Chesapeake Bay Retriever: Origin, Personality, Training

(Chessie)

Group: Gun Dog

AKC Ranking: 50

Also Known As: Chessie

About Chesapeake Bay Retriever

Origin of the Breed Chesapeake Bay Retrievers trace their history to two Newfoundland (dog)s -- the male "Sailor" and female "Canton" -- who were rescued from a floundering ship in Maryland in 1807. They were to breed with various dogs creating the line. Description of the Breed The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a powerful, muscular retriever with a slightly wavy, rather short coat that comes in shades of brown, red or tan ranging from a dead-grass-straw color to a deep dark brown with red overtones.

Both the harsh outer coat and dense wooly undercoat are oily for water-repellence. The head is round and broad with a medium stop and muzzle. The lips are thin. The small ears hang down and the eyes are yellowish colored.

Height

Dogs 23-26 inches (58-66 cm.)
Bitches 21-24 inches (53-61 cm.)

Weight

Dogs 65-80 pounds (29-36 kg.)
Bitches 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg.)

Personality

These are friendly, intelligent, courageous, willing, loving, loyal, devoted, independent and obedient dogs. Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are affectionate and good with children and cats living in the same house but may be combative with other dogs. They should be properly socialized from puppyhood. The Chesapeake is different than other retrievers in that he can be more aggressive, willful and reserved with strangers. They have a tendency to be territorial. Chesapeakes are usually slow to mature. Some of them become vocal while happy.

Living Conditions

Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are not recommended for apartment life. They are relatively inactive indoors and will do best with at least an average-sized yard. Chesapeake Bay Retrievers like to sleep outdoors. They prefer cool climates to hot unless there is a body of water nearby.

Exercise & Training

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever needs a good deal of vigorous activity, including swimming and long, daily walks. They are trainable although they may be a little slow to learn. The handler needs to be confident and to exude authority because these dogs like to have their own way. A consistent but kind approach is the most successful way to handle these dogs. If possible, attend obedience classes with this breed. Willful, this breed can be prone to dominance problems if not properly trained and socialized.

Grooming

The dense, harsh, short-haired coat of this average shedder is easy to groom. It should be brushed with a firm bristle brush to remove the dead hairs. While the Chesapeake needs the occasional bath to prevent any noticeable odor, they should not be bathed so often that the oily texture is stripped out. The oily coat helps protect it from icy waters.

Health Issues

The breed is subject to a number of hereditary diseases. These include, but are not limited to Hip dysplasia, Progressive retinal atrophy, von Willebrand's disease, Type 3 von Willebrand disease, Eczema and related skin disorders, Cataract, Regional Alopecia in both sexes

Life Expectancy: About 10-12 years.

Breeder Club: www.amchessieclub.org

Rescue Link: www.amchessieclub.org/rescue.html