Let’s go back to the past for a moment. Two centuries ago, in the 19th century, someone wanted to create an ultimate hunting dog.
It happened in Yarmouth County, so we can say it is a Canadian affair. Prepare to meet our Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever’s parents.
More than one breed of parent though, we are talking about a mix here. This cute and capable dog with an unusual name will win all our hearts just like that.
They look like a more bronze version of a Golden Retriever and have the most desirable traits. And by that, I mean being loveable, loving and loyal.
They also look like someone shrank a Golden Retriever. Their medium-length shiny orange double coat with fluffy white marking all over the chest and tummy just invites you to pet them..
Does the Little River Duck Dog ring a bell? Why is that, you may ask? It is derived from the name of the place where Acadian people lived – a Little River Harbor in the previously mentioned Yarmouth County.
So, another name for them is Yarmouth Toller, Little Red Duck Dog, or Tolling Retriever. This dog is the true gem of Canada.
How was it produced? Well, someone wanted an upgraded hunting dog and took some retrievers, some farm Collie Mongrels, some setters, and some spaniels and tadaaa – they enriched the world with another redheaded beauty.
Come with me on an exciting journey to get to know these fine pooches better.
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Mixes
The American Kennel Club (AKC) registers it as a purebred dog with their own breed standard. This proves some of the distinctive qualities this fine pooch has to offer.
Another canine club that recognizes our Toller is the Canadian Kennel Club, an official club of the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever’s homeland. I mean, as it should be when we find out this dog is actually a northern pooch.
This fine hunter is a point of Canadian national pride and they showed their appreciation for this breed by founding a whole fan club called, well what else than, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Club.
Their popularity goes far beyond Canada’s borders with many fans in the USA too. Indeed, American fans were eager to found their own fan club, the American Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Club, too.
To try to avoid some common health issues with this dog, like progressive retinal atrophy or hip dysplasia, take care to choose the right reputable breeder. It is the first and most important step in the process.
Luckily, there are few fine NSDTR breeders in the USA and Canada.
Choppity chop, let’s get busy getting to know Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever mixes.
1. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Poodle Mix
Meet a Toodle! Such a funny ring to it; isn’t it cute? I think it is more than cute. This is a mix of a Standard Poodle and a NSDTR.
If you look up Poodle mixes, it is unlikely you will find this one. There are many better-known mixes, such as a Pitbull Poodle mix, or a Cane Corso mix, or even a Husky Poodle mix.
However, among Nova Scotia Duck Tolling mixes, it is one of the most prominent. And it is no wonder.
This should be the ultimate bird-hunting mix. Even though Poodles are now best known for their sassy haircuts, they are actually magnificent hunters, first and foremost.
Their colorful double coats are water-repellent and, since they are excellent swimmers, this combination creates a perfect water dog.
There are so many colors Poodles can come in: red, blue, black, white… And in combination with the Toller’s colors, you get a beautiful mix.
Say intelligent dog breed and your first thought will be Border Collie, followed by Poodle. Despite its sassy looks, Poodles are playful and super energetic.
However, they can sometimes have defensive attitudes, so the mixed pooch may also show similar traits.
This means you should start with training and socialization early.
Since the Poodle is famous for its coat, get used to weekly brushing to keep their beautiful fur just as pretty as ever.
When we take into account the average size and weight of both the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever and Poodle, we can expect their offspring to be somewhere between 17 and 24 inches tall, on average.
They could weigh somewhere between 37 and 70 pounds, with an average lifespan of between 10 and 15 years.
2. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Golden Retriever Mix
Photo from: @herr.lokii
When we talk about Nova Scotia Duck Tolling mixes, the first thing that comes to mind to many people is a Golden Retriever. After all, these dogs resemble the Golden Retriever breed the most!
I can’t say it is the best-known among Golden Retriever mixes though, to be honest.
It is not unlikely to run into a German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix, a Golden Retriever Pitbull mix, or even maybe a Golden Retriever Dalmatian mix.
But let’s get to know this unique combination a little bit better.
This dog is sometimes also called a Golden Toller. So sweet! Don’t be fooled; this combination, although popular among Toller mixes, is still rare and not easy to find.
Both of these dogs are purebred, and the Golden Retriever is a favorite choice for many breeders. On the other hand, Tollers are one of the most prominent hunter choices, at least when it comes to bird hunting.
Actually, both of these breeds are skilled gundogs and they are a nightmare for all sorts of waterfowl. And a dream for the hunter.
Since both of them are retrievers, their offspring should show the potential for training that trait too.
Both of these dog breeds also have high energy levels, so it is not a surprise that their pooches are equally playful. That is what the owners testify, anyway.
