Chesapeake Bay Retriever Dog Breed Information:
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever dog breed originated as a water dog used to hunt and retrieve ducks in the chilly chop of Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay. The dog’s sturdy build, dense coat, stamina, and strength made them ideal for this purpose. Today, they’re still known as fine hunting dogs as well as a wonderful companions for active, experienced dog owners who can give them the structure and exercise they need.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever Dog Group: Sporting Dogs.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever Height: 1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet, 2 inches tall at the shoulder.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever Weight: 55 to 80 pounds.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever Life Span: 10 to 12 years.
More About This Dog Breed:
Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are not recommended for inexperienced or first-time dog owners. Chessies require a great deal of exercise, including swimming if possible. If they don't receive adequate exercise, they can become frustrated and destructive. Chesapeake Bay Retrievers may be combative toward other dogs.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever History:
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is one of the few breeds that can claim to be born in the USA. The breed is thought to descend from two Newfoundland dogs named Sailor and Canton who were traveling aboard a ship bound for England in 1807. The ship ran aground, but the crew and the two dogs Sailor, a dingy red male, and Canton, a black female, were rescued. Sailor found a home with John Mercer of West River and Canton with Dr. James Stewart of Sparrow's Point.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever Size:
Males stand 23 to 26 inches at the shoulder and weigh 65 to 80 pounds; females 21 to 24 inches and 55 to 70 pounds.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever Personality:
A proper Chessie has a bright and happy disposition combined with courage, intelligence, a strong work ethic, and an alert nature that makes him an excellent watchdog. He's strongminded, though read: stubborn and requires firm, consistent training by all the adults in the household. You can't let him do something "just this once," or you'll spend days or weeks retraining him. Temperament doesn't occur in a vacuum. It's affected by a number of factors, including heredity, training, and socialization. Puppies with nice temperaments are curious and playful, willing to approach people and be held by them. Choose the middle-of-the-road puppy, not the one who's beating up his littermates or the one who's hiding in the corner.
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Chesapeake Bay Retriever Health:
Chessies are generally healthy, but like all breeds of dogs, they're prone to certain diseases and conditions. Not all Chessies will get any or all of these diseases:
Hip Dysplasia.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA).
Von Willebrand's Disease.
Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat).
Epilepsy.
Chondrodysplasia.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever Care:
Chesapeake Bay Retrievers like a cool climate. They do best in a warm climate if they have frequent opportunities to swim. Chessies require a great deal of exercise to remain happy, and if they do they're quiet housedogs who will be happy to relax with you while you watch TV. Give him a minimum of 20 minutes per day of intensive work, training, water retrieves, or play, or up to an hour of a more sedate walk.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever Feeding:
Recommended daily amount: 2 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever Coat Color And Grooming:
As befits his purpose as a water retriever, the Chessie has a coat that resists water in the same way that a duck's feathers do. The top coat is short, thick, harsh, and oily, and the undercoat is fine, dense, and woolly. Together, they provide super insulation, allowing him to hunt in all conditions, including ice and snow. The oily outercoat and woolly undercoat prevent cold water. Like most retriever breeds, Chessies shed heavily. Brush the coat weekly with a rubber curry brush to remove dead hair and distribute the skin oils throughout the coat.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever with Children And Other Pets:
Chessies love kids but won't put up with a lot of harassment, instead preferring to walk away. Chessies can be aggressive toward strange dogs, but should get along fine with other family dogs and cats if they're raised with them.