Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Also known as Retriever de la Baie de Chesapeake, Chessie
- Height at the withers
- 53 to 66 cm
- Weight
- 25 to 36 kg
- Life expectancy
- 10 to 13 years
- Daily activity
- 90 minutes
- Origin
- Maryland, United States
- FCI group
- 8 · Retrievers, flushing dogs and water dogs
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with children
- close neighbors: it barks little
- watching over the house
Less suited to
- an apartment: it needs space
- a first dog: it needs an experienced owner
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
- allergy sufferers: it sheds a lot
Overview
A powerful, muscular hunting dog with a distinctive wavy, waterproof double coat and amber eyes, bred to retrieve waterfowl in the harsh conditions of Chesapeake Bay.
History and origins
Developed in the 19th century along Chesapeake Bay from two shipwrecked Newfoundland-type puppies (Sailor and Canton) crossed with local retrievers, to create a hunting water dog able to withstand icy waters and strong currents.
Health
Life expectancy is 10 to 13 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Hip dysplasia
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Degenerative myelopathy
- Exercise-induced collapse
- Gastric dilatation-volvulus
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Short double coat. Heavy shedding, low coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- High, 4 out of 5
- Apartment
- Difficult, 2 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With cats
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With strangers
- Reserved, 2 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Average, 3 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Poor fit, 2 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Strong, 4 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Strong, 4 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Low, 2 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Shedding
- Heavy, 4 out of 5
- Drooling
- Rarely, 2 out of 5
- Barking
- Quiet, 2 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Good, 4 out of 5
In our lists
Chesapeake Bay Retriever FAQ
How big does the Chesapeake Bay Retriever get?
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever stands 53 to 66 cm at the withers and weighs 25 to 36 kg. It is a large dog.
Does the Chesapeake Bay Retriever shed a lot?
It sheds heavily and its coat needs little care. Plan on brushing several times a week, and more during the spring and fall shedding seasons.
Can the Chesapeake Bay Retriever live in an apartment?
It is difficult: it needs space and activity, and a home with a yard suits it better.
How much exercise does the Chesapeake Bay Retriever need each day?
Allow about 90 minutes of activity a day: its energy is high. Add games and training exercises to keep its mind busy too.
Is the Chesapeake Bay Retriever good with children?
Yes, it gets along well with children who respect it. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Chesapeake Bay Retriever live?
Life expectancy is 10 to 13 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy.
