Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Breed Summary
The breed’s characteristics are specifically suited to enable the Chesapeake to function with ease, efficiency and endurance. In head, the Chesapeake’s skull is broad and round with a medium stop. The jaws should be of sufficient length and strength to carry large game birds with an easy, tender hold. The double coat comprises a short, harsh, wavy outer coat and a dense, fine, wooly undercoat containing an abundance of natural oil and is ideally suited for the icy rugged conditions of weather the Chesapeake often works in. In body, the Chesapeake is a strong, well-balanced, powerfully built animal of moderate size and medium length in body and leg, deep in chest, the shoulders built with full liberty of movement, and with no tendency to weakness in any feature, particularly the rear.
Country of Origin: Chesapeake Bay
AKC Breed Popularity: Ranks 45 of 196
AKC Classification: Sporting Group
UKC Classification: Gun dog
Exercise Requirements: 20-40 minutes/day
Height: Female: 21-24 inches; Male: 23-26 inches
Weight: Female: 55-70 lbs.; Male: 65-80 lbs.
Physical traits: Strong, Muscular, Well-balanced
Coat: Length: Short
Characteristics: Thick
Colors: Light Brown, Dark Brown, Deadgrass, Tan, Brown, Sedge
Overall Grooming Needs: Moderate
Personality traits/Temperament: Affectionate, Bright, Sensitive
Energy Level: Average
Tendency to Drool: High
Tendency to Snore: Low
Tendency to Bark: High
Tendency to Dig: Low
Social/Attention Needs: Moderate
Life Expectancy: 10-13 years.
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Health
Chesapeakes are a healthy breed of dog with no major issue. Their life expectancy is 10 to 13 years. Hip dysplasia is a concern in most dogs, Chesapeake’s included. There are some other hereditary diseases that can affect the breed, but fortunately there are tests that responsible breeders used to assess these and screen breeding stock. It is important for breeders to supply the health information about the sire and dam to anyone interested in obtaining a puppy. As with all breeds, a Chesapeake’s ears should be checked regularly for signs of infection, and the teeth should be brushed often, using a toothpaste designed for dogs. Some dogs can develop itchy skin conditions where baths with a high quality dog shampoo and conditioner is recommended. Flea control is also essential.
Nutrition
Any good-quality dog food is fine for the Chesapeake. For especially active or high-energy dogs, a formula with at least 20 percent protein can be beneficial. Add a high-quality dog multivitamin to complete the nutritional circle. Treats can be an important aid in training, but giving too many can cause obesity. Give table scraps sparingly, if at all, especially avoiding cooked bones and foods with high fat content. Learn about which human foods are safe for dogs, and which are not. Check with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s weight or diet.
Training
Obedience training is a must for the Chesapeake. Young puppies should start out with early socialization and puppy training classes. These help to ensure that the Chesapeake will grow into a well-adjusted, well-mannered companion.
Exercise
This is an intelligent, high-energy breed. Chessies really needs a job and plenty of exercise. Hiking, running, hunting, and swimming is what they love to do. They excel in all the dog sports, such as obedience, tracking, and agility, although hunting and field work is what they were bred for. Use paw balm daily to protect their feet.
Fun Fact
A Chessie is born to spend time in the water, and like the ducks they often help hunt, they have webbed feet to help them swim in the waters of the bay.
References
1. American Kennel Club. [accessed 2020 Nov 28]. https://www.akc.org/
2. Dog Breeds | Hill’s Pet. [accessed 2020 Nov 28]. https://www.hillspet.com/dog-care/breeds
3. List of Dog Breeds | Petfinder. [accessed 2020 Nov 28]. https://www.petfinder.com/dog-breeds/
4. All Dog Breeds - Complete List of Dog Profiles. [accessed 2020 Nov 28]. https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/profiles
5. Dog Breeds | Types of Dogs | Purina. [accessed 2020 Nov 28]. https://www.purina.com/dogs/dog-breeds
