Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

The smallest retriever has the oddest water job: it dashes and plays along the shoreline so curious ducks paddle closer to watch, then swims out to fetch the birds once the hunter has shot. Webbed feet and a water-repellent double coat were bred for the icy inlets of Yarmouth County, Nova Scotia, and at around 20 kilos a Toller fits a kayak or small boat far better than a heavyweight retriever. Tollers are busy, vocal dogs known for an excited, high-pitched scream, and the breed carries raised risks of Addison's disease and autoimmune thyroid problems.