Chesapeake Bay retrievers were bred to hunt waterfowl. They’re comfortable on land and in the water. They were bred near Chesapeake Bay to work in many weather and water conditions.
These retrievers have good endurance, and they work with ease and efficiency. They have a dense double coat that suits them for the harshest weather conditions. They’re powerful, agile dogs with great stamina.
They are also happy, intelligent dogs with good sense and affectionate nature.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever Characteristics
Chesapeake Bay retrievers have a double coat. Their overcoat is short, harsh, and wavy. Their undercoat is fine, dense, and wooly. They have plenty of natural oil that keeps them warm and well-conditioned for icy conditions in the Chesapeake area. They’re well-balanced, medium to large-sized dogs. They have a deep, broad chest and shoulders built to match.
Chesapeake Bay retrievers model the classic traits of most retrievers. They’re strong, powerful dogs. They’re also loyal, upbeat, affectionate, and tireless. They have a solidly colored coat that comes in a dark brown, sedge, or pale grassy color. They also have yellow-amber eyes that are striking when combined with their coat.
Chesapeake Bay retriever size. Chesapeake Bay retrievers are well-boned dogs with broad, deep chests. Males are usually slightly bigger than females. Males can grow between 23 and 26 inches, and females can grow between 21 and 24 inches. Males can weigh between 65 and 80 pounds, and females tend to be a little smaller, weighing between 55 and 70 pounds.
Chesapeake Bay retriever temperament. These retrievers are loyal and are also characterized by their versatility and strength. They have great endurance, which makes them wonderful service dogs.
They have a happy, courageous temperament. Similar to Labrador retrievers, they’re friendly but alert. They’re willing to work, especially in or around water.
Chesapeake Bay retriever lifespan. A healthy Chesapeake Bay retriever can live between 10 and 13 years old. They're generally a healthy, energetic breed.
Caring for Chesapeake Bay Retrievers
Chesapeake Bay retrievers have short, double, waterproof coats that require minimal grooming. They do shed, though, and need occasional brushing. Regular brushing keeps the dead hair off your floor and distributes the oil keeping their coat shiny.
They also need their nails trimmed regularly. If their nails become too long, it can cause problems when they run or walk.
Daily teeth brushing with a dog-friendly toothpaste can reduce tartar build-up and keep their gums healthy. You should also ask your vet about flea and tick control, heartworm prevention, and vaccines. Routine vaccinations can help prevent your Chesapeake Bay retriever from catching contagious illnesses.
All dogs should have the following core vaccines (unless there’s a medical reason not to vaccinate):
- Distemper
- Adenovirus
- Parvovirus
- +/- Parainfluenza
- Rabies
In addition to these, other vaccines are just as essential for some dogs based on their lifestyle and risk.
Year-round heartworm prevention is essential in all parts of the US.
Chesapeake Bay retrievers are very athletic dogs and love physical activities. They need plenty of physical and mental stimulation. They like to go on runs, hikes, or biking adventures with their owners. They’re also great at hunting and swimming. They have high energy and need to be active.
They are great agility, tracking, hunting, and fieldwork dogs. They need exercise and human companionship to thrive.
Another reason Chesapeake Bay retrievers make great exercising dogs is their great endurance. They love to work, and they're fast learners.
Their high energy requires a good-quality diet. A formula with at least 20% protein is important for their growth and development.
On the other hand, human foods with high-fat content or too many treats and food can cause obesity.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever Health Problems
Chesapeake Bay retrievers are generally healthy dogs. They need routine vet checkups and regular teeth and ear cleanings to maintain healthy, happy lives. There are some tests responsible breeders should run on their dogs before breeding, though, including:
- Hip evaluation
- Elbow evaluation
- Ophthalmologist evaluation
- PRA Optigen DNA test
- EIC DNA test
- Degenerative myelopathy DNA test
There are some conditions your Chesapeake Bay retriever may be predisposed to that you should also look out for.
Hip dysplasia. Stiffness in your Chesapeake Bay retriever hips may be the first sign of dysplasia. This condition can develop as they get older resulting in arthritis. Your dog will have difficulties getting up after lying down for more extended periods. Overweight dogs are more prone to developing arthritis earlier.
Ectodermal dysplasia. This is a condition similar to the one found in humans. It's a condition that happens at birth. Affected puppies have very pink skin with blistering and peeling on their faces, limbs, and feet. This makes their skin extremely fragile. There's no treatment for this condition.
