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Hill’s Brand Horizon

Chesapeake Bay Retriever

dog Breed Profile

Males range from 23 to 26 inches in height and about 65 to 80 pounds (29 to 36 kilograms) females range from 21 to 24 inches and weigh from about 55 to 70 pounds (25 to 32 kilograms).

Attributes

Floppy ears (naturally)

Size

Weight

65-80 lbs.

55-70 lbs.

Height

21-24 in.

(at withers)

23-26 in.

Coat

Length

Short

Color

Brown, sedge, dead grass

Care

Exercise

20-40 minutes/day

Energy level

Average

Longevity

10-13 yrs.

Needs

High

Traits

Barking

Low

Snoring

Low

Drooling

Low

Digging

Low

Grooming Needs

Moderate

Social Needs

High

Club recognition

AKC Class.

Sporting

UKC Class.

Gun Dog

Prevalence

Common

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever Dog Breed

The Chesapeake Bay retriever's undercoat is fine and wooly and contains natural oils that help protect the dog during cold swims required for duck retrieving.

About the Chesapeake Bay Retriever

Males range from 23 to 26 inches in height and about 65 to 80 pounds (29 to 36 kilograms) females range from 21 to 24 inches and weigh from about 55 to 70 pounds (25 to 32 kilograms).

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Chesapeake Bay Retriever personality

Chesapeake Bay retrievers are not as gregarious as most other retriever breeds. Nonetheless, they generally like children and most are friendly to strangers. They also tend to get along with other animals, although some Chessies have demonstrated aggression toward other dogs.

The breed does not bark excessively, nor are Chessies considered particularly excitable. In fact, the breed is considered to be even-tempered.

Some breed experts report that Chesapeake Bay retrievers are easy to train and housebreak. Others say that some of these dogs can be strong-willed, that obedience training is strongly recommended, and that the Chessie may not be the best breed for novice dog guardians.

What to expect

Chesapeake Bay retrievers are sporting dogs and require a considerable amount of exercise. Consequently, they do very well living in areas where they can romp, swim and hunt. However, they can adapt to urban life if the guardian is willing to provide long walks. Occasional trips to places where the dog can swim and fetch toys or sticks is ideal, since these dogs are avid water lovers and retrievers.

Chesapeake Bay retrievers are protective of their guardians and are considered moderately good watch dogs. They require minimal coat care, but grooming with a rubber brush occasionally is advised to help keep the coat in good condition and to control oil in the coat. Chessies shed, but less than many other large dogs.

History of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever

The Chesapeake Bay retriever history began in 1807 when two Newfoundland puppies were rescued from a distressed British ship off the coast of Maryland. The dogs proved to be excellent duck retrievers and were crossed with other dogs, possibly flat-coated and curly-coated retrievers. The offspring also were excellent retrievers. By the mid-1880s, the breed was reportedly used to retrieve up to 300 ducks daily and became known as the Chesapeake Bay retriever. Enthusiasts of the breed informally refer to this breed as Chessies.

The breed received AKC recognition in 1885. Although the Chesapeake Bay retriever is a sporting dog, the breed also has been used as a guide dog for the blind and is considered to be an excellent companion.

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