Chespeake Bay Retriever Dog Breed Information Guide
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is an American dog breed with a truly unique history. This kid loving, water loving canine companion is an amicable breed that may just be the dog for you and your family. If you are active and fun loving, there’s no better breed to add joy and laughter to your life than the Chesapeake Bay Retriever!
Chespeake Bay Retriever History
When a British ship capsized off the coast of Maryland in 1807, two Newfoundland puppies which were on board swam to safety from the cold Atlantic waters to the Maryland shore. Named “Sailor” and “Canton” after the ship from which they came, these two pups proved to be exceptional swimmers and water retrievers. The pups were mated with local sporting dogs, thought to be both Curly Coated Retrievers and Flat Coated Retrievers, producing offspring that were legendary sporting dogs, able to withstand the coldest and roughest waters without incident. These dogs eventually came to be considered a breed unto themselves, and the Chesapeake Bay Retriever dog breed was born.
Chespeake Bay Retriever Appearance
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is valued more for his talents as a sporting dog than for his appearance. While Chessies are by no means homely in appearance, they possess an oily and somewhat wavy coat which enables them to dry off after a cold swim with a few shakes. The coat is usually dark brown or resembles the color of dead grass, a muted tan.
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever resembles the Labrador Retriever in many ways; the body is roughly the same size and musculature, and the head has a similar appearance. The Chessie also possesses those meaningful brown eyes that always let you know just how much he loves you.
Chespeake Bay Retriever Temperament
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is an all-round fantastic family dog. Chessies adore children; there have been a number of Chesapeake Bay Retrievers honored for having rescued toddlers from drowning – a trait they no doubt inherited from their Newfoundland ancestors.
The only caution when it comes to choosing a Chessie for temperament is to make sure you acquire your Chesapeake Bay Retriever puppy from a reputable breeder. Early socialization and care can be as important as inherited temperament traits, so you want to be sure to get a puppy from a breeder who raises her pups with love and gentle handling from birth, rather from an unknown source, which may be a horror story of abuse and neglect. Never acquire a Chesapeake Bay Retriever puppy through a pet store, newspaper ad or online classified ad.
Chespeake Bay Retriever Exercise Info
Chesapeake Bay Retrievers have a strong affinity for water, and enjoy a good bit of exercise. This is not a breed for city dwellers or couch potatoes! Chessies are best suited for active families that live in a suburban or country setting, preferably near a lake, river or other accessible body of water where the Chessie can swim and frolic.
For the sportsman, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever is the perfect breed; energetic, loyal, agile and highly trainable. After all, Chessies were custom made for hunting water fowl.
Chespeake Bay Retriever Grooming Info
Chesapeake Bay Retrievers require very little in the way of grooming. Since they love to swim, a bath is hardly ever necessary. The coat can be kept free of dead hairs with a weekly brushing – a stiff slicker brush is the best tool of choice for grooming a Chessie.
Chespeake Bay Retriever Training Info
Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are a very intelligent breed that are always anxious to please their owners. Whether you plan to use your Chessie as a hunting dog, or a cherished family companion, obedience training should start early and be consistent, with all members of the family taking part and presenting a united front.
Adding a little playtime before and after each training session will make your Chessie even more willing to learn and obey.
Chespeake Bay Retriever Health Info
Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are a healthy dog breed that are usually free of the hereditary disorders that can plague many purebred breeds of dog.
That having been said, it’s extremely important to find a highly responsible breeder from which to purchase a Chesapeake Bay Retriever puppy. A reputable breeder will be very well educated about the Chesapeake Bay Retriever dog breed and carefully screen her breeding dogs for any common canine disorders and congenital problems that may be prevalent in the breed.
Health Problems Which Can Occur in Chesapeake Bay Retrievers include:
Hip dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy
Type 3 von Willebrand disease
Cataracts
Regional Alopecia
There are no 100% guarantees when it comes to buying a healthy purebred puppy, but acquiring your puppy from a highly responsible breeder who selectively breeds for health and temperament, and who offers, and stands behind a reasonable health guarantee is your best insurance.
Chespeake Bay Retriever Right Breed Info
If you are looking for a wonderful family companion, a Chesapeake Bay Retriever can be an exceptional choice. The Chessie’s great fondness for children makes him a good match for families with small children, but the breed is equally suited to couples and even seniors – provided they are able to provide the exercise and companionship the breed needs to thrive.
If you are an active family that loves to get out in the great outdoors, a Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a great choice. If your family tends to spend their leisure hours eating chips in front of the Wii, then you should either consider a Pug – or change your lazy ways and get a Chessie!
More Information about the Chespeake Bay Retriever Dog Breed
Chespeake Bay Retriever on Wikipedia