Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever health: what owners should know

Because the breed descends from a small founding population, Tollers have a narrower gene pool than many breeds. They are known to be predisposed to certain autoimmune conditions, including immune-mediated rheumatic disease and Addison's disease, plus eye conditions such as progressive retinal atrophy and collie eye anomaly, and cleft palate. Responsible breeders X-ray hips, have eyes examined, DNA-test for PRA, CEA and degenerative encephalopathy, and track autoimmune history in their lines.

Keep your Toller lean and learn its normal energy level. See a vet if you notice stiff or swollen joints, repeated lethargy, vomiting or weight loss without an obvious cause, or changes in vision such as bumping into things at dusk. When choosing a puppy, ask breeders about the health of grandparents and siblings, not only the parents.