Chesapeake Bay Retriever: Complete Breed Guide!

When people hear retriever, they might think of the Labrador Retriever or the Golden Retriever. However, another retriever breed is quickly growing in popularity around the world - the Chesapeake Bay Retriever.

 

The Chesapeake Retriever breed is known for its athleticism, grit, and striking coat. Today, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are more popular as family dogs due to their loving nature and protective spirit. They always want to spend time with you, whether it's running through a nature trail or cuddling on the bed.

 

If you've never heard of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, you've come to the right place. You might decide that this athletic, adorable dog is perfect for you and your family!

 

 

Chesapeake Bay Retriever Characteristics (Physical)

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a powerfully built gundog originally developed to hunt waterfowl in harsh weather.

• Body - The Chesapeake Bay Retriever has a strong, muscular, and well-balanced body. Despite being sturdy and strong, the Chessie has an athletic build that allows them to be very agile.

• Tail - This breed has a medium-length, straight tail that's a bit heavy at the base.

• Legs - Chesapeake Bay Retrievers have strong legs that help them run and swim with ease, including sloped shoulders that don't limit their movement. Chessies also have webbed feet and round toes that also help them swim efficiently.
• Face - The Chessie's head is broad and round, with small ears on top. Their muzzle is balanced with the skull, and they have medium-sized noses. Most importantly, Chessies have wide, medium, amber-colored eyes that add to their innocent and playful look.

 

Chesapeake Bay Retriever Size

Chessies are pretty big dogs, with the males usually standing about 23 - 26 inches at the shoulder. Females are typically a bit shorter, around 21 - 24 inches tall. Male Chesapeake Bay Retrievers can weigh up to 65 - 80 pounds, while females are slightly lighter, around 55 - 70 pounds.

 

  

 

Chesapeake Bay Retriever Personality

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is known to be a bit more complex than other gundogs. Gundogs are breeds that were developed to help locate and hunt small game. Chessies are very well-balanced dogs that make them great for families.

 

Chessies are receptive to training, but they can also be a bit independent. They are strong-willed but obedient and will use their strength and smarts to attempt to get their way. A consistent, experienced trainer can give a pup the structure and discipline they need to become hard-working companions.

 

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is very friendly and polite. However, Chessies can be a little reserved with strangers. Their protective nature makes them great watchdogs. They become very attached to their family and are always alert, especially when it comes to dogs they don't know just yet.

 

Chessies are commonly referred to as "athletes" since they excel at many different sports and activities. They especially love swimming and retrieving (playing fetch).

 

Though the Chesapeake Bay Retriever can be highly energetic, they can be incredibly calm once indoors. As long as it means being by your side, they will love cuddling and watching TV with you.

 

 

Chesapeake Bay Retriever Exercise

Even though the Chesapeake Bay Retriever would gladly lounge in bed all day with you, they require a good amount of exercise to remain healthy. You should exercise with your Chessie every day, whether it's taking them on walks or having play sessions.

 

Some of Chessie's favorite activities include hiking, swimming, or an activity that lets them feel at home in nature. Doing a tough hike or run expends their energy in a fun, stimulating way.

 

Make sure your dog is getting enough exercise, or else they can get restless. Restless dogs often engage in destructive behaviors such as knocking over trash cans or chewing on furniture.

 

Once properly trained, the Chessie can also be let off the leash so they can chase sticks and balls into the water and bring them back for you.

 

Tracking

Dogs have a sense of smell that's 100,000 times stronger than a human's! Tracking is a great way for your dog to use this strong sense to complete tasks and get rewards.

 

Many organized tracking competitions allow you and your dog to spend hours outside testing your dog's sniffing abilities. You can hide some treats or toys in your backyard and let your dog sniff them out!

 

Agility

Agility events have become a popular dog sport because they are tons of fun for everyone! Training for these events can help you and your dog bond and gain better communication.

 

Chessies may not be as quick as champion breeds like the Border Collie, but they will look forward to the training every day. You can set up your own obstacle course in your backyard and test your dog's ability to figure out the obstacles.

 

Field Work

The American Kennel Club states that fieldwork allows Retriever breeds to "embrace their natural ability to respond to direction." Organized Retriever Field Trials measure how well your dog can retrieve in the field at longer distances. Dogs are judged by their memory, intelligence, courage, and perseverance.

 

Hunting

Chesapeake Bay Retrievers were born to hunt! They are hard-working dogs with a waterproof coat that doesn't mind getting dirty and wet. Chessies make excellent companions for hunters.

