High‑energy, highly trainable retrievers that can become quickly over‑aroused by motion/retrieving cues (balls, squeakers), other dogs, or sights/smells of water. Many Tollers produce a very loud, high‑pitched “Toller scream” when excited; owners may describe this as crying or pain even when it’s normal excitement. Some are reserved with unfamiliar people and may show a strong prey drive toward small animals, which can influence lobby behavior and handling preferences. Front desk can minimize stimulation (low‑key greetings, quick rooming) and note owner preferences. Escalate immediately if vocalizing is accompanied by collapse, pale/blue gums, open‑mouth breathing at rest, or sudden aggression.
Front desk script: Just a heads‑up: some Tollers make a very loud, high‑pitched “Toller scream” when excited; it can sound alarming but isn’t always pain. Are there triggers we should avoid today (balls/squeaky toys, seeing other pets, water/puddles)? We can room you quickly or offer a quieter wait if that helps. If you notice the noise with collapse, pale gums, or labored breathing, please tell us right away.
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers (Tollers) show breed-linked risks for immune-mediated conditions—especially immune-mediated rheumatic disease (joint stiffness/lameness) and steroid‑responsive meningitis‑arteritis in younger dogs (fever, painful/stiff neck); an inherited form of Addison’s disease that can start in juveniles (intermittent vomiting/diarrhea, lethargy, collapse); inherited eye disease (PRA‑prcd) causing night then day vision loss; a documented back‑risk mutation (CDDY/IVDD) that can lead to sudden back pain or hind‑limb weakness; congenital cleft palate/syndactyly in some lines; and a newly described cardiac laminopathy variant linked to early dilated cardiomyopathy/sudden death in affected families. Like many retrievers, orthopedic dysplasia (hips/elbows) is a screening focus. If a Toller has collapse, severe/repeated vomiting or diarrhea, sudden neck or back pain, or sudden weakness/inability to walk, escalate to emergency care immediately.
Front desk script: Thanks for letting us know your dog is a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever—this breed can have a few inherited risks (immune-related pain/meningitis, Addison’s disease, certain eye and back issues). I’ll flag this for the doctor and note any prior eye, orthopedic, or genetic screening you have. If you ever see collapse, severe vomiting/diarrhea, or sudden neck/back pain or weakness, please tell us immediately so we can direct you to emergency care.
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers are medium, high‑energy retrievers (about 35–50 lb, 17–21 in) that do best with 1–2 hours of daily activity like fetch, running, and swimming; they have a water‑repellent double coat that sheds seasonally and benefits from weekly brushing (more during heavy sheds). They’re affectionate family dogs and may have an excited “Toller scream.” Ask breeders for documented health screening (OFA hips, CAER ophthalmologist eye exam) and DNA results for PRA‑prcd, Juvenile Addison’s Disease [JADD], and cleft palate/syndactyly (CP1/CLPS). If you ever see trouble breathing, collapse, nonstop vomiting/diarrhea, or sudden severe neck pain with fever, seek emergency care immediately.
Front desk script: They’re a medium, very active retriever that needs lots of daily exercise and regular brushing, with heavier shedding seasons. If you’re getting a puppy or new to the breed, we can schedule a wellness visit and review recommended screening (OFA hips, CAER eye exam, and DNA tests like PRA‑prcd, JADD, CP1/CLPS). Please bring any breeder health documents (OFA/CHIC) to the appointment. If the pet has breathing trouble, collapses, has nonstop vomiting/diarrhea, or sudden severe neck pain with fever, go to the ER now and call us.
Front-desk teams most often hear from Toller owners about: itchy, smelly, or painful ears after swimming/grooming; intermittent skin itch; vomiting/diarrhea or suspected dietary indiscretion; limping or stiffness after vigorous activity; and routine questions about breed-recommended screening (hips, eyes, cardiac/thyroid, and DNA tests such as PRA-prcd and juvenile Addison’s). Population data show NSDTRs commonly present for injuries, gastrointestinal upsets, and locomotor problems, and floppy, moisture‑prone retriever ears make otitis a frequent call driver. Escalate if the owner reports repeated vomiting/diarrhea with lethargy, collapse, pale gums, severe neck pain with fever, or rapidly worsening weakness—these warrant urgent evaluation.
Front desk script: Thanks for calling—Tollers commonly come in for ear complaints, tummy upset, or a new limp after activity, and we can schedule an exam to check that out. If you’re seeing repeated vomiting/diarrhea, collapse or extreme lethargy, severe neck pain with fever, or your dog can’t get comfortable, please head to urgent care now or we can direct you to the nearest ER. For wellness, we can also book breed-recommended screenings (hips/eyes/heart/thyroid and DNA tests) and routine preventive care.
Tollers have a water‑resistant double coat with a dense undercoat; expect steady shedding with heavier spring/fall blowouts. Set expectations for weekly brushing at home (increase during blowouts) and consider professional bath/brush de‑shedding services; groomers can tidy feet and feathering for cleanliness/traction. Because the breed often swims, build routine post‑swim ear checks into schedules; arrange a same‑day veterinary visit for head‑shaking, ear redness/foul odor, or marked ear sensitivity, and urgent evaluation if balance changes or a persistent head tilt are noted.
