About Tara Tollers
Hi, my name is Cherri Johnston, and I’m the proud owner and breeder behind Tara Tollers. I run a small, home-based breeding program built on a deep love and respect for the incredible Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever.
My husband and I didn’t grow up with dogs, we were always a cat family. But one day, he started researching dog breeds online and came across the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. He was instantly smitten! He kept showing me pictures and articles, saying, “Look how cute they are!” and “They’re great with kids and cats!” After three years of his gentle (and persistent!) convincing, I finally said yes.
In 2011, we brought home our very first Toller, Roscoe, thanks to Terri Newey of Kalmegess Tollers, who took a chance on a young family with no prior dog experience. Roscoe was the best boy ever; intelligent, affectionate, and full of personality. He loved everyone he met and opened up a whole new world for me and my family.
Three years later, we welcomed our second Toller, Scarlett, who became the foundation of our breeding program. From there, my adventure with Tollers truly took off. Over the years, I’ve met so many wonderful people and formed lasting friendships through our shared love of this amazing breed.
Our family has continued to grow, both with our own Tollers and through the extended family of our puppy homes. We truly adore our dogs and take great pride in raising them as cherished members of our family before they go on to bring joy to others.
The Principles That Guide Us
At Tara Tollers, our focus is on breeding healthy, well-rounded puppies with sound temperaments that reflect the true Toller spirit: intelligent, affectionate, and full of enthusiasm. Raised in our home, each puppy receives the love, care, and early socialization needed to help them thrive in their future homes. Seeing them grow into cherished members of their families is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.
Genetic Health Screening
Our breeding dogs undergo genetic screening for the following conditions and traits:
- 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
In addition to genetic screening, our breeding dogs undergo appropriate health evaluations, including:
- Cardiac health: OFA cardiac evaluations
- Eye health: OFA eye examinations
- Hip & Elbow: OFA Hip and elbow evaluations