| Height | 18-21 inches (male), 17-20 inches (female) [1] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 35-50 pounds [1] |
| Life expectancy | 12–14+ years [1] |
| Temperament | Intelligent / Affectionate / Outgoing [1] |
| AKC group | Sporting Group [1] |
| Origin | Canada [1] |
| AKC popularity (2025) | No. 69 of 202 [2] |
Traits at a glance
Scores are the AKC's 1–5 breed trait ratings. [1]
Exercise needs
Most Tollers have a medium to high energy level and are not generally content unless they are able to engage in some form of physical exercise on a daily basis. A brisk, 30-minute walk and/or a couple of ball-chasing sessions per day will suffice for many Tollers, though some will need more. Because Tollers love to engage and do things with their owners, many owners participate in canine sports such as agility, flyball, or fieldwork to channel the breed's excess energy. [1]
Grooming
Tollers require weekly brushing to keep their coat looking its best. During shedding season, daily brushing is often in order. Pay special attention to the coat around and under the ears, as in these areas it is finer and more likely to knot. [1]
Health issues to budget for
Tollers are a relatively healthy breed, with a life expectancy of 12-14 years. Health concerns in the breed include Addison's disease, which often doesn't surface until the dog is middle-aged, the dog may have already produced offspring by the time a diagnosis is made. Efforts to develop a gene-marker test have been unsuccessful so far. Tollers also are somewhat more prone than other breeds to develop autoimmune-related issues. [1]
AKC-recommended health tests for breeding dogs: Hip Evaluation, Cardiac Exam, Ophthalmologist Evaluation, Cleft Palate & Syndactyly (Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever) (CP1, CLPS) - DNA Test, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, PRCD (PRA-prcd, PRCD) - DNA Test, Juvenile Addison's Disease (JADD) - DNA Test, Buff Genetic Test - DNA Test. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Typical vet bill for a medium dog (median $482) | $239 – $1,107 | [3] |
| Emergency visit, medium dog | $589 – $1,571 | [3] |
| Surgery when needed, medium dog | $264 – $2,106 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a dog, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,391 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, dog (US 2025) | $836/year | [5] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for dogs of this size or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- The AKC first recognized the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever in 2003. [1]
- It ranked No. 69 on the AKC's 2025 most-popular list, compared with No. 99 in 2015. [2]
- Its nickname is the “Toller, Duck Toller.” [1]
- The AKC lists Canada as the breed's country of origin. [1]
- The AKC breed page lists 7 recommended health screenings for breeding dogs, such as Hip Evaluation, Cardiac Exam. [1]
Good fit for
- ✅ Families with young children (AKC good-with-kids rating 5/5)
- ✅ Active owners who can give daily exercise (AKC energy 5/5)
- ✅ First-time trainers who want an eager learner (AKC trainability 5/5)
- ✅ Multi-dog homes (AKC good-with-other-dogs 4/5)
Common questions
How long do Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 12-14 years.
How big does a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever get?
AKC breed information lists height 18-21 inches (male), 17-20 inches (female) and weight 35-50 pounds.
How much are vet bills for a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For medium dogs like the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, a typical vet bill runs $239 – $1,107 (median $482). The AKC notes health screening for this breed; see the cost guides linked on this page.