The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a resilient breed intended to rescue waterfowl from cold waters. With their sturdy build, thick coat, strength, and stamina made them best suited for this purpose. This water dog's average size is 55-80 pounds, 21-26 inches tall. Bred to work on land and water, this retriever has great working ability and love of water.

Coat

The coat of Chesapeake Bay Retriever is short, dense and a bit oily to touch. They are double-coated breed that averagely sheds all year round. Natural oils are present in their coats, making them odorless, thus bathing should only be done when necessary. Their fur may be straight that covers their entire body, with wavy hair on their necks, back, and chest.

Their coat colors are any color of brown, dead grass, or sedge. Self-colored Chesapeakes are preferred by breed standards. White spot on belly, toes, breast, or back of the feet is acceptable, too, but the smaller the better, with preferably solid color. Their texture is highly considered when on the bench or the ring, and honorable scars are not to be dealt with severely.

Activity

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever requires a great deal of vigorous exercise such as swimming, if possible. If this breed doesn't get sufficient activities to be done, they tend to become destructive brought about by boredom and unspent energy. They require long brisk walks or jogs daily.

Temperament

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a sturdy breed that can withstand repeated immersion to cold icy water. They love to retrieve and swim. Despite this love for outdoor activities, they are naturally calm. This breed is independent, yet willing to learn. Reserved around strangers, this breed is protective. They are the strongest, most strong-minded and protective of all the retriever breeds.

Overview

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever, aliased as Chessie, was bred to hunt ducks in rough and icy waters in Chesapeake Bay. They are believed to be descendants of two Newfoundland pups namely the Sailor and Canton, that both survived a shipwreck in 1807.

Care

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a large energetic breed that requires daily exercise. They love swimming, and appreciate a good walk or jog. They enjoy spending time with their families. Their coats are easy to maintain with only weekly brushing or combing. Bathing should only be done when necessary since it strips out the natural oils in their coats.

Training

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a multi-talented breed competent in hunt tests, conformation, tracking, agility, obedience and field trials. They are generally an intelligent breed, and easy to train. It is recommended that consistent training and daily obedience sessions with leisure time before and after to avoid the dog from wanting to work with no physical discipline.

Character

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is obedient, intelligent and friendly. Although they may be slightly slow to learn, they are highly trainable. They are affectionate, with the ability to get along well with children and other pets that live with them.

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