CHESAPEAKE BAY RETRIEVER DOG

Description:

Leading his origin from the United States, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever is often colloquially referred to as the Chessie. An avid retriever of wildfowl (also on the water) this breed was the first retriever that was officially recognized and registered by the American Kennel Club. Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are not so widespread as the Golden Retrievers or Labrador Retrievers, but they make great companions for the field of a hunt. Also, this breed is a wonderful family pet.

Height: 21-26 inches  Weight: 55-80 pounds  Lifespan: 10-12 years

Characteristics:

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is, without doubt, the most resilient and powerful of all six species belonging to the Retriever. This breed is very fond of wildlife. It is alert, intelligent, brave and extremely versatile. Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are independent, hardy and able to endure all the difficulties and hardships. Chessies are hard-working and athletic animals. Comparable Breeds: The Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever.

Character:

Very loyal and deeply devoted to his owner, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever has a naturally strong, protective instinct. This is a very friendly, loving and affectionate breed. It gets along well with older children who already know how to handle a dog. In addition, it does not conflict with other dog breeds, provided that they grew up in the same house. Still, the Chessie tends to be aggressive towards unfamiliar dogs and people. Because of their hunting instincts, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers do not get along with cats or other small pets. These dogs need to be in constant communication with their family members, and if you ignore them or leave alone for a long time, Chessies tend to destroy the surrounding objects. This breed of dog is not recommended for dog breeders with any previous experience, nor for too apathetic people.

Coat / Care:

Chesapeake Bay Retrievers have a two-layered coat, which has water repellent properties. The outer layer is dense, slightly wavy, short and rough. The undercoat is thick and tightly curled in its structure. This breed usually comes in different shades of brown, red and tan. Shedding is moderate. Brush your pet using a stiff brush in order to minimize the hair loss. Once a week is enough. It is important not to overdo it with care since this can only damage the protective and water-repellent properties of the Chessie’s coat. For this reason, bathing is only permitted in the case of urgent need.

Health Problems:

The most characteristic diseases for this breed are Hip and Elbow Dysplasia, Von Willebrands disease, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), Cataracts, Epilepsy and Bloat. These dogs should not be kept in extremely hot climates. The Chesapeake Bay Retriever has a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years.

Weight / Height

The male Chesapeake Bay Retriever dog breed’s height is around 23 – 26 inches and weighs around 65 and 80 pounds. Female Chesapeake Bay Retriever dogs can reach a size from 21 – 24 inches and weighs between 55 and 70 pounds.

Training:

Dogs of this breed mature rather slowly, and at the same time, they are very self-willed and stubborn. Consequently, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers needed an experienced owner. It is very important to carry out early socialization and obedience training. Do not use harsh or oppressive upbringing methods. On the contrary, education should be based on firmness, fairness, patience, respect and consistency. The Chesapeake Bay Retrievers Dogs is particularly talented in tracking down wild game, hunting, various dog competitions and field trials.

Activity:

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever requires daily active exercise and intense mental stimulation. This dog breed loves swimming and long walks on a leash. In addition, it makes an excellent companion for jogging or cycling. Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are not suitable for living in a city apartment. In fact, Chessies thrive best in the countryside, where they will have enough space for free walks and in a spacious, enclosed yard.

Photo credit: a.fave/Flickr