Front desk script: This breed’s double, water‑resistant coat sheds all year and more heavily in spring/fall. We suggest weekly brushing at home and booking bath/brush de‑shedding appointments during peak shedding; groomers can also tidy the feet and feathering. Since Tollers love water, please check ears after swimming—if you notice head‑shaking, redness, or odor, we should see them the same day. If there’s a head tilt or balance changes, seek urgent care now.
Active water-retriever; front desk should expect calls for ear irritation after swimming, shifting-leg stiffness/lameness in young adults, or sudden neck/back pain. Route ear concerns (head shaking, odor, discharge) to a same‑day or next‑day GP slot. For breed‑predisposed immune issues, screen callers for fever, painful stiff neck, reluctance to move the head (SRMA red flags), or chronic multi‑joint stiffness after rest (IMRD pattern); book same‑day GP and flag for possible labs/referral. Escalate immediately for acute non‑ambulatory weakness/paralysis, severe neck/back pain with fever, sudden vision loss, or intractable vomiting/collapse—advise emergency care now. Note that Tollers also carry risks for IVDD (CDDY) and eye disease (PRA), so anticipate follow‑ups/rechecks and potential ophthalmology/neurology routing.
Front desk script: Because Tollers can be prone to ear problems after swimming and certain immune or spine conditions, can I ask if your dog has a fever, severe neck or back pain, won’t move the head, sudden weakness, or trouble walking? If you’re seeing any of those, this may be urgent—please come in today; if your dog can’t stand, seems extremely painful, or has a high fever, please proceed to the emergency hospital now. Otherwise, we’ll schedule the next available same‑day/next‑day exam and note swimming/ear history and any stiffness or limping for the doctor.
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers typically live 12–14 years; owner needs and visit cadence shift by stage. Puppy: expect visits every 3–4 weeks until the veterinarian completes the vaccine series; collect breeder health records (hips/eyes; DNA tests such as PRA-prcd, JADD, CP1/CLPS) and discuss microchip, parasite prevention, and socialization logistics per DVM plan. Adult: book wellness/preventive care every 6–12 months, with front-desk prompts on activity level, dental cleanings, weight, and any eye/orthopedic concerns for this high-energy sporting breed. Senior (about 10+ years): schedule at least twice-yearly check-ins and confirm mobility, behavior, and vision changes; the care team may plan age-appropriate screening. Escalate same day if clients report sudden fever with painful/stiff neck, collapse/weakness, acute vision loss, or persistent vomiting/diarrhea with lethargy; direct to an emergency hospital if after-hours.
Front desk script: For Toller puppies, we usually schedule checkups every 3–4 weeks until the doctor completes the vaccine series. For adults, we plan wellness exams every 6–12 months; for seniors, at least every 6 months. Do you have breeder test records (hips/eyes and DNA like PRA/JADD) we can scan, and are there any changes in eyes, mobility, or stamina to note? If your dog has sudden fever with a painful stiff neck, collapses, has acute vision changes, or ongoing vomiting/diarrhea with lethargy, we should see them today; if we’re closed, please go to the nearest emergency clinic.
Active, water-loving Tollers often swim and have high mental/physical energy; set expectations by asking about recent water exposure, any head shaking/ear odor/itch, and exercise needs. Let callers know the breed may vocalize with an excited “Toller scream,” which can sound alarming but isn’t necessarily pain. Recommend a pre-visit walk and bringing high-value treats or a favorite toy to help them settle. Offer same-day booking for new ear discomfort after swimming or increased scratching, and clearly escalate if owners report red-flag signs (see script).
Front desk script: “Because Tollers are active swimmers, have you noticed any head shaking, ear odor, or scratching after water play? If yes, we can book a same-day ear check.” “A brisk walk before you arrive and bringing a favorite treat or toy usually helps Tollers relax; their excited ‘Toller scream’ can be normal.” “If you see a head tilt or sudden loss of balance, collapse, trouble breathing, or an eye injury, this is an emergency—please go to the nearest ER now and call us on the way so we can alert the team.”
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers have documented breed risks for immune‑mediated disease (including immune‑mediated rheumatic disease and steroid‑responsive meningitis‑arteritis) and for Addison’s disease—so ask owners about intermittent fever, pronounced neck stiffness/pain in young dogs, shifting limb soreness, or episodes of vomiting/diarrhea, tremors, fainting, or collapse. Keep preventive items on schedule: annual CAER eye exam; hip evaluation (OFA/PennHIP) and a cardiac exam; and ensure any breeder DNA results (JADD, PRA‑prcd, CP1/CLPS) are filed. If severe neck pain with fever, shock/collapse, or profuse vomiting/diarrhea is reported, direct the client to emergency care immediately; otherwise arrange a same‑day urgent exam for concerning signs.
