Group classification: Sporting Country of origin: United States Date of origin: 19th century
Weight (M): 65 - 80 lb Height (M): 23 - 26" Life expectancy: 11 - 13 years
Weight (F): 55 - 70 lb Height (F): 21 - 24"
1.General Description of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a hardy and resilient breed designed to retrieve waterfowl from cold waters, sometimes even breaking ice to do so, and the features of the dog reflect this purpose. The skull is round and broad with a medium stop, the scissor-bite jaws large enough to carry large birds with ease. The eyes are large and clear, amber in color, and convey an expression of intelligence. The neck, shoulders, back and chest are powerful and well muscled. The hindquarters are slightly higher than the forequarters and are exceptionally strong, making this dog a remarkable swimmer; webbed feet also help to propel this dog through the water. The tail is either straight or slightly curved, with moderate feathering. The coat is thick, short and oily – the oiliness of the coat is especially important in this breed, as it is essential to keeping the dog warm and dry when working in and around cold waters. The coat should be brown in color, and a Chessie that matches her surroundings in the field is to be especially prized.
2.Chesapeake Bay Retriever Temperament
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is the toughest and most independent of the retrieving breeds. Unlike the always-sociable Labrador Retriever, the Chesapeake is generally aloof around strangers and is protective of its home and family. Despite its somewhat distant character around strangers and other dogs, the Chessie is exceptionally affectionate toward its master and family. For an owner looking for the playful qualities inherent in the retrieving breeds as well as a family protector, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a fantastic choice. While the dog is happiest when it is able to swim and retrieve outdoors, it is also content to be at home with its family and tends to be calm and quiet indoors.
3.Caring for a Chesapeake Bay Retriever
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever needs daily exercise – a long walk, a challenging game or a swim will suffice. The breed can live outdoors but prefers to live inside with the family. The Chessie’s oily and wavy coat is easily maintained with weekly brushing and rarely requires washing; in fact, the water resistance of the coat can actually be damaged by over-washing. Significant health concerns for the breed include canine hip dysplasia and gastric torsion; less common problems include progressive retinal atrophy and hypothyroidism.