Chesapeake Bay Retriever Dog Breed Profile

by Dr. Chris

AKC Group: Sporting Group

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever dog is a true American original. The official dog of Maryland, it excels at hunting, swimming, and makes a great family dog.

History

During the winter months of 1807, an English vessel with 2 Newfoundlands aboard wrecked off the coast of Maryland. Everybody was rescued including the 2 dogs.

These two dogs were mated with native retrievers such as Curly-Coated Retrievers, Flat-Coated Retrievers and English Otter Hounds. Thorough breeding through the years has established a superb retriever with amazing endurance and enthusiasm. The dogs were utilized to search waterfowl in the icy and rough seas of Chesapeake Bay.

Physical Features

This breed normally reaches an adult weight of 55 to 80 pounds and reaches a height of 21 to 26 inches.

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a muscular, powerful dog. This breed is usually better known for their huge and robust chests accustomed to splitting apart ice if diving into chilly water whilst duck hunting. There are 3 primary colors are usually noticed in the breed: brown, along with all colors from light to a heavy dark brown; sedge, which differs from reddish yellow to a vibrant red to chestnut colors; and dead grass in most colors, ranging from faded tan to flat hay color. The breed registry typical states that white could also show up but it should be restricted to the back of feet, belly, breast or toes.

Exclusive attributes include eyes which are clear, of amber hue or yellowish, hindquarters as high or a little higher than the shoulders, and a double-coat that is likely to be wavy. The water resistant coat feels somewhat oily and it is usually has a bit of a musky smell.

Personality

They are clever, fearless and obedient dogs. Trainable, able and willing to please. Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are loving, friendly, good and loving with kids. They like water, retrieving and swimming.

Common Health Problems

Susceptible to eye problems, hip dysplasia, and progressive retinal atrophy.

Return to: Complete AKC Dog Breed List

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