Questions

Questions about getting a Toller

Here are some common questions about getting a Toller. But before you go
any further, I hope you will consider adopting a dog from a shelter and saving a life.
If you are looking for a medium-sized companion, there are many that will fit that
bill, and be grateful for life.

Q: Are Tollers good with kids?

A: It depends on your kids....they
are great with my kids. Factors to
consider are age of the kids,
activity level, patience and
tolerance of the kids.

Will the kids mind being chewed
on by needle-sharp puppy teeth?
Having their hair pulled? Will they
be able to cooperate in the
training of the new puppy?

Kids and Tollers get along great if
the kids will throw a ball! Tollers
love to retrieve and it's a good way
for the kids and the dog to spend
time together.

Obviously babies and small
children will need to be protected
from the sharp teeth and claws of
a Toller puppy.

All kids should grow up with a dog
in the family. Tollers might be
that dog, or maybe not.

Click on the link to the left to read
more about adding a Toller pup to
the family.

Q: Do Tollers need exercise every day?

A: Yes, even if it's raining, or cold outside, or your favorite TV show is on, or you have a headache,
or you are too tired....

Q: Do Tollers get along with other pets?

A: Yes, with early socialization and training, they can live with
other dogs, and cats, and other pets. Puppy classes are
recommended, and training should continue until the dog is well-
mannered and responsive to your commands.

Q: Which are better, males or females?

A: We've found males to be better for hunting, which is not to say there are not great hunting
females. But the males are a bit larger, and they never go into heat (or some might argue they are
always in heat!). For a pet, a neutered male or a spayed female are both equally good. If you have
any interest in showing your dog in conformation events, you can not spay or neuter, however. Some
people find that females become moody around the time they go into heat.

Q: Are Tollers noisy?

A: If you are referring to the "Toller Scream", they are noisy! The scream sounds very much like they
are in pain. However, they reserve that for when they are very excited, or very frustrated. Like when
you are throwing a ball for one dog and holding back another. Or when you take out the gun to go
hunting. For the most part, they are not a barky breed. They will sound a warning if someone drives
up, but do not bark just to hear themselves bark.

Q: How can I meet some Tollers?

A: Most breeders will encourage you to meet some Tollers before you decide this is the breed for you.
And the best place to meet them is in their home environment. If you see some at a show, you are
seeing them in a place where they are accustomed to being well-mannered and probably very bored.
But turn them loose in the yard to fully experience the Toller energy! If you can meet a family of
several Tollers, and be constantly coerced into throwing the ball, again, and again, and again <bark!>
and again, until you leave, then you've met some Tollers! If you meet them in their home and they are
inside and well-behaved, that is probably nice but not the full frantic Toller energy that most people
need to see to believe. To find some Toller owners to visit with, contact the regional director of the
region that you live in, and ask if they can help set it up for you. The links for the US and Canadian
Toller clubs will be at the bottom of this page.

Q: How can I get a Toller puppy?

A: First of all, Tollers are a rare breed, and you can not expect to find a puppy right away. So it is a good
idea to thoroughly research the breed before you start looking. Are you sure a Toller is right for you?
Have you experienced the Toller energy? Can you live with that and keep them busy and happy? Have
you considered adopting a dog from a shelter or an older Toller? (rescue information is also on the club
websites) If you have decided that a Toller is the breed for you, then you should also familiarize yourself
with the health problems of the breed, and also decide what are the important traits that you would like in
a dog. Make a list of questions (there are several good lists on the internet, "Questions to ask a
Breeder", and also on the Canadian club website) and also be prepared to answer questions yourself. Be
honest about what you are looking for, but remember the more limitations, the less likely you'll be able to
have them met (and I'm referring to cosmetic or timing considerations, not the important stuff like what
temperament you feel will work best). In other words, if you want a large male pup with a white spot on
the forehead and you want to get it in April, you might never find that pup!

Q: Where can I find Toller breeders?

A: Both the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Club-USA and the Canadian Toller club have lists of
breeders, and all club members agree to abide by the code of ethics of the club. Also, you can contact your
regional director and ask if they know of any upcoming litters. There are also many websites on the
internet. No matter where you find the breeder, ask lots of questions, don't just take a pup because it is the
first one available if you have any reservations about the breeder, and follow your instincts. If the breeder
does not answer your questions in a way that suits you, or if you have a feeling that the puppies are not
being raised to the best of their potential, then don't get a pup from that breeder. Also, be honest about
what you want the dog for (hunting, show, pet, agility, therapy, flyball....) and be prepared to search until you
find parents that might produce a dog that will fit your needs. If you find a breeder that you are comfortable
with, and establish a good relationship with them, you will have that relationship for the next 12-15 years.
They will be there for any problems or questions that come up.

Q: What if all the breeders tell me they have long waiting lists?

A: Hang in there, if you really want a Toller! And it is a good idea to talk with several breeders and get on
several lists. It really is not impossible to get a Toller puppy, but with the high demand since Tollers
became AKC recognized, you will have to be patient. It helps if you've met some Tollers, and done all the
research possible before talking to the breeders. No one likes getting an email that simply says "Do you
have any pups for sale."! If you find the waiting period is too long, perhaps you can volunteer to foster
adoptable dogs or even adopt a dog from a local shelter or animal placement group. The time you spend
training and caring for a dog in need will help give you experience when you finally get your Toller pup.

US Toller club contacts (regional
directors)

US Toller club Breeder Referral

Canadian Toller club breeder list

Questions to ask a Breeder

Toller links to websites around the world

PetFinder (to find dogs in need of homes)

Click on the buttons below to get to the resources listed.

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