All Dog Breeds >>History of Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
The breed was developed in the community of Little River Harbour in Yarmouth County, Nova Scotia around the beginning of the 19th Century to toll waterfowl. Its exact origins are not known but it appears that some Cocker Spaniel, Golden Retriever, or Irish Setter may have gone into the mix. It may share origins with the smaller Kooikerhondje, which has a similar method of work. The Toller was officially admitted to the Canadian Kennel Club in 1945. 56 years later, on June 11, 2001, it was approved for admission into the Miscellaneous Class of the American Kennel Club and was granted full recognition into the Sporting Group on July 1, 2003. The Toller was made the provincial dog of Nova Scotia in 1995.