Where it Began
My journey with the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever began in my early twenties, when Gunner came into my life. He was the dog who introduced me to the breed and, without a doubt, started it all. I was completely captivated by the Toller and everything that came with them, and it wasn't long before Honey joined our family as my second Toller.
What started as a love for the breed grew into something much deeper over the years. The more I learned, the more I wanted to understand what makes a Toller truly exceptional, not only as a companion, but as a breed with a distinct history, purpose, and standard.
Eventually, I felt it was time to take the next step. Junior was the beginning of that chapter, followed by Mercy and then Pebbles. Mercy became the foundation female behind TruePatriot Tollers, with Pebbles following closely behind and becoming an important part of the program as it continued to take shape.
TruePatriot Tollers is built around a genuine respect for the breed. Education is a major part of our program, from understanding the breed standard and its purpose to learning about the health considerations that matter when planning a litter.
Our Program
Our Values
Health Testing
Health Testing
A Toller should be able to keep up with an active lifestyle, rise to the challenge of a new sport, hold their own in the show ring, and still come home to be the dog everyone wants beside them on the couch.
That balance is what we aim for at TruePatriot Tollers. We want to produce dogs with sound bodies, stable temperaments, and the versatility to enjoy life in all its forms. A ribbon or title is a wonderful achievement, but it is only one part of the picture.
Our breeding decisions are guided by the dogs themselves and the future we hope to give their puppies. Health matters. Structure matters. Temperament matters. Just as important is finding the right balance of qualities to produce dogs who can flourish in the environments they are placed in.
Ultimately, we want our Tollers to be capable, confident, and enjoyable to live with, whether their days are spent competing, working, exploring the outdoors, or simply being a much-loved member of the family.
Health Testing
Health Testing
Health Testing
Health testing is an important part of our breeding program at TruePatriot Tollers. We use genetic screening and established health evaluations to learn as much as possible about our dogs before making breeding decisions.
Genetic Testing
Our genetic screening panel includes:
- Cardiac Laminopathy (CLAM)
- Cerebellar Degeneration–Myositis Complex (CDMC)
- Chondrodystrophy (CDDY)
- Cleft Lip/Palate and Syndactyly (CLPS)
- Cleft Palate (CP1)
- Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)
- Juvenile Addison’s Disease (JADD)
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA-prcd)
- Dilute (D Locus)
Orthopaedic and Clinical Evaluations
Our breeding dogs also undergo health evaluations that include:
- OFA cardiac evaluation
- OFA eye examination
- Hip and elbow evaluations through OFA or PennHIP, as appropriate
These results help inform our breeding decisions and give us a clearer picture of the health considerations behind each planned pairing.
Testimonials
Zoey
Frankie
Frankie
"Zoey has been the best companion, whether it's running around with the boys outside, retrieving ducks from a successful hunt or cuddling with us in the couch. We are so thankful that our boys can grow up with her! We love our Zo Zo (as the boys call her)."
Frankie
Frankie
Frankie
"He is such an amazing, smart and sweet boy. We couldn't be happier with Frankie. He really is the best boy"
Nova
Frankie
Nova
"Nova is a happy, playful, and incredibly smart boy with lots of personality. He absolutely loves being outside, exploring and sniffing everything he can find. Fetch is one of his favourite games, and he also loves playing in the water whenever he gets the chance.
He’s curious, energetic, affectionate, and always up for an adventure. He has such a fun personality and continues to bring so much love and laughter to our family. We couldn’t imagine our family without him!"