 10 most popular names for Nova scotia duck tolling retriever we see at Lemonade.

More names where those came from. If none of these are clicking, we’ve done the digging for you. Go find the one that sticks.

Nova scotia duck tolling retriever puppies

Puppy veterinary needs

The first year matters a lot. What happens between 8 weeks and 12 months shapes who this dog becomes. Here’s what to focus on.

The first few months are the most important window for your puppy’s health. Core vaccines start at 6–8 weeks and continue through 16 weeks. After that, its annual boosters and routine screening as they grow into adults.

It’s a lot to keep track of. That’s why we made it easy.

Puppy socialization

Nova scotia duck tolling retriever puppies are clever, athletic, and uniquely capable in a way that makes them one of the more interesting sporting breeds. That a problem-solving intelligence and playful energy that makes working and playing with them genuinely rewarding is part of what makes them vigorous daily exercise, mental stimulation, weekly ear cleaning, and awareness of autoimmune conditions, and it’s also why early socialization matters so much.

Between 8 and 16 weeks, get them in front of as much variety as possible. Different people, animals, sounds, surfaces, and locations. Keep every experience positive. Puppy classes are great for this: supervised, controlled, and full of exactly the kind of novelty a Nova scotia duck tolling retriever brain needs to learn that the world is mostly fine.

Where are Nova scotia duck tolling retriever’s most popular in the United States?

Based on Lemonade’s own policyholder data, Nova scotia duck tolling retrievers are most popular in these five states. We’ve also thrown in a few things local pet owners should keep an eye on, so your pup can get out there and explore safely.

1. California

Foxtail grass is one of the sneakiest hazards for California dogs. The barbed seeds can embed in paws, ears, and noses from late spring through early fall, so check your dog after any outdoor time. Wildfire smoke is also a real seasonal concern; when air quality alerts are in effect, it's best to keep walks short and stay indoors as much as possible.

2. New York

In New York City, street hazards are the main thing to watch. Dropped food, discarded gum containing xylitol, and litter are common ingestion risks on sidewalks and in parks. Upstate and in Long Island, the story shifts to ticks: New York is a Lyme disease hotspot, and black-legged ticks are active from early spring through late fall.

3. Massachusetts

Massachusetts is a high-risk state for Lyme disease, and ticks are active from early spring through late fall across wooded and coastal areas. Cold winters also mean road salt exposure on walks, which can cause paw irritation and is harmful if ingested during grooming.

4. Texas

Texas heat is intense and sets in early. Hot pavement can burn paws from late spring through early fall, and heatstroke risk is high during midday walks in cities like Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio. Rattlesnakes, scorpions, and fire ants are also common hazards, particularly in suburban and rural areas.

5. Washington

Western Washington's wet, mild climate creates near-perfect conditions for fleas year-round, and slugs in the Pacific Northwest can carry lungworm, a parasite dogs can pick up by sniffing or eating them. Eastern Washington and the Cascades bring different risks, including rattlesnakes and wildlife encounters on trails, so knowing which side of the mountains you're on matters.

Breed comparison

Already leaning toward a Nova scotia duck tolling retriever? These breeds often get compared, here’s a quick snapshot of how they stack up.

Is a Nova scotia duck tolling retriever right for you?

Nova scotia duck tolling retrievers reward the right owner with a unique tolling behavior that is unlike anything in the dog world and a clever, problem-solving intelligence that makes training and working together genuinely engaging. They just need vigorous daily exercise, mental stimulation, weekly ear cleaning, and awareness of autoimmune health in return. If you’re ready for that, you’re ready for a Nova scotia duck tolling retriever. Make sure they’re protected from day one.

A few quick words, because we <3 our lawyers: This post is general in nature, and any statement in it doesn’t alter the terms, conditions, exclusions, or limitations of the policies issued, which differ according to your state of residence. You’re encouraged to discuss your specific circumstances with your own professional advisors. The purpose of this post is merely to provide you with info and insights you can use to make such discussions more productive! Naturally, all comments by, or references to, third parties represent their own views, and Lemonade assumes no responsibility for them. Coverage may not be available in all states. Please note that statements about coverages, policy management, claims processes, Giveback, and customer support apply to policies underwritten by Lemonade Insurance Company or Metromile Insurance Company, a Lemonade company, sold by Lemonade Insurance Agency, LLC. The statements do not apply to policies underwritten by other carriers.

Insurance claim data is based on Lemonade pet insurance claims that were settled and paid in 2025.
Average insurance premium data is based on Lemonade’s internal data and reflects the average premium over the last 12 complete months, accurate as of June 2026.
Top pet names are sourced from Lemonade’s database of pet names associated with submitted quotes and purchased policies.
Top states for each breed are based on the number of active Lemonade pet insurance policies for that breed in each state as of June 2026.