 

 

Chesapeake Bay Retriever Training

Chessies are intelligent dogs that you can start training the moment you bring them home as a puppy. Obedience training is important to help them better understand simple commands like "sit" and "stay." With consistency and patience, your Chessie can learn tricks and commands quickly.

 

Training sessions should be fun and short, or your Chessie will lose interest. Remember to keep it light and offer praise whenever you can. Positive reinforcement also goes a long way to ensuring your dog remembers its new tricks and commands.

 

Early Training

Basic obedience is very important to get down while the Chessie is still a puppy. Puppies are a bit more eager to please than adults, making them easier to train. Training at a year old can be significantly harder than training a puppy at eight weeks old.

 

Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are highly motivated by food. Treats keep training sessions fun and interesting. They might be more likely to accept training if they know they will receive food as a reward.

 

Some important beginning commands for dogs are:

• Sit
• Stay
• Come

 

Chessies are very curious animals and will wander if left unsupervised. Running off by themselves can be very dangerous if they aren't leash trained or understand how to come back to you. Always make sure that your puppy understands the importance of returning to you before they are ever let off a leash.

 

This breed is quite strong as an adult and will try to test the boundaries when they are on a walk. Sometimes they might get distracted by wildlife and attempt to bolt after smaller animals.

 

To get them used to a leash, put them in a harness at a young age. Every time your Chessie pulls, stop walking immediately. If they continue to pull, turn around and start walking the other way. It might be frustrating, but do this EVERY time your dog pulls so they learn not to rush ahead.

 

Sporting Dog Training

Once your dog has the basics down, you can try adding more complex goals. The Chessie is an active breed that thrives when completing tasks. They love staying busy and active, meaning creative training is the best way to bond with and train your pup.

 

Consider activities like agility and fieldwork. You can even do these in your own backyard! Try setting up a fun course for your dog to learn, going through one portion at a time. Put treats around the yard for your dog to find, raising the difficulty each time.

 

 

Chesapeake Bay Retriever History

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is named after the Chesapeake Bay, a very cold stretch of water that's over 200 miles long near Maryland and Virginia. Every year, an abundance of migrating waterfowl, including ducks and geese, inhabits the Chesapeake Bay.

 

In 1807, a ship bound for England ran aground the coast of Maryland. The crew ended up surviving, which included two Newfoundland puppies named Sailor and Canton. The modern-day Chesapeake Bay Retriever is thought to have descended from these two pups. Over the next century, these dogs became well-known for their hunting abilities and unique amber, yellow-colored eyes.

 

By 1885, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever became fully established. They were highly regarded due to their thick, water-resistant coat and powerful legs. The Chessies were able to tirelessly swim through the wavy, cold waters and brave the strong winds. It's been reported that some Chessies were capable of retrieving 300 or more ducks in a day.

 

Wealthy duck hunters with clubs surrounding the Chesapeake Bay started breeding existing purebreds to perfect the perfect duck hunting dog.

 

Since then, the Chessie has become much more than a gundog. Because of their loyalty and empathy, this breed has had major success in a variety of fields. You can often find them dog competitions, therapy work, drug and bomb detection, and search and rescue work.

 

Chesapeake Bay Retrievers fill perhaps one of the most important roles: a loving, family dog. Active families who want an energetic companion and playful pal have been continuously drawn to this breed in recent years.

 

 

 

 

Chesapeake Bay Retriever Health Problems

This brown beauty has an average life span of 10 - 13 years. However, to make sure your pup lives a long and healthy life, you should have regular vet visits to keep their health in check. Although Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are generally healthy, they are still prone to a few health conditions.

 

When adopting your purebred pooch, always research the breeder beforehand. Reputable breeders should provide health documents to verify that there are no inherited conditions passed on. Responsible breeders will remove dogs with genetic and hereditary diseases from their breeding pool. Here are some things your vet should check for:

 

Canine Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a more common condition among larger dog breeds. This condition is caused by the ball and socket of the hip joint not fitting properly together. When they don't fit properly, the ball and socket will grind against each other, which can lead to lameness or difficulty walking in your dog.

 

Signs of hip dysplasia include:

• Difficulty walking, running, or jumping
• Limping or refusing to put weight on a limb
• Lethargy or lack of activity
• Obvious pain

 

It's very important to take your dog to the vet to test for hip dysplasia regularly. It is usually a hereditary disease but can also occur from injury or obesity.

