Description

They are very muscular and powerful dogs that have a distinctive coat. The Bay has webbed feet, and a broad head. The hindquarters are slightly taller than the shoulders. The chest is deep and wide.

Color

The color is described as 'dead grass', which is a color between straw and bracken, they can also be red/gold or brown. Some white can appear on the coat too, this is usually on the chest, stomach or the feet.

Category Size

Medium

Coat Length

Short/Medium

Weight/Height Range

Dogs measure 23-26 inches at the withers and weigh between 65-80lbs. Females measure 21-25 inches at the withers and weigh between 55-70 lbs.

HEIGHT	MIN	MAX	WEIGHT	MIN	MAX
Female	21"	25"	Female	55 lbs.	70 lbs.
Male	23"	26"	Male	65 lbs.	80 lbs.

Ailments

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever appears to be strongly resistant to most diseases. However, not much Veterinary research has been carried out on this breed. Some of the more common ailments have been recorded.

Suitable Breed for Allergy Sufferers

No

Common Ailments

Eye - Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), Eye - Entropion, Bones (Developmental) - Hip dysplasia, Bones (Developmental) - Elbow dysplasia, Ruptures/Hernias - Umbilical hernia, Haemolymphatic - Bleeding disorders - Von Williebrands disease, Eye - Cataract - Hereditary, Ear Infections

Personality

The Bays have an independent streak and will think for themselves but at the same time are affectionate. They love children, although they can play a bit roughly at times. The Chesapeake loves the outdoors, especially water. They have a bright, cheerful and alert outlook on life and enjoy the companionship of other dogs and people. The Bay, when it matures at about 3 years of age, can actually be quite a calm dog. They are protective by nature, not showing this until about 9 to 18 months old.

Intelligence

The Bay is a relatively intelligent breed of dog that does have a mind of its own and likes to have its own way. They are not the best breed of dog for the novice owner. Training and socialization can, and should, start from an early age, as they can be quite dominant. They do offer good protection if in a situation where they feel they or a family member is threatened.

Energy

High

Tendency To Bark

Low

Overall Exercise Requirement

The Chesapeake Bay requires a lot of exercise, and can become somewhat badly behaved if not given enough exercise. They love water, swimming and retrieving, being their favorite sports, so make sure they have access to water on their walks. They are not the ideal dog for towns or the idle.

Suitability for Personal Protection

Medium

Suitability as a Guard Dog

Low

Suitability for Children

High

Ease of Transportation

High

Level of Distress caused if left alone

Low

Level of aggression

Low

Other animal compatibility

High

Breeding & ownership

The feeding of this dog can be quite considerable; they are good eaters, making them have a tendency to become overweight if not given adequate exercise

Food Cost

Moderate

Average Puppy Price

Moderate

Other Expenses

Puppies will cost between $700 and $1200.

Grooming & showing

The coat of the Chesapeake is thick and short with a dense woolly undercoat. The coat can be wavy but is not generally curly, feeling oily when touched. It is advised not to wash this dog as damage can be done to its waterproof coat. Also take care when brushing, which should only be necessary when the dog is molting. Brushing will remove the dead and loose hairs. Bathing and excessive brushing could damage the texture of the coat.

Grooming requirements

< Once a week

Trimming required

None

Tendency to shed hair

Little

Show characteristics

The Chesapeake Bay should have a broad head. The eyes should be of medium size, set well apart and be yellow or amber in color. The ears should be small and set well up on the head. The mouth should have a complete scissor bite, a level bite will be allowed though not preferred. The neck should appear muscular and blend into the well laidback shoulders. The chest should be wide and deep with well-sprung ribs. The hindquarters should be higher than the shoulders; therefore the top line will not be level. The feet are quite large and webbed. The tail should be straight or slightly curved. The coat should be short, no longer than 1.5 inches, and thick. The outer coat will be oily, harsh and dense while the undercoat will be fine and woolly. The coat tends to wave on the neck, shoulders, back and loins, it should never be curly. Self-colored Bays are preferred in dead grass, red/gold or brown shades. Some white is allowed on the chest, stomach and feet.

Breed classification

The Chesapeake Bay is a member of the Sporting group. They were originally used for retrieving waterfowl and today are used as Sportings and companions.

Origin

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is an American breed of dog that was developed from British dogs. They were developed by the settlers to work in the water, retrieving duck and other fowl. There is a story that says a ship was wrecked off the coast of Maryland in 1807 with two Newfoundland puppies. The puppies were given to the rescuers as a thank you. Both the dogs were mated to local dogs, never to each other. The resulting puppies were crossed with other retrieving and hunting breeds, Flatcoated and Curlycoated Retrievers, Irish Water Spaniels and Coonhounds are thought to have been used. Eventually the Chesapeake that we recognize today was produced. The breed standard of the Chesapeake Bay was established in 1885. They were recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1933. They first arrived in Britain in the 1930's. In the 1970's they started to become more popular as a Sporting breed.

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