Facts

Hypoallergenic: No
Lifespan: 10 – 12 years
Temperament: Affectionate, Intelligent, Quiet, Dominant, Happy, Protective
Colors: Dark Brown, Light Brown, Tan, Brown, Deadgrass, Sedge
Weight: Female: 25–32 kg, Male: 30–36 kg
Height: Female: 53–61 cm, Male: 58–66 cm

Nature and character

Unlike many other Retriever breeds, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever has fully preserved its excellent hunting dog properties to this day. In addition to its distinctive optical appearance, the breeding objectives of this breed are geared primarily to their innate resilience and endurance, also this Retriever captivates by his intelligence and marked learning. The Chesapeake Bay Retriever needs a lot of exercise and loves water, ice and snow alike. As a family dog, he is affectionate and loyal, he enjoys the closeness to his people in particular.

Origin & History

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever developed in the 19th century at the Chesapeake Bay of the same name in the western United States, where the race was used in the water hunt. The dogs were able to withstand even adverse weather conditions and could also be used on ice and at low temperatures. The breed probably originated from crossings between two Newfoundlanders imported from England and local hunting breeds, which had been used in the eastern United States for several centuries. In addition to the Irish Water Spaniel, these included the Flat Coated Retriever and the Curly Coated Retriever. The breed standard for the Chesapeake Bay Retriever was set in 1885.

Chesapeake Bay Retriever Racial Features

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is classified in Group 8 "Retrievers, Flushing Dogs and Water Dogs" and in Section 1 "Retrievers" in the classification of the largest cynological umbrella organization "Fédération Cynologique Internationale". He reaches a size of 58-66 cm in males and 53-61 cm in females. The weight is 29-37 kg for males and 25-32 kg for bitches. The color of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever should ensure an optimal adaptation to the environment - the colors brown, bulrush and straw colors with all shades are permitted. Single white badges are allowed, although monochrome animals are preferred. The Chesapeake Bay Retriever has short, hard top hair that is wavy and interspersed with dense undercoat.

The skull is wide and round with a middle stop. The catch is about the same length as the skull and tapers slightly towards the nose. The Chesapeake Bay Retriever has small, loosely hanging ears that are set high. His eyes are strikingly bright and show a yellowish or amber-like color. They are far apart. The neck presents itself muscular and of medium length with a rejuvenation towards the shoulder. His body is also medium in length and has well-flanked flanks. The upper profile line runs slightly ascending from the shoulder to the hindquarters. Short and compact, the back appears, the chest is deep and wide with a round rib curvature.

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever has a moderately long tail that can be straight or slightly curved. The runs are powerful and well muscled. They appear straight in the front and back views. The shoulders are powerful and tilted, the knees well angled. His hocks are in a middle height. The movement is free, powerful and expansive.

Chesapeake Bay Retriever essence & character

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a bright and happy dog, who convinces with his work pleasure as well as with his intelligence. He shows his love and loyalty to his people, he needs a permanent family connection. The Chesapeake Bay Retriever builds a very close bond with a particular person and recognizes only these people as masters. In doing so, he behaves equally open to all familiar people and animals, but shows himself to strangers more distanced.

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is able to respond appropriately in any situation and has a protective attitude towards its human. However, this innate protective drive hardly appears in a busy and well-socialized animal and is never associated with aggressive behavior.

This breed has an innate love of water and is equally enthusiastic about ice and snow. The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is resilient, persistent and able to act on its own. At the same time, he likes to work with humans, if he is properly trained. Both in training as well as in daily training, this retriever is always eager to learn. He is in the attitude while easy to maintain, but every day has to be extensively moved and mentally challenged.

Use of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a classic hunting dog and is still used today, especially in the water hunt. Compared to its ancestors, however, it has evolved and now serves no longer only as a pure retriever, but as a versatile hunting dog, which can be used for bush, rummaging and foraging as well as for the welding.

Even as a family dog, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever is well suited because it enjoys the closeness to humans and builds a close bond with his family. However, he needs a lot of exercise and employment. If the Chesapeake Bay Retriever is not used in the hunt, similarly demanding activities such as retrieving or dummy training can serve as substitutes. The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is also suitable for training as a rescue or tracking dog.

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