Chesapeake Bay Retriever

Developed along Maryland’s and Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay in the early 1800s, the breed descends from shipwrecked Newfoundlands/St. John’s water dogs crossed with local hounds and setters. Bay hunters needed a strong, ice-breaking retriever with a weatherproof coat, keen nose, and tireless work ethic to haul boats and retrieve multiple ducks in frigid waters. Recognized by major registries (CKC/AKC), Chessies remain premier waterfowl partners and excel in hunt tests, field trials, tracking, and search work.

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A muscular, medium-large retriever built for power, endurance, and cold water.

• Weight: Males ~65–80 lb (29–36 kg); females ~55–70 lb (25–32 kg)
• Height: Males 23–26 in (58–66 cm); females 21–24 in (53–61 cm)
• Coat Type: Distinct double coat—harsh, oily outer coat with dense, woolly undercoat; slightly wavy on shoulders/back/loins
• Coat Colours: Brown, sedge (reddish), deadgrass (tan/straw); small white on chest/feet permitted
• Distinctive Physical Traits: Broad chest, strong hindquarters, webbed feet, medium thick tail as a “rudder,” yellow to amber eyes, weatherproof skin and coat, powerful swim stroke

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Low trimming, targeted de-shedding, and protecting the natural coat oils.

• Brushing: Weekly outside of shed; daily during spring/fall coat blows (undercoat rake + slicker)
• Bathing: Every 6–8 weeks or as needed—use mild shampoo; avoid over-bathing/conditioners that strip oils
• Post-Swim Care: Rinse fresh water; towel-dry thoroughly, especially in cold weather
• Ears: Clean/dry weekly (after swims) to prevent infections
• Nails/Teeth: Trim nails every 2–4 weeks; brush teeth 2–3×/week
• Shedding: Moderate year-round; heavy seasonally

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A serious worker that needs daily body + brain work.

• Daily Duration: 60–90 minutes (split sessions)
• Ideal Activities: Retrieves (land/water), hunt-test drills, tracking/nose work, hiking, canicross, dock diving, obedience/rally
• Suitability: Best for active homes with water access or structured field work; apartments only with robust exercise and enrichment plan

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Smart, determined, and loyal—keep training clear, fair, and purposeful.

• Approach: Positive reinforcement with consistent boundaries; short, varied sessions
• Field Skills: Marking, delivery to hand, steadiness, blind retrieves/handling, whistle cues
• Manners: Loose-leash walking, calm place/settle, polite greetings, solid recall
• Socialization: Early exposure to people/dogs/environments; Chessies can be watchful—reward neutrality
• Cooperative Care: Desensitize to ear drying, nail work, and post-swim towelling

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Fuel athletic work while keeping a lean outline for joint health.

• Food Type: High-quality performance kibble or balanced fresh diet for active medium-large breeds
• Daily Quantity: ~2.5–4 cups/day total, split into two meals (adjust to food/dog/workload)
• Diet Advice: Maintain BCS 4–5/9; add omega-3s (EPA/DHA) for skin/joints; use joint support (green-lipped mussel/glucosamine) for hard workers; fresh water after saltwater retrieves
• Bloat Note: Deep-chested—avoid heavy exercise 60–90 min before/after meals; consider slow feeders

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Look for health-tested, field-sensible dogs—or consider rescue.

• Breeders: Choose CKC-affiliated preservation breeders who provide orthopedic/eye/DNA results, early water exposure, and lifetime take-back
• Adoption: Retriever and sporting-breed rescues; breed clubs sometimes rehome trained adults
• Canadian Resources: Canadian Kennel Club breeder directory; Chesapeake Bay Retriever Club of Canada; provincial retriever hunt-test/field-trial clubs (ON/BC/QC/AB) for training days and community

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Generally robust; responsible screening is essential in working lines.

• Orthopedic: Hip & elbow dysplasia; osteoarthritis in hard-working adults
• Eyes: PRA-prcd, cataracts—annual CAER eye exams recommended
• Neuromuscular: Exercise-Induced Collapse (EIC, DNM1)—DNA test available; plan work accordingly
• Neurologic: Degenerative myelopathy (DM)—DNA test available
• Ears/Skin: Otitis after swimming; hot spots if undercoat stays damp—dry thoroughly
• Endocrine: Hypothyroidism occurs in some lines
• Life Expectancy: 10–13 years
• Recommended Testing (breeders): Hips/elbows (OFA/FCI), CAER eyes, EIC DNA, PRA-prcd DNA, DM DNA; share multi-generation health/temperament history

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Are Chesapeake Bay Retrievers good family dogs?
Yes—loyal and affectionate in active homes with consistent training and daily exercise.

Do Chesapeake Bay Retrievers shed a lot?
Moderate to heavy seasonally. Daily brushing during coat blow helps.

Are Chesapeake Bay Retrievers hypoallergenic?
No. They are not hypoallergenic.

How much exercise does a Chesapeake Bay Retriever need?
Plan for 60–90 minutes daily, ideally with retrieving and swim work.

Do Chessies need special grooming?
Protect the natural coat oils—don’t over-bathe; rinse after swims and dry ears thoroughly.

Are Chessies good apartment dogs?
Possible for very active owners with robust exercise and enrichment; easier with access to water/fields.

Chesapeake Bay Retriever vs Labrador—what’s different?
Chessies are typically more protective/independent with an oily, wavy coat (brown/sedge/deadgrass); Labs are often more social with a smoother coat and broader colour range.

What health tests should breeders do?
Hips/elbows, CAER eyes, and DNA for EIC, PRA-prcd, and DM—ask to see documentation.

Do Chessies get ear infections?
They can—especially after swimming. Clean and dry ears weekly (and after water work).

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