NOVA SCOTIA DUCK TOLLING RETRIEVER
Compared with the other retrievers, the Nova Scotia duck tolling retriever, or "Toller," is a little guy. Males stand only 18 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder, and the females are even smaller. They have a double-layered water-repellent coat that can be any shade of red, from golden red to dark copper. They also may have white markings on the feet, the tip of the tail, the face and the chest. Despite their small size, Tollers are able to handle ducks and even geese with no trouble, Shirl DeVore said.

"They have some Chesapeake in them," she said. "They also have some spaniel, some farm collie, and some Irish setter."

Even though some people refer to Tollers as "little goldens," DeVore argued that they are not at all alike.

"The Toller isn't a totally true sporting breed because they have farm collie in them, and they do have a little tendency to herd," she said. "It's not much, but now and then you can see it."

The Toller originated in Nova Scotia early in the 19th century to toll -- or lure -- and retrieve ducks. The dog runs and plays along the shoreline, with its feather-like, fluffy tail waving in the air.

"You sit in a duck blind, in a position so the dog can work along the shoreline," DeVore explained. "I like to use a bumper for the dog to fetch. You throw it out along the shoreline and the dog runs out with its flashy, feathery tail -- like a fox -- and that tail mesmerizes the ducks on the pond."

The dog runs along the shoreline to retrieve the bumper and the ducks get curious and come closer to see what's going on, and in doing so end up within gun range. Then the Toller goes out and retrieves them. They are also great on upland birds.

The Toller's laid-back personality makes it a great pet. It has a high-pitched bark that makes a good alarm for the presence of an intruder, but they're not protective like the Chessie.

For more information on these little dogs, contact Mary Palskowski, the Public Education Coordinator for the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Club. Her telephone number is (847) 680-4852. The club's Web site is. www.nsdtrc-usa.org