Let's talk Chesapeake Bay Retrievers
A dog with a hugely pleasant disposition and unflagging desire to go-and-get, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever lives up to their name. They are task-oriented to the bone and bred to fetch for bird sport. Sensible to boot, the ‘Chessie’ as they are nicknamed, is a super canine for both families and singles alike, especially those of the sporty type. Out of six total retriever breeds, this one is celebrated for being the most serious, and headstrong.Official name: Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Other names: CBR
Origins: United States
| Drooling tendencies |
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Warm weather? |  |
| Shedding level |  |
Suited to apartment living? | |
| Energy Level (high, low, medium)* | High | Family Pet?* |
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| Compatibility with other pets |  |
Can stay alone?* | |
* We advise against leaving pets alone for long stretches. Companionship can prevent emotional distress and destructive behaviour. Speak to your veterinarian for recommendations.
Every pet is different, even within a breed; this snapshot of this breed specifics should be taken as an indication.
For a happy healthy and well-behaved pet, we recommend educating and socializing your pet as well as covering their basic welfare needs (and their social and behavioral needs.
Pets should never be left unsupervised with a child.
Contact your breeder or veterinarian for further advice.
All domestic pets are sociable and prefer company. However, they can be taught to cope with solitude from an early age. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or trainer to help you do this.
Male
1 m 58 cm - 1 m 66 cm
Height
30 kg 500.0 - 37 kg 500.0
Weight
Female
1 m 53 cm - 1 m 61 cm
Height
25 kg - 32 kg
Weight
| Baby age | Birth to 2 months |
| Puppy age | 2 to 15 months |
| Adult age | 15 months to 5 years |
| Mature age | 5 to 8 years |
| Senior age | From 8 years |
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Get to know the Chesapeake Bay Retriever
All you need to know about the breed
The reserved mug of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever conveys the character underneath: polite, ready, and smart. With their good sense about them, the breed is an affectionate companion and a superb sport dog. Raised and refined in the icy waters of the Chesapeake Bay in and around the coast of Maryland, United States, the dog has a hugely even-keeled temperament and desire to do their job, go home for dinner, have a snooze, and the next day, do it all over again.
Their dense, oily double coat developed perfectly to handle these conditions - and even more intemperate ones. The breed will easily dive right into any icy body of water and make an exit undaunted; they are used to it and most content when at work - which, to them, is the same thing as play.
Make no mistake: Chesapeake Bay Retriever intelligence is up there with the best of them. Their clear amber eyes convey a canine cool that beats all. Let’s face it: Any dog who will dive into the ice to fetch a duck has to be pretty chill.
Proper nutrition is essential for an extremely active breed like this. A food composed of high quality, high digestibility protein is the best choice to help your dog develop into the muscular animal they are destined to be. This is a dog who needs a lot of exercise on a daily basis. Take them hiking, swimming, or running - the more, the better as the Chesapeake Bay Retriever will always be up for it.
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2 facts about Chesapeake Bay Retrievers
1. Can be stinky
If used for sport, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers can possibly assume the scents - natural as they might be - that they get into. This is a dog who will readily run through the fields or charge into the bay, paying no mind to what’s in their path. However, unless particularly stinky, don’t bathe the Chesapeake Bay Retriever too often.
2. That coat!
The famously task-oriented Chesapeake Bay Retriever never misses an opportunity to do the job they were bred for: Jumping in the water to retrieve. Lucky for them, they have a built-in bathing suit in their thick double coat, the oily surface of which repels water. This is a dog that loves to swim and the coat, from years of breeding, can handle hours in even the chilliest bodies of water.
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History of the breed
The ultimate sport dog, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever started life on the jagged coast between Maryland and Virginia during the 19th Century when, according to lore, two Newfoundlands were rescued from a shipwreck and made their way into the canine community. Mating with Irish Water Spaniels and other hounds resulted in a hardy dog that could do the job duck club sportsmen of the area sought. The Bay’s shallow water stays frigid much of the year, and with the area known as the Atlantic Flyway - where a third of all migratory birds winter - sportsmen found the waters near-Nirvana for their pastime. With a powerful broad chest and webbed feet, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever became the perfect foil for the fowl.
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From head to tail
Physical characteristics of Chesapeake Bay Retrievers
1. Eyes
Large, round-shaped eyes that are always blue in colour.
2. Body
Large powerful and muscular body with medium length legs.
3. Coat
Think double coat with tufting and a dense undercoat.
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Things to look out for
From specific breed traits to a general health overview, here are some interesting facts about your Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Part of their inheritance
Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are among the breeds affected by von Willebrand disease, a hereditary bleeding defect in dogs where blood doesn’t clot well. The breed tends toward the more severe type, although it can be recessive and could also result in shortness of breath or fatigue. Specific tests are available through your vet to make sure your dog is free from the disorder.
The strong, silent type
Because of their upbringing, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever has a tendency to be more aloof and more willful with strangers than they are with those closest to them. A tad obstinate at times - and territorial - the Chesapeake Bay Retriever’s training will need to be firm and steadfast; if so, it will produce the same type of dog. All that breeding has made him a serious sort, but it’s important to take the lead in the house - so they don’t.
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Caring for your Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Grooming, training and exercise tips
Grooming for the Chesapeake Bay Retriever is as easy-going as they are: A harsh outer coat covers a soft undercoat comprised of oily deposits, nature’s way of allowing water to roll right off, just like the feathers of the ducks they retrieve. Baths need happen every three months or so. Exercise is the Chesapeake Bay Retriever’s middle name. This is a dog used consistently for sport, and if they aren’t, running is still in their genes. They’ll need lots of daily activity - walks, runs, hikes, and especially swimming, which they adore. As for training the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, discipline needs to be instilled from the start. This very headstrong dog needs a firm and consistent owner. The breed has a mind of their own and can be inclined toward dominance if not socialised well.
All about Chesapeake Bay Retrievers
The coat of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever is oily, so water is naturally repelled. Recommended bathing for most dogs is every three months, but that of course depends on the level of mess your pup gets into. If used for sport, like the Chesapeake Bay Retriever often is, that mess may be, well, messier.
The two retriever breeds are equally beloved but it’s their coat that’s the standout difference. The Chesapeake Bay Retriever has a curly coat and one that’s thicker and oily while the Labrador Retriever has a smoother coat. The Chesapeake is also slightly more dominant in nature whereas the Labrador is extremely affectionate.
Read more on this topic
How to adopt a dog
Things to consider before getting a dog
Sources
1 - Veterinary Centers of America https://vcahospitals.com/
2 - Royal Canin Dog Encyclopaedia. Ed 2010 and 2020
3 - Banfield Pet Hospital https://www.banfield.com/
4 - Royal Canin BHN Product Book
5 - American Kennel Club https://www.akc.org/