Skip to content 
Chesapeake Bay Retriever Dog Breed Introduction
Chesapeake Bay Retriever ( commonly nicknamed Chessie) is a medium to large-sized dog breed developed in the USA in the 19th century. It belongs to the gundog, retriever, and sporting breed groups. Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are popular for their wavy waterproof coat that is oily to the touch. They also have a powerful and large chest used to break apart ice when diving into cold water during duck hunting. Chesapeake Bay Retrievers were originally used by local market hunters to pull fishing nets, retrieve waterfowls, and rescue fishermen.
As of now, they are primarily used as hunting companions and family pets. Even though, some are used by K-9 handlers in the detection of drug and bomb as well as search-and-rescue works. Typical Chesapeake Bay Retrievers have a happy and bright disposition, an affectionate protective nature, intelligent, and have a quiet good sense. Some of them may be quite vocal when happy and some smile by baring their front teeth in an odd grin. Although, this is not a threat but a sign of submissiveness or joy. These breed looks similar to the Labrador Retriever. However, it has a wavy coat.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever History | Origin
The origin of the modern Chesapeake Bay retriever can be traced back to two dogs, Canton and Sailor gifted to two men on the Chesapeake Bay shores by George Law. The two dogs were described as Newfoundlands. However, their great swimming abilities and shorter coats indicate they are the progenitors of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever.
The two Newfoundlands dogs were bred with area dogs including Irish Water Spaniels and hounds of undetermined origin with more consideration given to the ability than to breed. This created the beginnings of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever.
Reportedly, during the 1880s, the breed was reportedly used for retrieving 300 ducks daily. Therefore, they were referred to as the Chesapeake Bay Retriever. These dogs are able to retrieve this much due to their waterproof double coat, broad chest, and large webbed feet. The breed was recognized in 1878 by AKC( American Kennel Club).
Chesapeake Bay Retriever Lifespan
A Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a long-lived breed that has a lifespan of 10 to 13 years.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever Grooming
A Chesapeake Bay Retriever sheds at moderate levels all-year round. Weekly brushing is recommended using a slicker brush to remove the loose hair, dirt, promote new hair growth, and evenly distribute the natural oils present on the coat. However, during the heavy shedding season in Spring and Fall, daily brushing is required.
Chesapeake Bay Retrievers require a bath every 8 to 12 weeks when they are not swimming regularly using a hypoallergenic canine shampoo and conditioner unless they roll in something stinky. This breed has an oily coat that will develop a dry skin if over bathed. Remember to thoroughly rinse of the cleaning products from the coat using lukewarm water to prevent skin irritation. Chessies that regularly swim in pool should be hosed down with plain water after they are done swimming to rinse off the bulk of the chlorine which is damaging to the skin and coat and will make it dry.
Dry the coat of your pet only using a towel. Avoid use of a blow-dryer on the coat of a Chessie as the heat may severely damage the skin and coat. Nail trimming is recommended every 2 weeks using nail clippers to prevent cracking, splitting, and overgrowth. Brush the teeth of a Chesapeake Bay Retriever at least twice a week if not daily using a canine tasty toothpaste and toothbrush.
Clean the ears on a weekly basis using ear cleanser solution and cotton balls to remove excess wax, dirt, or debris. Always wipe the ears dry after a swimming exercise to prevent ear infection. While cleaning the ears, always check out for odor, dark discharge, and redness which are signs of dog’s ear infection.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever Shedding
A Chesapeake Bay Retriever sheds all-year round at moderate levels and heavily while blowing off its undercoat in Spring and Fall to prepare for a new season.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever Coat
Chesapeake Bay Retrievers have a waterproof double layered coat that tends to wave on the loins, shoulders, neck, and back. The coat feels slightly oily and it is associated with a slight musky odor.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever Hypoallergenic
A Chesapeake Bay Retriever is not a hypoallergenic breed. It sheds heavily during Spring and Fall and moderately throughout the year. A Shedding coat allows the spread of dander and fur around the house triggering allergic reactions. Apart from dander and fur, Chessie’s urine, saliva, and mucus contain a protein allergen that aggravates allergies.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever Training
A Chesapeake is an intelligent dog that is trainable and learns quickly. It thrives where a pecking order has been established and the owner is in charge. Naturally, dogs are social and excel where a functional hierarchy has been established. Pet owners can create a pecking order by eating first before the dog, getting through the door first, and allowing the dog to join them in their personal space following an invite. Eating first before the dog helps it to understand that the parent is the owner of all the valuable resources including food, treats, and toys.
If a parent does not identify him or herself as the pack leader, the dog develops a habit of doing things that are disrespectful and rude. Therefore, the pooch starts believing that he is more in charge of his behavior than the owner. Historically, a Chesapeake is regarded stubborn and difficult to train. This is especially true where a pack leadership has not been created. Therefore, some trainers believe that this breed require more physical discipline than other retriever breeds. However, use of harsh correction methods such as shoving, kicking, beating, and use of choke or prong collars strain the relationship between the pet and the owner.
