Originating in the United States, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever is affectionately known as the "Chessie". This dog breed is an avid hunter of fowl on both land and water. The Chesapeake Bay Retriever was the first retriever breed to be recognized by the American Kennel Club. This breed makes a wonderful family and field companion.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever Characteristics
This dog breed is the most hardy and powerful of the six retriever breeds. This breed is a true nature lover and is alert, intelligent, courageous and exceptionally versatile. The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is also independent, tough and possesses stoic determination. They are bold and athletic and tenacious workers.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever Temperament
Intensely loyal and deeply devoted, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever has a strong, protective character. This dog breed is sociable, caring and affectionate. The Chesapeake Bay Retriever does best in a home with older children and typically gets along well with other dogs, especially those they were raised with, but do tend to be a bit aggressive with unfamiliar dogs. This dog breed does not get along with cats or other small pets. The Chesapeake Bay Retriever thrives on family interaction and can be quite destructive if ignored, lonely or bored. This dog breed is not recommended for the novice or sedentary dog owner.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever Care
This dog breed requires once a week brushing to remove loose or dead hair. It is important to not over groom the Chesapeake Bay Retriever as this can damage the water-repellant coat. To preserve the natural oils of the skin and coat, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever should only be bathed when absolutely necessary. The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is prone to elbow and hip dysplasia, Von Willebrands Disease, PRA and cataracts. This dog breed prefers a cooler climate.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever Coat
This dog breed has a double coat. The outer coat of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever is thick, slightly wavy, short and harsh. The under coat is thick and wooly in texture. The coat is water repellant. The coat comes in a variety of colors, including various shades of brown red, and tan. This breed is an average shedder.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever Training
This dog breed is somewhat slow to mature, headstrong and stubborn. The Chesapeake Bay Retriever needs an experienced handler and early socialization and obedience training are essential. They do not respond to harsher heavy-handed training methods. Training should be performed with firmness, fairness, patience, respect and consistency. This breed is talented in tracking, hunting, competitive obedience, schutzhund and field sports.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever Activity
This dog breed requires vigorous, daily exercise. The Chesapeake Bay Retriever enjoy swimming and makes an excellent walking, jogging and bicycling companion. This breed needs an above average amount of physical and mental stimulation. They are unsuited to apartment or city living. The Chesapeake Bay Retriever does best in a home where they have room to run and romp freely in a safely fenced area.
