General Information

Dog NameChesapeake Bay Retriever
Other NamesChesapeake
Scientific NameCanis lupus familiaris
Breed TypeRetriever
GroupSporting
Breed ForRetrieving Ducks from water
ExtinctNo
Country of OriginUnited States of America (USA)

Physical And Size

SizeLarge
Min Life Span10
Max Life Span13
Min Ideal Weight for male29
Max Ideal Weight for male31
Min Ideal Weight for female24
Max Ideal Weight for male31

Ranking

Intelligent Rank
Trainability
Playfulness
Affection Level
Social Needs
Barking
Watchdog Ability
Territorial
Mouthiness
Adaptability

Characterisitics

TemperamentSensitive, Intelligent, Energetic
Prey DriveYes
Fighting DogNo

Friendliness

Stranger FriendlyLow
Child FriendlyMedium
Cat FriendlyMedium
Dog FriendlyLow
Office FriendlyMedium
Apartment FriendlyLow
Senior Citizens FriendlyLow
Service DogLow
Search and Rescue DogLow
Biting PotentialLow
Country of OriginUnited States of America
Nicknames and Other NamesChesapeake, Chessie, CBR
Scientific NameCanis lupus familiaris
Breed TypePurebred
GroupSporting Group
Bred For retrieving ducks from water
SizeLarge-sized
Recognized ByAKC, CKC, FCI, UKC, KC, ANKC, NZKC, \
Life Span10-13 years
Ideal WeightMale: 65-80 pounds
Female: 55-70 pounds
Ideal HeightMale: 23-26 inches
Female: 21-24 inches
Fur TypeShort and dense
Common ColorsBrown, Sedge, Dark Brown,
Light Deadgrass, Light Brown, Deadgrass,
Dark Deadgrass
MarkingsWhite markings
AvailabilityCommonly available
AchievementsFirst retriever ever to become a
BS GCH MH QAA
Suitable for ApartmentsNo
Used in World WarNo
Most Similar ToNova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever dogs are strong, powerfully built gun dogs having a wavy coat. They have excellent noses and a stubborn streak and hard to train, compared to other retrievers. They are excellent watchdogs and versatile athletes.

Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are friendly, outgoing and obedient, although they have a mind of their own. With the strength and smart they can easily overpower an unprepared owner but with the experienced person, they can be a smart companion. They are suited for those family who can give enough time and training for the dog.

Origin and History

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is one of the few breeds that can be claimed to born in the USA. The breed is said to come from two dogs named “Sailor” and “Canton”.

Both the dogs gained the reputation as excellent water dogs when it came to duck hunting and their puppies inherited their abilities. There was no recorded mating of the two dogs but seventy years later, their similarities were sufficient that was recognized as one breed.

Wealthy owners of duck clubs that lined both shores of Chesapeake Bay during the 19th century set the basic breed type of Chesapeake Bay Retriever. Newfoundlands, Irish Water Spaniel, and hounds of undetermined origin were among the dogs thought to be in genetic mix. By the time AKC was established in 1884, a definite Chesapeake Bay Retriever had been established.

The first breed to be registered in the American Kennel Club was in 1885. Later, the American Chesapeake Club was founded in 1918.

Chesapeake Bay Retriever Behavior Around Children

Yes, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are child-friendly because they love kids and are protective of children. They can, however, be possessive of foods and toys, which can make them a poor match for homes with young children. It is also said that many breeders won’t sell puppies to families with children below years of age.

origin and history of chesapeake bay retriever
In Picture: Chesapeake Bay Retriever puppies trying to play and follow the kid.
source:cromtonchesapeake.com

No matter how friendly the pets are, you should always teach children how to approach and touch Chesapeake Bay Retriever dogs. They can sometimes get irritated and won’t reply back the way you want them to. So, it is always important to supervise your child and your pet while playing together. They may become rough players and hurt your child.