Front desk script: Because Tollers have a few breed‑specific risks, we like to keep their annual eye exam, hip documentation, and a cardiac check on schedule. Do you have any genetic test results (JADD, PRA‑prcd, CP1/CLPS) we can add to the record? If you notice fever with marked neck stiffness/pain or any collapse or severe vomiting/diarrhea, please contact us right away—if severe, head to the nearest emergency hospital now.
Bright, high‑energy retriever that bonds closely with family; many are a bit reserved with new people and can be very vocal (“Toller scream”) when aroused—front desk should cue calm, positive, treat‑based handling, allow owner nearby, and give a brief warm‑up before procedures. Operational watch‑outs: breed has documented predisposition to immune‑mediated diseases (e.g., juvenile SRMA presenting with fever and painful/stiff neck; IMRD/SLE‑like disease), endocrine risk of Addison’s disease (may be vague or wax‑and‑wane GI/low‑energy signs, but can progress to crisis), and several inheritable conditions with available tests (e.g., JADD, PRA‑prcd, cleft palate variants). For calls or check‑ins, ask about recent fever, neck pain/stiffness, unusual lethargy, vomiting/diarrhea, collapse/weakness, or tremors. If fever with marked neck pain/stiffness or sudden weakness/collapse with severe GI signs is reported, escalate to the veterinarian immediately and direct the client to emergency care now.
Front desk script: “Thanks for bringing your Toller in—many are energetic but a little reserved at first, so we’ll use gentle, reward‑based handling and let them warm up with you nearby. For this breed, please tell me if you’ve noticed fever, a painful or stiff neck, unusual fatigue, vomiting/diarrhea, or any sudden weakness. If you’re seeing sudden collapse or severe vomiting/diarrhea right now, please head to the nearest emergency hospital while I alert our doctor.”
High-drive working retriever that thrives with daily vigorous exercise and structured enrichment; ideal for active adopters able to provide jobs (fetch, field work, agility) and secure outdoor access. Intake and placement partners should note breed predispositions to immune-mediated conditions (including a rheumatic/SLE-like disease complex and steroid‑responsive meningitis‑arteritis), as well as heritable issues such as PRA-prcd and hip dysplasia; request any prior health screening (hips/eyes, relevant DNA tests) and encourage early primary‑vet establishment. Watch for red‑flag signs after adoption—sudden severe neck pain with fever or marked lethargy, collapse/weakness with ongoing vomiting or diarrhea, or acute vision changes—and instruct adopters to seek emergency veterinary care immediately if these occur. Otherwise, expect seasonal shedding and a smart, energetic dog that needs consistent outlets to prevent frustration and nuisance behaviors.
Front desk script: This breed does best in very active homes with daily exercise and mental work. They have some breed‑linked immune and eye risks, so we recommend establishing a veterinarian promptly and sharing any health records or prior genetic/eye/hip screenings. If your dog shows sudden severe neck pain with fever, becomes profoundly weak or collapses, or has persistent vomiting/diarrhea, please go to an emergency vet immediately and notify us. We’re happy to provide enrichment and training resources to set you up for success.
Energetic, intelligent, and highly people‑oriented, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers are quick learners with very high play/retrieving drive and stamina. In the lobby, they may become excited by motion (children, toys, other dogs) and benefit from a calm, low‑stimulus path to check‑in. Seat away from doors and high‑traffic areas; confirm a secure collar/harness and ask owners to keep a short leash. Use brief, upbeat cues and owner‑provided rewards to focus attention; avoid squeaky toys or rapid movements that can escalate arousal. If the dog shows escalating agitation that the owner cannot control, or signs of heat stress or respiratory distress (excessive panting, drooling, collapse), move to a quiet room and alert the medical team immediately.
Front desk script: Welcome! Tollers are very smart and high‑energy, so we’ll check you in quickly and seat you in a quieter spot if available. Please keep [Name] on a short leash and close to you; let us know if fast movement or toys make them excited. If [Name] has a favorite treat or cue that helps them focus, we can use that during handoff. If [Name] becomes very agitated or shows trouble breathing, we’ll move you to a room and notify the care team right away.
For Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers, escalate immediately if you hear: acute fever with severe neck or back pain, neck rigidity, or reluctance to move/cry out on handling (breed‑predisposed to immune‑mediated meningitis/arteritis); sudden stiffness or shifting‑leg lameness accompanied by fever; collapse, profound weakness, vomiting/diarrhea, shaking/trembling, or pale gums—especially in puppies/young Tollers due to a known juvenile Addison’s risk; non‑productive retching with a tight or distended abdomen; or sudden staggering, vomiting, bloating, seizures, or breathing trouble after intense water play (possible water intoxication). These signs require same‑day escalation—many warrant immediate emergency evaluation.
Front desk script: Based on what you’re describing, this can be an emergency for a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. Please bring your dog in right now; if we cannot see you within the next hour, proceed to the nearest 24/7 emergency hospital without delay. If symptoms worsen en route (collapse, repeated retching, seizures, severe breathing trouble), go directly to the ER.