Chesapeake Bay Retriever


The Chesapeake Bay Retriever: Maryland’s Finest

Chesapeake Bay Retriever

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

If you enjoyed this page on the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, check out some of the other dog breed links below.

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