The Chesapeake Bay Retriever: Maryland’s Finest


The state dog of Maryland, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a tough, powerfully built water retriever.
The breed has an interesting history. In 1807, two Newfoundland pups were rescued from an English brig shipwrecked off the coast of Maryland. The Newfies were bred with local retrievers, including the English Otter Hound, Flat-Coat and Curly-Coated Retriever, and out of this cross-breeding, the Chesapeake was developed.
These versatile dogs are equally adept working on land or water, and excel at retrieving waterfowl from rough and icy waters.
Strong, powerful, and exceptional swimmers, the breed is medium-sized with yellowish or amber eyes. They have a distinctive coat, with a short, curly outercoat with a dense, wooly undercoat. Coat colors can be brown, sedge or deadgrass.
If you are thinking of getting a Chesapeake Bay Retriever, you should be aware that these are highly energetic dogs, requiring daily exercise. Chessies are happy and intelligent dogs who love walking and swimming, and fit best active families that share their love of the outdoors.
Grooming requires regular brushing to maintain the coat in peak condition, but regular bathing is not advised as it destroys the natural oils that protect against harsh conditions.
CHESAPEAKE BAY RETRIEVER FACT FILE |
| Group: Sporting Country of origin: United States Date of origin: 1800′s Originally bred for: Retrieving water fowl Current function: Water retriever / Companion Size: Large Coat length: Short Shedding: Yes Grooming requirements: Once a week Town or Country: Country Ideal home: Large house Minimum garden size: Large Exercise requirements: At least 2 hours per day Lifespan: Over 10 years |
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