Chesapeake Bay Retriever

• The Chesapeake Bay Retriever dog breed is recognizable by its short and wavy brown, red, or tan coat, exceptionally strong hind legs, and webbed feet.

• These superior swimmers have a muscular, powerful build, a round head, and soft yellow eyes.

———————— Temperament ————————

• Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are independently-minded dogs with a courageous spirit and loving disposition. They love children, but may be difficult with other pets.

• Although their strong personality and enthusiasm makes them tireless retrievers, they can be overly willful. Not recommended for inexperienced dog owners, Chesapeakes require an authoritative handler, early obedience training, and proper socialization to avoid aggression and to establish dominance.

• Unlike most retriever breeds, Chesapeakes are slow to mature and are highly territorial.

———————— Height and Weight ————————

• Adult male Chesapeake Bay Retrievers tend to be 23-26 inches tall and weigh around 65-80 pounds.

• Adult female Chesapeake Bay Retrievers will be between 21-24 inches tall and weigh around 53-61 pounds.

———————— Living Conditions and Exercise ————————

• The Chesapeake Bay Retriever dog breed requires an average-sized yard and is not suited for apartment life.

• Chesapeakes prefer to sleep outdoors and are happiest in cool climates or with water nearby.

• Easily bored, this breed requires long walks and jogs daily to be on their best behavior. Chesapeakes love swimming and are happiest when given time to play in the water.

———————— Life Expectancy ————————

• Well-cared for Chesapeake Bay Retrievers can be expected to live an average of 10-12 years.

———————— Grooming ————————

• The dense, wooly, short coat is naturally oily for water-repellence, but is easily groomed with a brush with firm bristles.

• Chesapeakes should be bathed occasionally, with special care taken not to remove the natural oils from the skin that protect the dog from cold water.
• The rear paws should be declawed; removal of front claws is also recommended for dogs that will work in the field.
• Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are average shedders.

———————— History ————————

• The Chesapeake Bay Retriever dog breed has a famed history - an English ship was wrecked off the Maryland coast in the winter of 1807. All aboard the ship survived, including two Newfoundlands who were then cross-bred with local retrievers.

• This new breed was an excellent retriever, known for unsurpassed endurance and enthusiasm - owners claim their Chesapeakes will retrieve hundreds of ducks a day in freezing water without tiring.
• Chesapeakes are good family dogs that have been developed to excel in hunting, tracking, retrieving, field trials, guarding, competitive obedience, and watchdogging.

———————— Group and Recognition ————————

• Grouping: AKC Sporting Group, Gun Dog

• Recognition: CKC, NZKC, ACR, UKC, NKC, APRI, FCI, KCGB, AKC, ANKC

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