Our Mission
At Travelda Tollers, our mission is to uphold the integrity of the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever breed by prioritizing health, temperament, and breed standard. With over 50 years of dedicated experience (in Akitas and Tollers), we strive to produce exceptional companions that excel as family pets, conformation & performance partners, and loyal friends. Through comprehensive health screenings, ethical breeding practices, and collaboration with respected partners & mentors, we are committed to fostering the well-being of each Toller we bring into the world.
We recognize that alignment of expectations is crucial in avoiding conflict and ensuring satisfaction. By clearly communicating our focus and values, we invite prospective owners to compare us with others and make informed decisions. Our commitment to transparency and excellence is the foundation of our relationship with every family and partner.
Our Approach
Testing
Breeding is part art and part science, Tollers are fortunate in that there are DNA related tests for 10 DNA related defects (significantly more than other breeds), we also screen Hips, Elbows, Eyes, Cardiac and Thyroid.
With DNA testing we can eliminate many issues if we do not breed carriers to carriers, add to that use of screenings and we have a path to healthier puppies. So we don't breed carriers to carriers, yes we have carriers in our program, however to make it into our program individuals can be a carrier of one or two defects.
We do this because each defect makes it harder to find a good match.
In fact many of our brood bitches are clear for all known DNA issues.
Some breeders will say we breed based on the test, well the test plays a role in selection.
We breed based on the best fit of the entire set of needs. What we are working with was decided long ago.
Results
Our results speak for themselves. We also understand that not every issue can be eliminated despite all precautions. Tollers are susceptible to autoimmune related issues, liver shunts and megaesophagus, some of these are not evident at 6 or 8 weeks old and so each puppy comes with an insurance policy as well as a health guarantee.
The Goal
We are often asked about high drive Tollers, we also know this as "busy" and while we occasionally get a busy one, it's not our goal. Our goal is to follow the standard.
We are focused on breeding Tollers that conform to the breed standard. Breed standards define the ideal physical and temperament aspects of the individuals in a breed.
Those that meet the standard are fit for the purpose of the breed, be it hunting, farm dog or companion.
Get to Know Us
Our Partners
No breeder is stand alone and like everyone else we have partners, mentors and great clients.
Ree Smyth, Mapleglo Goldens - co-owns several of our girls and has finished several of our Tollers and co-breeds with us. Ree is also a skilled photographer with a keen eye for structure & type adding another valued point of view on breeding decisions.
Linda Fitzmaurice, JavaHill Tollers - it's hard to describe Linda's contribution, she has been a friend, mentor, cheer leader and critic, all to the benefit of our program. Linda's success in Tollers as a breeder sets her apart from all others. She has more bred more BIS Tollers than anyone, bred winners of National Specialties, Crufts, The World Show, & Westminster. Her knowledge is deep and willingly shared. She has set a standard of excellence in Tollers that is unmatched. Linda is an AKC licensed judge.
Berna Welch, Pebwin Goldens - Berna has long been a mentor from the earliest day when she helped groom Maddie for her first shows. Her Pebwin Golden line is legendary in the world of Golden Retrievers as both National Specialty winners and foundation stock. Berna is also an AKC licensed judge .
Carissa Shimpeno, Alisaton Dobermans - Carissa has been a part of our team for the past 4 years as our handler she has started and finished many of the 25+ Travelda Toller Champions. An AKC breeder of the Year 2014 in her own right Carissa is a third generation Dog Woman. She is one of the most accomplished handlers in the sport. We are truly fortunate to work with her and the other handlers we have had the privilege to work with.