 

A vet can prescribe a weight-loss plan or joint supplements to help manage the condition in milder cases. However, for more severe cases, your dog may need surgery to correct the joint and boost mobility.

 

Gastric Torsion

Gastric torsion is also commonly known as "bloat." While being bloated doesn't sound too serious (who doesn't get bloated after a big meal), gastric torsion is life-threatening for dogs. It's found more often in dogs with deep, broad chests like the Chesapeake Bay Retriever.

 

Eating too quickly can fill your dog's stomach with gas and cause it to twist on itself. Bloat immediately restricts the airways and will suffocate your dog. Gas collects in the stomach, which can eventually burst and send your dog into shock.

 

Remember to space out your dog's feedings every day into multiple meals. If they eat too quickly or too much at once, you might notice empty vomiting, constant pacing, or excessive drooling.

 

If you suspect bloat in your dog, take them to the vet immediately. Worsening conditions can cause your dog to collapse, which can be lethal in most cases.

 

Hypothyroidism

A dog affected by hypothyroidism lacks a specific hormone that regulates the body's metabolism. Hypothyroidism affects the organs, causing your dog to gain weight, become lethargic, and have deteriorating skin and coat health. Other early signs of hypothyroidism are muscle loss, slowed heart rate, and skin infections.

 

Hypothyroidism is ultimately treatable but not curable. It is usually detected in middle-aged dogs. In most cases, this condition is not life-threatening and can be managed with hormone medicine. Like all other conditions, early detection is always more beneficial to keep your dog healthy and out of pain.

 

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

Progressive retinal atrophy is a degenerative disease that wastes away your dog's retina. PRA is when the cells in your dog's eyes deteriorate over time, which can lead to blindness.

 

There are two types of retinal atrophy - early-onset and late-onset. Early-onset or inherited PRA is typically diagnosed around two to three months. Late-onset affects adult dogs between three and nine years old. It's caused by the cells in the retina developing abnormally or deteriorating later on.

 

Entropion

Entropion is a condition that causes your dog's eyelids to roll inward. The eyelashes around their eye will continuously rub on their cornea, leading to irritation. This condition can be very itchy and painful for your poor pup.

 

If not treated early, it can worsen over time and eventually lead to scarring on the cornea. Any scarring will affect your dog's vision and permanently damage the eye.

 

The usual signs of entropion are:

• Squinting

• Swelling around the eye

• Redness

• Excessive blinking

• Excessive tearing

• Eye discharge

• Rubbing and scratching at eyes

• Conjunctivitis

• Corneal ulcers

 

Entropion is easily detectable during annual checkups so remember to stay consistent with your vet visits! If diagnosed, vets can prescribe an ointment to lubricate and protect the eyes. In more severe cases, your dog may need surgery to remove the excess eyelid tissue to prevent the eyes from rolling inward.

 

 

How to Care for a Chesapeake Bay Retriever

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a very social dog that is happiest when someone is home with them. You should not leave them alone for hours at a time while you're at work or school. Being alone for extended periods will cause your dog to be distressed and anxious. They may develop separation anxiety and ultimately become destructive.

 

When spending time with your Chessie, try to stimulate them with puzzles, games, tricks, and other fun activities. Remember that they love staying active and need plenty of mental and physical stimulation. To keep them from getting bored and misbehaving, give them time to roam outside or even engage in playtime with them.

 

Of course, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever also needs time to cuddle with you. They love to relax indoors after they expend all their energy.

 

If you want your dog to play outside, make sure that you have a secure area for them to romp around in. The fence protects your Chessie from running off and chasing a squirrel they might see. You might need to supervise them at first if they are playing in the yard.

 

Even though the Chesapeake Bay Retriever can withstand harsh weather, you should never leave them outside for long periods. Chessies are indoor dogs through and through and love being inside with their families. Leaving them outside will ultimately lead to them feeling abandoned and lonely.

 

 

Nutrition and Feeding for a Chesapeake Bay Retriever

Most Chesapeake Bay Retrievers should eat about 2 - 2.5 cups of high-quality dog food every day. To prevent bloat and manage their diet, split up your Chessie's daily intake into two or three meals. This usually means breakfast and dinner, splitting their daily portion in half.

 

To help maintain a routine, try using an automatic feeder. Feeding your dog around the same time every day is quite important for pets. After each meal, watch your dog for bloat or a behavior change. Allow them time to rest after a meal, which will help with digestion.

