Meet the Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, An American Retiever What is Interesting About Their Unusual Origins

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Chesapeake Bay Retrievers photo
Large Breed Hip Dysplasia Chesapeake Bay Retriever

Is This Dog Right for You?

  • 1 Chesapeake Bay Retrievers typically require socialization to help with their hostility to strangers and other breeds.
  • 2 Although they are not quick learners, their high energy makes them a great family dog, especially for kids.
  • 3 The Chesapeake Bay dog is also known for their determination and territorial instincts.

HISTORY

Originally used to hunt waterfowl, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers were bred to be strong swimmers and to have a water resistant coat. A mix of Newfoundlands, English Otterhounds, Flat-Coated Retrievers, and Curly-Coated Retrievers, the Chessy was carefully crafted by breeders on the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland to have the best traits for what they needed, which in this case was hunting ducks and geese.

Quick Facts

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    Size

    Large

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    Lifespan

    10-12 years

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    Hair Length

    Short

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    Male Height

    23-26 inches (58-66 cm)

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    Male Weight

    65-80 pounds (29-36 kg)

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    Female Height

    21-24 inches (53-61 cm)

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    Female Weight

    55-70 pounds (25-32 kg)

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    Litter Size

    7-8 puppies

Personality

Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are very loving, smart, and obedient, although they may be a little hard to teach. They are great with children and other pets that live in your home, but are not recommended for new pet owner, as Chesapeake Bay Retrievers tend to be strong willed and require a confident, authoritative owner in order to keep them from developing a dominance problem. That aside, these dogs are a ball of fun. .

Color

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever's coat can fall in a range of browns from tawny or sand through to dark brown with red or mahogany highlights. A small amount of white on the chest and feet is acceptable.

Health Concerns

With an average lifespan of 10 to 14 years, the Chesapeake Bay Retrievers do not have too many pressing health issues. However, there are a few that may sometimes occur, such as:

Appearance

Chessies are very athletically built dogs, with a strong, muscular frame. Their head is wide with a medium sized muzzle and wide set eyes. They have a short, wavy, oily coat which repels water and helps them dry off quickly after going for a swim.

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