Owners are urged to use positive reinforcements methods while training such as verbal praise, treats, toys, petting, and playtime. Currently, some trainers now recommend parents to use consistent daily obedience training with play time before and after to keep the dog wanting to work with no physical discipline required. The training sessions short be fun and challenging to avoid boredom and distraction. Some of the Chessies are willful, assertive, and maybe reserved with strangers. However, others are passive and outgoing with people.
To raise a well adjusted, well-mannered, and outgoing dog, socialization training is recommended from an early age. This training normally begins at the age of 3 weeks while the pup is with the breeder until the age of 16 weeks after the dog has already settled in its new home. To socialize a Chesapeake expose it to a wide variety of people, animals, sight, smell, experiences, places, surfaces, situations, and sounds such as baby crying sounds, lawn mowers, washing machine, vacuum cleaners, siren, and whistles. Enrolling a Chesapeake in puppy classes will also serve as a form of socialization. These classes enables these dogs to interact with other canines in a controlled environment.
Puppy classes also empowers the pet parent to not only identify and correct bad habits but also have access to training information and assistance. Start teaching basic commands word such as come, sit, stay, down, leave it, heel, etc. until the dog understands before proceeding to the next command word. Avoid issuing a command while too excited or frustrated since it will not sound the same for your dog. Effectively housebreak a Chesapeake Bay Retriever by creating a feeding schedule, crate training, and potty training. A crate is an invaluable tool while housebreaking.
It enables the owner to monitor the dog for signs that it wants to eliminate outside such as sniffing, circling, whining, squatting, restlessness, and trying to lift a leg against the crate door. To get positive outcomes while potty training, take the pup to the delegated toilet are immediately it wakes up, 20 minutes after meals and drinks, every 2 to 3 hours, following an exciting activity such as car ride and playtime, after naptime, and before bedtime. The bladder and bowel muscles of puppies strengthens as the puppy matures. At the age of 8 months, a Chessie pup goes for a potty break after every 6 to 8 hours.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever Temperament | Characteristics | Traits
- Intelligent.
- Affectionate.
- Protective.
- Bold.
- Alert.
- Some are aloof with strangers, willful, and stubborn.
- Independent thinkers.
- Easily trainable.
- Calm.
- Outgoing.
- Have a happy and bright disposition.
- Energetic.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever Protective Temperament
A Chesapeake has an affectionate protective nature. For this reason, it is considered a moderate watch dog that is protective of its guardians.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever Exercise
A Chessie is a high-energy breed that requires plenty of exercise and a job. They love swimming, hunting, hiking, and running. This breed excels in all dog sports such as agility, tracking, and obedience.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever Height
An Adult male Chesapeake has a height of 23 to 26 inches ( approx. 58 to 66 cm ) while its female counterpart has a height of 21 to 24 inches ( approx. 54 to 61 cm ).
Chesapeake Bay Retriever Weight
A Female Chessie has a weight of 55 to 70 pounds ( approx. 25 to 32 kg ) while its male counterpart has a weight of 65 to 80 pounds ( approx. 30 to 36 kg ).
Chesapeake Bay Retriever Size
A Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a medium to large-sized dog. However, male Chessies are slightly bigger as compared to their female counterparts in terms of weight and height. A male Chesapeake has a height of 23 to 26 inches ( approx. 58 to 66 cm ) and a weight of 65 to 80 pounds ( approx. 30 to 36 kg ) while the female counterpart has a height of 21 to 24 inches ( approx. 54 to 61 cm ) and a weight of 55 to 70 pounds ( approx. 25 to 32 kg ).
Chesapeake Bay Retriever Aggressive
A Chesapeake is affectionate with a protective nature. Some are also wary of strangers and when combined with their protective nature, they may growl or bark at them.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever Bite Force
Reportedly, a Chesapeake has a bite force of 238 PSI.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever Health Issues
A Chesapeake is a relatively healthy breed. However, it suffers from certain health issues including hip dysplasia, ear infection, eye disorders like progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts, Type 3 von Willebrand disease, Regional Alopecia in both male and female, degenerative myelopathy, and Type 3 von Willebrand disease.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever Names
A Chessie parent may decide to get a name for the pet before it comes home from the breeder or days after the pet joins them home to ensure they understand better the personality of the particular dog. Owners may get name inspirations from the coat color and texture, personality, heritage of the dog, celebrity Chesapeake, movies, songs, books, nature, and historical figures.
Regardless of where you get your pet name, ensure it freely rolls off your tongue without making you embarrassed when uttered out loud in the public places. Chesapeake and other dog breeds better understand names that have vowels. Avoid giving your pooch a name that rhymes with the command words to avoid confusion.