Behavioral And Personality Traits Of Chesapeake

A good Chesapeake Bay Retriever has a bright and happy disposition combined with courage, intelligence, strong work ethic and an alert nature that makes it an excellent watchdog. They are strong-minded, stubborn and requires a lot of training for the household purpose. They love their family but are wary of strangers. Chesapeake may get aggressive with strangers if not introduced properly.

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever can have a good sense of humor but the entertainment value can be offset by its sometimes obsessive stubbornness. However, temperament is affected by a number of factors such as heredity, training, and socialization.

temperament of Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Chesapeake Bay Retriever with the owner who is an Army Veteran. Image Source: instagram@ chesapeakebayworld

Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are more combative toward other dogs but are more aggressive, willful and reserved with strangers than other retrievers. They are strong dogs, slow to mature and have a tendency to be territorial but they need firm training and management.

Chesapeake Bay Retriever will develop separation anxiety if left alone for a long time period. They will thrive in human counterparts and are happiest when given a chance to participate in the family activities and when offered a job to do. Before leaving your pet alone, provide them some interesting toys and chewing materials which can help them get distracted.

Trainability

Obedience training is necessary for Chesapeake Bay Retriever dog because they are considered as one of the hardest to train among retrievers. They are not eager to please type dogs. These breeds have a strong mind of their own and are stubborn at times. If you give them a little bit of leeway, they will not leave the chance and will start ruling you.

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever dogs are stubborn, consistent training is necessary with positive reinforcements and treats which can make training easy.

Facts

Some of the facts related with Chesapeake Bay Retriever are as follows:

  • The parent club, the American Chesapeake Club was established in 1918.
  • The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is known for its prowess in rough, icy water.
  • The breed is active in all areas of AKC competition.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGGasHY-FEQ
Amazing facts of Chesapeake Bay Retriever dog.

Health Issues

General HealthHealthy
Common Health IssuesBloat, hip Dysplasia, Cerebellar Abiotrophy,
Progressive Retinal Atrophy,
Elbow Dysplasia, Heart Disease
HypoallergenicNo
Vaccination RequiredRabies, Canine Parainfluenza, Canine Distemper,
Canine Parvovirus, Canine Coronavirus,
Leptospirosis, Kennel Cough
SheddingModerate
DroolingModerate Drooler
GroomingEasy and Minimal Grooming Required
Weight Gain PotentialAverage to High
Separation AnxietyModerate Chance
AllergiesNone
Diets and SupplementsProtein: 25%
Fat: 12%
Omega-3 Fatty Acid
Multivitamins
Probiotics

Chesapeake Bay Retriever dogs are generally healthy but like other breeds, they are prone to certain health conditions and diseases. Be aware of following health conditions if you are keeping the dog at home:

  • Hip dysplasia: It is a condition in which the hip socket does not cover the ball portion of the upper thigh.
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy: It is caused by the bilateral degeneration of the retina which causes loss of vision.
  • Von Willebrand’s disease: It is caused by defective clotting protein.
  • Gastric Dilatationvolvulus: It is associated with large meals and causes the stomach to dilate.
  • Epilepsy: It is a disorder in which brain activity becomes abnormal.

Colors Patterns

Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are found in the following colors:

  • Light brown
  • Tan
  • Deadgrass
  • Dark brown
  • Brown
  • Sedge

Puppies

Chesapeake Bay Retriever can give birth to 9 to 10 puppies at a time.

Cost Of Chesapeake Bay Retriever Puppy

The average cost of Chesapeake Bay Retriever puppy is about $800 USD for the pure breed.

Size

The height of the female Chesapeake Bay Retriever is 53-61 cm whereas, the as the male has a height of 58-66 cm.

The average weight of the female is 25-32 kg. SImilarly, the males have the average weight of 30-36 kg.

Which dog breed are they similar to?

Some of the dog breed similar to Chesapeake Bay Retriever are as follows:

Visit Doglime to get more information on different breeds.

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