 

The six basic nutrients your dog needs are water, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins. These are all required for your dog to be active and healthy. Look for dog food brands with a healthy protein source, which means avoiding dog foods heavy in animal byproducts like a chicken meal.

 

Related: Organic Dog Food Vs Non-Organic [In Depth Comparison]

 

 

Coat Color And Grooming

The Chessie's coat is one of its most recognizable and defining features. Their coat should be short and thick, no longer than 1.5 inches long, and the undercoat should be dense and wooly. The fur is even shorter on the head and legs. It's wavy only in certain parts of the body, including the shoulders, neck, and back.

 

Chesapeake Bay Retrievers need their coat to be a specific length, texture, and thickness due to their job as a gundog. They often work in the ice and snow, and the oil in their outer coat prevents the cold water from reaching their skin. Chessies are rarely soaked when they emerge from the water since it glides off their fur.

 

Chessie coats are usually a shade of brown to help them blend into their surroundings. Any color brown is acceptable, including chocolate and sedge. They should be solid-colored, although the AKC allows for one small white mark. The small white spot can only be on the chest, belly, toes, or back of the feet.

 

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever has short fur, but this dog tends to shed quite a bit. You should try to brush them at least once a week to remove dead hair and keep the shedding to a minimum. Aside from brushing, Chessies don't require much more grooming or bathing. Of course, feel free to bathe them if they're dirty or just jumped into a pond (nobody likes wet dog smell).

 

Grooming Tips

Since Chessies love outdoor activities that involve nature and water, it's important always to check them before they come inside. Look for ticks, fleas, and other parasites. Check their fur for dirt, debris buildup, and other cuts or scrapes they might have gotten. Since they love the water, it's important to clean their ears regularly to avoid infections.

 

You should also trim your dog's nails regularly. You should brush your Chessie's teeth at least a few times a week to avoid dental issues like gum disease and cavities.

 

 

 

 

Children And Other Pets

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a loving and loyal family dog! They're quite gentle and get along with others great. While they don't tolerate being bullied or hurt, this breed loves well-behaved and friendly children.

 

Chesapeake Bay Retrievers get along well with other family pets! With proper socialization, the Chessie will understand that other dogs or cats are family pets rather than prey or a threat.

 

Chessies are very protective of their family, leading to more standoffish behavior with dogs they don't know. They can even become aggressive with strange dogs that approach family members. However, with proper socialization and training, this behavior can be better managed.

 

When kids from outside the family visit, always supervise their interactions with your Chesapeake Bay Retriever. Since they are such vigilant watchdogs, they might mistake roughhousing or play fighting for an actual threat.

 

 

Rescue Groups

Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are great family pets, so it can be a surprise to see them at a shelter. Unfortunately, sometimes things happen outside of our control, and people have to give up a beloved family pet. Luckily, there are a few passionate Chesapeake Bay Retriever rescue groups dedicated to rehoming and saving them.

 

One example is Chesapeake Bay Retriever Relief & Rescue. This group is a non-profit organization that covers the entire United States. Their volunteers rescue Chessies, evaluate and treat the dogs for medical conditions, and then provide them with fostering. The group helps groom Chessies and prepare them for their new home.

 

Other groups like Chesapeake Safe Harbor provide behavioral assistance for families who need help learning how to socialize or train their Chesapeake Bay Retriever properly.

 

 

Breed Organizations

The American Chesapeake Club (ACC) is a breed organization dedicated to promoting the Chessie and building their popularity. The ACC maintains the breed standards and hosts events to gather Chessie lovers from across the country together. The ACC site is also a great place to learn about the breed and even find reputable breeders!

 

 

More About This Dog Breed

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever has become an iconic American breed thanks to its rich history and likable personality. They make great house pets and can also thrive in a variety of sports and services. The Chessie's versatility as an intelligent and determined breed is the main reason they are becoming more and more popular around the world.

 

The Chessie has become so popular that they were declared the state dog of Maryland in 1964. Two years later, they became the mascot of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). There's even a statue of a Chesapeake Bay Retriever on campus known as True Grit, which many students will rub his nose for good luck.

 

If you're looking for an active, intelligent, and loyal dog, look no further than the Chesapeake Bay Retriever. The Chessie is a great fit for any active family, whether you want a hiking buddy or want to hang out on a lake with your friends and dog. Being in the great outdoors makes Chessies happy, but nothing makes this pooch happier than spending time with you!