It is always recommended to find a cute nickname if your settle with a long tedious name. If a Chessie shares a name with any family member or guest who frequent your household, it may result to unnecessary confusion. Some of the names that Chesapeake owners give to their pets include:
- Duffy.
- Drake.
- Layla.
- Eire.
- Wyatt.
- Colin.
- Danica.
- Baloo.
- Bacon.
- Hobbit.
- Coco.
- Bailey.
- Flora.
- Lucy, etc.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever Food
The amount of food that Chesapeake Bay Retrievers feed on depend on their age, activity level, metabolism, size, and body build. Chessie puppies tend to have a high metabolism rate as compared to adults and seniors. Therefore, pups eat small portions of food 3 or 4 times a day from when they start weaning until the age of 6 months. From the age of 6 months, Chesapeake feed on a total of two meals in a day for the rest of their lives.
A Chesapeake may feed on a raw diet, home made, dry food, or wet food depending on the budget of the owner and the time of preparation needed. Regardless of the food that the pet eats, owners should ensure that a Chesapeake feed on the right amount of proteins, carbohydrates, minerals, fats, amino acids, and fatty acids to maintain a healthy bone structure and weight. Fresh water should be available for your pooch at all times.
If the dog is feeding on dry or wet commercial food, owners should ensure that the first three listed ingredients are proteins from a known source. Commercial food should neither have meat by-products, fillers, preservatives, chemicals, additives, nor generic meat products. Feed a Chesapeake with formulated dry or wet food for medium to large-sized puppies, adults, and seniors depending on its age. Check the physique of your fur baby to tell whether it is underweight or overweight.
The dog is underweight if the ribs are visible. However, if the ribs are not visible but can be felt without pressing hard, a Chesapeake has an ideal weight. Although, if the ribs cannot be felt after pressing, the dog is overweight and should be exercised. Owners who want to switch to another pet food should gradually do this over a period of one month by mixing old food with new food. As the week progresses, the amount of old food decreases as the amount of the new food increases until the Chessie is only feeding on the new food.
Apart from Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, other dog breeds include:
Chesapeake Bay Retriever Colors
Most Chesapeake Bay Retrievers have a solid coat color that is either sedge, brown, or deadgrass. Although, a white spot is permissible on the toes, breast, belly, or back of the feet.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever Allergies
A Chesapeake is predisposed to various forms of allergies as discussed below:
Skin allergies – A Chessie suffers from skin allergies due to food, contact, and environmental allergies which affect the skin.
Food allergies – Although rare, a Chesapeake Bay Retriever may suffer from a true food allergy that causes an immune response that is normally accompanied with a wide range of symptoms including skin issues such as hives, sores, dermatitis, lesions, and pruritus as well as gastrointestinal stress such as acute vomiting and diarrhea, bloating, and weight loss. Apart from food allergies, a Chesapeake is also affected by food intolerance.
Contact allergies – This allergy causes inflammation to the skin once it comes in contact with the allergen. Some of the contact allergens that affect Chesapeake include grooming products, lawn chemicals, plastics, bed lines, carpet cleaning detergents, medications, and latex.
Environmental allergies – One of the environmental allergen that affects a Chesapeake includes flea. This parasite causes flea allergy dermatitis that usually affect the back legs and underneath the tail. This allergy usually causes intense scratching and biting until the skin around the bite area is raw. Other allergens that affect Chesapeake include grass, trees, pollen, trees, ragweed, mites, house molds, and dust and dust mites.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever Eyes | Blue Eyes
According to AKC, a Chessie should have medium large eyes that are amber or yellowish in color. However, puppies are born with blue-colored eyes that later change to yellow or amber.
Do Chesapeake Bay Retrievers Shed
Yes. Chesapeake Bay Retrievers shed all-year round at moderate levels and heavily twice a year in Spring and Fall when experiencing seasonal change.
Are Chesapeake Bay Retrievers Hypoallergenic
No. Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are not hypoallergenic. They have a coat that sheds moderately throughout the year and heavily while experiencing seasonal change. Shedding releases dander and fur into the environment which triggers the allergies.
Are Chesapeake Bay Retrievers Aggressive
No. Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are not aggressive dogs. However, they have an affectionate and protective nature. Some may also be wary of strangers. Therefore, may exhibit a defensive nature of barking or growling towards strangers.
Are Chesapeake Bay Retrievers Good Family Dogs
Yes. Chesapeake Bay Retrievers make good family dogs. This is because they are intelligent, have an affectionate protective nature, a happy and bright disposition, outgoing, and courageous.
Chesapeake Bay Retrievers Quick Facts
- They have a powerful and large chest used for breaking the ice apart when diving into cold water while duck hunting.
- Chesapeake Bay Retrievers have similar appearance like the Labradors. Although, they have a wavy coat.
- These dogs are used for bomb and drug detection as well as search-and-rescue work.
