Everyone Into The Gene Pool


Someday DNA mapping will be able to tell us just who contributed what to the gene mix of the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever.  We don't know the how, but we do know the why.

The toller was developed by the early inhabitants of Nova Scotia to hunt ducks and geese offshore and on the inland waterways.  They noted the methodology of the hunt used by foxes.  One fox hid while the other fox played along the riverbank in full view of flocks of ducks and geese.  Curious and stupid, the birds would swim closer to see what was going on, whereby the hidden fox would pounce. Voila! Dinner!

Is it possible to breed these characteristics into a hunting dog?  Is it possible to train a dog to do the job?  Well, first it had to look like a fox - red coat, white markings and maybe a white tail tip.  Second, the dog has to toll or play along the riverbank to attract the birds.  Lastly, the dog has to swim and retrieve the duck in harsh, cold water.

The dog has to be small in body to fit in a boat, yet big in heart to do the job.  At night,  the dog has to live in the house and curl at the feet of the hunter.