Progressive retinal atrophy. Chesapeake Bay retrievers have a type of progressive retinal atrophy called “progressive rod-cone degeneration.” It becomes prevalent as your dog gets older. The first sign that your dog is affected is their inability to see at night. You may also notice your dog:
- Bump into things in a dim room
- Hesitate before going outside at night
Degenerative myelopathy. This is a neurodegenerative disease that can progress quickly. Chesapeake Bay retrievers are more likely to get this condition. You'll notice their loss of function in their rear legs. By six months to a year after their first symptoms manifest, they won't be to walk. Eventually, paralysis can spread to their forelegs. This typically occurs later in life, at around seven years of age.
Routine vet care and checkups will help you identify problems earlier. Early treatment is important for giving your dog a chance to overcome these conditions or manage their symptoms.
A healthy diet and routine exercise can also keep your dog at a healthy weight, minimizing some of the effects of the conditions listed above. If you're worried about your dog's weight, you can talk to your vet about it.
Special Considerations for Chesapeake Bay Retrievers
Chesapeake Bay retrievers are not a quiet breed when strangers are around. Their noise level will mostly depend on their personality and training. When they don't get enough exercise or mental stimulation, they can act out. Chesapeake Bay retrievers may start barking and getting destructive if they are left alone for long periods.
Training early helps set your dog up for success. Chesapeake Bay retrievers are intelligent dogs and will do well with obedience training. Early training and socialization also help your dog adapt to new people and other dogs. This helps them become confident, well-mannered dogs.
While most dogs need at least 30 minutes of daily exercise, Chesapeake Bay retrievers also need some time to play in the water. It's what they were bred for, and 20 minutes of water play is great for their mental and physical health.
A Chesapeake Bay retriever will be good for you if you're looking for a dog that will fit an active, outdoor lifestyle. They need a lot of exercise. Whether you are hiking, walking, or running, they'll be there for you. Make sure they're secured, though, because they do have a chasing instinct.
They are working dogs and need to have “homework sessions” where they can practice old tricks or learn new ones. This helps stimulate their mind and their body. Puzzle games and agility training are great for mental stimulation.
Chesapeake Bay retrievers are great defenders of their home. They can be very protective of all family members. They can also get along with other dogs. They have a high prey drive, so they might not be great around smaller pets. Always supervise your Chesapeake Bay retriever when they're around other animals.
Chesapeake Bay retrievers are medium- to large-sized dogs. They’re not a small breed, and they have a lot of power in them. An unruly retriever can be problematic if they’re stronger than you. That’s why training is important, as it will make sure they’re well-behaved. Otherwise, when their mood changes, they can be aloof, standoffish, or stubborn towards you or other dogs.
On the plus side, this breed makes great watchdogs. They’re very intelligent and think independently. They’re affectionate with their owners and can consider themselves an equal part of the family. They have a loving nature and like to be around their people.
The History of Chesapeake Bay Retrievers
Chesapeake Bay retrievers can be traced back to a ship in Maryland in 1807. The male and female dogs on board were described as Newfoundland but were actually Lesser Newfoundland or St. John’s water dogs. They were bred with area dogs and are believed to have started the Chesapeake Bay retriever breed.
Chesapeake Bay retrievers were well-established by the time the AKC was founded in 1884. They were a breed that was standardized by wealthy duck club owners on the Chesapeake Bay.
In 1964, the Chesapeake Bay retriever was named after the breed’s home region. Then, they became the official dog of Maryland. They’re one of the few breeds that were developed in the U.S.
Chesapeake Bay retrievers share common ancestry with Labradors. It’s believed that Newfoundland dogs mated with retrievers to form the basis of their breeding. That’s what led to their water-loving qualities, retrieving skills, and camouflage coat.
The Chesapeake Bay is a 200-mile-long estuary in Maryland and Virginia. It’s a shallow bay, which means the water is below-freezing from early winter until spring. The Chesapeake Bay is also located along the Atlantic Flyway, a path taken by ducks and geese to reach their winter homes.
The Chesapeake Bay retriever's oily, double coat protected them well against the harsh winter in their home region. Their primary function was to chase and retrieve ducks that their owners had hunted.
Chesapeake Bay retrievers have done more than duck hunting, though. They've also made great therapy dogs with their wise, sensitive nature. Their sturdy build and acute sense of smell make them great search and rescue dogs and drug and bomb-detection dogs.
