Chesapeake Bay Retriever

Temperament:

Obedient, Energetic, Loyal
Size: Medium
Height: 53-66 cm
Weight: 25-36,5 kg
Lifespan: 10-12 years
Coat: Shorthair
Colors: Light brown, Dark brown, Tan, Brown
FCI Group: Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs)

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is an impressive hunting dog breed for the ambitious dog owner. With a shoulder height of up to 66 cm, it is one of the largest retriever breeds. It is particularly popular in the USA. In 1964, the state of Maryland was the first dog ever to be named a state dog. Dog lovers also know him affectionately as "Chesapeake" or "Chessie".

Chesapeake Bay Retriever
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Characteristics

The Chessie was bred as a retrieving dog for duck and goose hunting. Its territory was the swamps and waters in the cold north of America. He was also meant to defend the house and farm and protect the family. His character is therefore described as courageous and persevering.

With a weight of up to 36 kg, it is one of the strong, muscular dogs. The coat colors of the retriever were bred for camouflage in the undergrowth. They therefore range from dark brown to straw-colored. There are also light red tones (sedge) and gray-brown tones (tan). It is a solid-colored dog with slight color nuances.

Its short, wavy coat is striking. This special coat structure extends from the neck to the tail. It is no longer than two and a half centimeters. The coat is smooth on the belly and legs. The Chesapeake defies snow and freezing rain thanks to its dense, oily undercoat. It protects the skin from moisture and makes him weatherproof. It can wade through ice-cold water for hours.

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is eager to learn and is quick on the uptake. His eagerness to work is legendary. It is therefore not suitable as a pure family dog. He wants to be challenged physically and mentally.

The right attitude and training are required. But then he is also the ideal, good-natured playmate for children. He is loyal to his family and bonds closely to his pack leader. He is reserved towards strangers.

Without interesting tasks, the Chessie develops exaggerated protective reactions. He reacts with exaggerated vigilance. He also quickly becomes dominant.

Would you like to keep a Chesapeake? Then you must bear in mind that he needs consistent training. They are independent and headstrong by nature. The question of hierarchy must therefore be clearly clarified. He also needs a balance for his stamina and his hunting and guarding instincts.

Of course you can take him hunting with you. He can also be used as a rescue dog. If neither is an option for you, agility might be the right thing for you. This involves challenging the Chesapeake to retrieve dummies. Long walks are also a good idea.

Like many large dogs, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever is prone to joint problems. These include hip joint dysplasia and elbow joint dysplasia.

Coat care:

Little
Medium
Intensive

Shedding:

Little
Medium
Intensive

Energy level:

Little
Medium
High

Trainability:

Little
Medium
Good

Children suitable:

Less
With supervision
Perfect

The right food

During puppyhood, it is important to ensure that the diet is developmentally appropriate. Food that is too high in energy leads to growth problems. Too rapid growth damages the skeleton and joints. High-quality food is the right choice. It must be adapted to the puppy's age and activity level.

For puppies, it is particularly important to ensure an optimal supply of vitamins and minerals.

The age, size and exercise of adult Chesapeake Bay Retrievers must also be taken into account. This determines the amount of food. This breed has a higher energy requirement than a normal family dog. They are persistent and active. It does not tend to become overweight so quickly if it is out and about a lot.

Small rewards in the form of treats are allowed. You can deduct the energy content from the main meals.

High-quality food has a positive effect on your Chesapeake Bay Retriever's condition. His coat is shiny and his stools are firm. He is active and feels good all round.

Health & Care

The coat of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever is very water-repellent due to the oily undercoat. This also prevents dirt from sticking to it. You can wash it with a dog shampoo if necessary. Choose a mild shampoo so that the greasy wool remains intact. However, this will not be necessary very often.

Chessie does not need a groomer. You should groom his coat regularly with a brush. This will remove loose hair. This will loosen up the oily undercoat.

Sensitive areas are the eyes and ears. They need to be cleaned regularly. Also make sure that no infections develop. The best way to check the condition of the eyes and ears is to brush the fur. This way it becomes a ritual and you both get used to it.

After the walk, the paws should be cleaned. This will allow you to recognize any injuries and treat them.

If the claws grow too long, you can hear them rattling on the floor. This can lead to problems with the paws. If you have practice, you can trim the claws yourself. Otherwise, you should leave this to a professional so that you don't accidentally injure the nerve endings.

Healthy teeth are also important for dogs. Does he have bad breath? This is a sign that your Chesapeake has poor oral hygiene. Inflammation of the gums is also possible. You can care for your dog's teeth and prevent tartar and the like with special chews and dog toothbrushes.

As you can see, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever needs little grooming. This compensates you for the time you invest in keeping him busy.

Suitable accessories

Which dog articles belong to the basic equipment of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever?

A collar or harness and a lead are typical. A dog bed in which he can make himself comfortable is also useful. Food and water bowls should also be on the first shopping list. As the Chesapeake is a large dog, it is best kept in a transport box in the car.

You will need a brush for grooming. It's best to choose one that reaches into the undercoat. A plucking brush works well. It removes dead hair and dirt.

To make sure you have lots of fun with your Chessie, you need training utensils and toys that match his intelligence and dexterity. You can use retrieving dummies, for example. A training diary will help you to keep track of your work with your Chessie.

Agility is more your thing? You can get elements from the course for daily training at home. With different sets, you can put together your own course that is fun for both of you. The Chesapeake Bay Retriever learns incredibly quickly and is ambitious. No challenge is too difficult for him.

Origin & History

The first Chessie was registered with the American Kennel Club in 1978. The breed standard was established in 1885. But where does the hunting dog come from?

In 1807, a ship is said to have run aground in the Chesapeake Bay. On board were two puppies, both Newfoundlanders. Legend has it that they were rescued at the last minute. The two were raised in the bay and trained as hunting dogs. Their job was to retrieve ducks.

Although these two Newfoundlands were never crossed with each other, they are said to be the ancestors of today's Chesapeake Bay Retrievers. Over the course of time, various breeds were added to the family tree. From these, today's retriever developed around the bay. Its characteristics became better and better adapted to the harsh weather conditions.

It is assumed that Flat-Coated Retrievers, Curly-Coated Retrievers and Irish Water Spaniels were among the ancestors. Various setters and coonhounds were probably also involved.