alternatehistory.com

Canada is the home of much that is appreciated in the world: poutine, Labatt Blue, Len Thompson Spoons, and Dorothy Stratten, to name but few of the blessings that Canada generously has bestowed upon an appreciative world.

One area in which Canada, and in particular the Atlantic Provinces of its rugged eastern seaboard, shines brightest is in the breeding of hardy dogs. Consider the Newfoundland and the Labrador retriever, two of the most fabled and beloved canine breeds in the world. Still, one great Canadian breed that has not achieved the fame or popularity of the Lab or Newfie is the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever (or "Toller"). The Toller is smart, handsome dog. The Toller is also one of the most unusual gun dogs around. As the Wikipedia states, "The hunter stays hidden in a blind and sends [the Toller] out to romp and play near the water, usually by tossing a ball or stick to be retrieved. Just like the fox the dog's activity and white markings pique the curiosity of waterfowl, who swim over to investigate. The act of enticing or luring game to approach is known as 'tolling.' When the birds are close, the hunter calls the dog back to the blind, then rises, putting the birds to flight, allowing him a shot. The Toller then retrieves any downed birds."

Now, that is one of brilliant dog--it not only retrieves the game, it first tricks the game.

My question: what would it take to make this wonderful Canadian breed more popular?

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