Chesapeake Bay Retriever

Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Size: Large
Other Names: Chessie, CBR
Country of Origin: United States (Chesapeake Bay)
Accreditation:
American Kennel Club (AKC): Sporting
Canadian Kennel Club (CKC): Sporting
United Kennel Club (UKC): Gun Dog
Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC): Gun Dogs
The Kennel Club (KC): Gun Dogs
Kennel Union of Southern Africa (KUSA): Gun Dogs
National Kennel Club (NKC): Recognized
New Zealand Kennel Club (NZKC): Gun Dogs

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a strong, slightly rectangular retrieving dog with a broad head, small dropped ears, and a harsh, oily coat that sheds water.  The eyes are yellowish or amber, and the hindquarters are powerful.

A tough water retriever for a house that will swim and train him; a dense oily coat, a working voice, and too much drive for a still apartment.

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever was developed on the Chesapeake Bay to retrieve ducks from cold, rough water.  It is an American gundog, not a British retriever copy.  The AKC places it in the Sporting Group; the UKC classes it as a Gun Dog.
Height
Male: 23–26 inches; Female: 21–24 inches
Weight
Male: 65–80 pounds; Female: 55–70 pounds
Color
Brown, sedge, or deadgrass; a small white spot on the chest or toes is allowed
Coat
Short, harsh outer coat with a dense, woolly, oily undercoat
Lifespan
10–13 years
Litter size
6–8 puppies

Temperament

Chessies are typically loyal, protective of their household, and more independent than a Labrador.  They can be reserved with strangers.  They need work in water or field, not just a short walk.

Training

Be consistent and start retrieving early.  They think for themselves and will not drill as cheerfully as some other retrievers.

Care and grooming

Brush the harsh coat weekly.  Do not bathe so often that the oil is stripped from the coat if the dog still works in cold water.

Shedding

Moderate; heavier seasonally.

Health

Chesapeake Bay Retrievers may develop hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and exercise-induced collapse in some lines.  Ask breeders about hip, eye, and EIC testing.

Crosses that include the Chesapeake Bay Retriever

These hybrid pages list this breed as a parent. Open a name to see the other contributing breed.

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