Golden Retrievers have a reputation for being notoriously good boys (even though you shouldn’t be surprised if your golden shows some aggression). Many people who have encountered this mix say that it has a really sweet personality.
Sometimes, the puppy has the colors and the markings of the Toller side, but we should also take into account Golden Retriever colors too. You never know what your surprise will be.
Considering the size and weight of both parents, their pups could weigh between 37 and 75 pounds (approximately), and reach between 17 and 24 inches tall. Their lifespan is between 10 and 14 years, on average.
As happens with all living creatures, there could be some health problems. For example, there is a possibility that a pooch could develop hip dysplasia or problems with their elbows, among other issues.
3. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Cocker Spaniel Mix
Oh, look at that; we have two hunters again as a part of our Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever mixes.
A Cocker Spaniel is a slightly wiser breed dog choice for a first-time owner than a Duck Toller. These hunting dogs are able to provide us with a sweet little pooch with all the best hunting traits.
If you were wondering if Cocker Spaniels bark, the answer is yes: a lot. And if you were wondering if Tollers bark, the answer is also yes, a lot.
These dogs have a lot of similarities and those include their temper. They are both very athletic and high-energy dogs.
Are you in any doubt about how big Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever puppies will grow? Or how big your Cocker Spaniel will grow?
Certainly, the size of their mix depends on the traits of both parents. Let’s say that we can predict that their mixed pooch will reach between 14 and 21 inches in height, on average.
We can also predict that they will weigh somewhere between 24 and 50 pounds. That is an approximation when we consider lowest and highest average values.
Expect that you will have your best friend for somewhere between 10 and 15 years.
Be prepared for some cleaning. Cocker Spaniels have shedding seasons and, when joined with Scoties, their offspring is probably able to make quite a mess.
Cocker Spaniels can show some aggression, just like the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. But they are hunters after all; they have to show some teeth, it is possible for this pooch to be similar.
4. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Siberian Husky Mix
There are many mixes that include Siberian Husky as one half of the combination. You have probably heard of a Husky Poodle mix, Cane Corso Husky mix, Great Dane Husky mix, or even a Chihuahua Husky mix, for example.
But have you heard of the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Husky mix? This one is probably not on top of the list of mixed breeds that come to mind when someone mentions these breeds.
Some mixes are often rare, and that is the case with this “northern” one among the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever mixes. What we have here is a combination of two almost dogs that came together.
What we will get in the end we never know. But we can make some assumptions on the basis of the parent traits, andnd both of these dogs have many qualities.
What To Expect?
When we consider the height and weight of the two breeds, their puppies will probably weigh somewhere between 35 to 60 pounds and be between 17 and 23 inches in size.
This is an approximation considering the lowest average value and highest average value of both breeds.
Same with their lifespan. When we take into account lowest and highest values, the lifespan of a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Husky mix should be between 10 and 15 years.
When it comes to colors, we must consider some of the usual Husky colors to make a prediction. However, what you get in the end is a matter of genetics.
Please be aware that a Husky is more of a working dog, while a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a sporty hunter.
Ultimately, this could end up in a fine combination of hard-working sporting dogs.
It is up to us to discover the potential of this designer breed and help it to fulfill it.
You must remember that a Husky has a dense coat that is adjusted to cold weather. This probably means a bit more shedding in its mixed offspring too.
These dogs are also known for their special way of barking, which is more like a Husky howling. I guess that isn’t very suitable for a hunt.
But we must remember there is another breed in the mix. Which genes will prevail is yet to be seen.
If you decide to get this pooch, be prepared for surprises, and I guess they will be pleasant surprises. Also, prepare some names in advance. You can use one from the list of Husky names if you want to.
5. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Border Collie Mix
Well isn’t this the perfect match? Here we have the smartest dog in the world and its companion is not short on brains either.
You probably won’t find our Toller among popular Border Collie mixes.
But you will certainly find Border Collies among Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever mixes.
Certainly there are many more popular and better-known Border Collie mixes like a Border Collie Poodle mix, German Shepherd Border Collie mix, or even a Corgi Border Collie mix.
But let’s give this pretty specimen, that is not widely known, a chance.
This is a mix of a hunter and a herder. One is for birds; the other is for sheep. And the combination gives us a pooch that takes on all the best traits.
It is a smart mix because both of its parents are. And that means you need to be smart too. Start with dog training as early as possible to make yourself a new best friend.
Expect a loyal family dog that will be really active. You will have to find some time in your day to train and play with your pet.
This is very important for the dog to be happy. And a happy dog is a disciplined dog.
When it comes to the question how much our mixed pooch will grow, we must consult the growth charts of Border Collies and Tollers.
When we take some average values into account, we can expect our dog to weigh from 30 to 51 pounds. Its size should reach somewhere between 17 and 22 inches and could have a lifespan from 10 to 17 years.
6. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Labrador Mix
Photo from: @petra_gunterbunt
Well imagine that, the most beloved pooch ever and anywhere probably. Did you know that they were actually bred as hunters?
A bird hunter, first and foremost. Just like their companion from this mix, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever.
It is clear that both are retrievers. This means double the skill in retrieving birds the hunter takes down. Well, that is double the stress for waterfowl of all kinds.
If you take a look at some lists of Labrador Retriever mixes, you probably won’t find the Toller. But, on the list of the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever mixes, there will always be a place for a Labrador Retriever.
What can a Labrador Retriever bring into this super hunting mix? Well, they can bring new Labrador colors for example. And probably a lot of hair, because Labrador Retrievers shed a lot.
We know that Labrador Retrievers are sweet, loyal, obedient and cute. They are also playful and trainable and full of care for others. So sweet. I would not be surprised if the offspring of this mix would be the same.
These are fine dogs when it comes to household work, and they are child friendly. I guess that it will be the same with their puppies.
If you ask for a measurement then, considering the average weight, height and lifespan of both these breeds, this should be the result.
The average height of the mix could be somewhere between 17 and 23 inches. Average weight could be somewhere between 37 and 80 pounds, and lifespan is somewhat of a classic at between 10 and 14 years.
7. Duck Tolling Retriever Dachshund Mix
Can anything get more adorable than this? The funniest-looking dog is a mixed breed dog with a super funny name. And, not to forget to mention, a long name.. Almost as long as a Dachshund’s body. Just kidding.
Both of these are hunters. If you think that the Dachshund is just a comedian, you are wrong. It is one fine badger hunter, which is why the name includes hound. And we already know that Scotie’s hunt for birds.
Now we have covered both heaven and earth with these capable creatures. Just imagine that combination!
I must admit, when we talk about Dachshund mixes, Toller Dachshund combinations probably won’t find their place among the most popular mixes.
You would first think of some more “logical“ mixes such as Corgi Dachshund mix. But Dachshund will certainly find his place among Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever mixes.
What can Dachshunds bring into this mix? There is a whole specter of Dachshund colors that can change the appearance of the mixed offspring.
Be prepared for a lot of barking too. Dachshunds bark a lot, and when it comes to the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, as far as I know, they are loud too. It’s likely, then, that the offspring might be too.
There is also a possibility for a bit of unpleasant behavior, since Dachshunds can show aggression, as well as Tollers. It is not surprising since they are both hunters. They have to be a little tough.
There is another trait this short dog can transfer to the offspring. What am I talking about? It is that Dachshunds shake, and they are needy.
If you already have a Dachshund dog you know how it is to live with one. Maybe that will bring you closer to the idea of what it is like to live with a dog that is a mix of the two.
What are the expectations on size? If we consider the average size of the Dachshund and Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever then we can expect our mix to be somewhere between 5 and 21 inches tall.
When it comes to weight, our dog could gain somewhere between 16 and 51 pounds. Those are pretty big differences, but these dogs are also quite different so it is not surprising.
We can expect a lifespan of between 10 and 17 years.
8. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Pitbull Mix
Photo from: @the_miraculous_benji_boy
This is perhaps the most intimidating specimen among our Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever mixes. But only by name. It is a gentle and endearing dog really.
I can prove that. You can call them a Toller Pit; such a cute name. They can be just as cute as their name.
There are many types of Pitbull, and there are a lot of dogs that look like Pitbulls. Pitbulls are often chosen for combining with other dogs.
You have probably heard of many Pitbull mixes such as Pitbull Poodle mix, Corgi Pitbull mix, or even Basset Hound Pitbull mix. It is no wonder that this dog has also made it onto the list of Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever mixes.
What can Pitbulls bring into this mix? Well, in the first instance, many of the Pitbull colors and patterns. Imagine how cute a dog you would get.
There is a rumor that follows Pitbulls that they are aggressive. In fact, black Pitbulls are considered especially aggressive, but although you can expect your Pitbull to show such a behavior, it doesn’t have much connection with coat color.
When we take into account the average measures we can expect our mixed dog to be somewhere between 17 and 21 inches tall.
It may weigh between 30 and 90 pounds and have a lifespan of between 10 and 14 years.
These two dog breeds are not very different when it comes to size.
To Wrap It All Up On Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Mixes
If you want a dog that is a super-fine watchdog, a kid lover, an amazing hunter and can leagerly catch a flyball then a Toller is the dog for you.
But that is not all, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever mixes are a story in themselves. Taking all the best traits from both parents, many of these mixes have the potential to become excellent hunters.
When it comes to wrapping up Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever mixes, they are a 10/10 from me. Which grade would you give?
READ MORE:
40 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Mixes That You Won’t Be Able To Resist