Chesapeake Bay Retriever Breed Description

An Owner's Chesapeake Bay Retriever Description
Well there we were: traipsing in and out of the brush, looking for any game that might give Bayleaf some much-needed exercise in retrieving. Hunting in the northern part of Hansford County, we were hoping for a bouquet of pheasants, as they are called in groups or flocks. I hadn't seen or heard even the slightest sign indicating that they were anywhere close by. But knowing how these beautiful birds are masters at hiding, I just had a feeling they were there, somewhere.

As Bayleaf and I emerged through the dry grasses that grew along the open field, only one hen took flight, and that was in a rather nonchalant, unimpressed kind of way. No matter though, it was the cocks I was after and I figured they were more than likely to keep hid until the last possible moment. By the way, these magnificent birds have a way of taking to the horizon just about the time your next step would be on top of their head. That's when your heart will pound against your chest and make you shake just below your knees. Their plan seems to be to rattle you so much that there is no way you can get off a decent shot.

Anyway, I figured the pheasants were down near a cattle pond that freezes over during late December and January. I decided the best way for me to get off a good clean shot was to ease on out onto the ice and wait for Bayleaf to do some flushing. As I carefully walked out on the frozen pond, I gave Bayleaf a flushing command that he should have followed. Instead he stayed poised at the edge of the pond and would not take his eyes off me. I was becoming a bit irritated with his lack of response and made it plain from my tone that I meant what I said.

It was at that moment that the ice under my feet broke through and I went straight down. My rifle went sliding towards the bank and ended up at Bayleaf's feet. I was doing all I could to grab on to the ice and pull myself up above the freezing water, but to no avail. I was getting weaker by the moment between the cold and the weight of my quickly saturating clothing. I thrashed around and made a last effort to grab onto something. Unexpectedly, I discovered my hand wrapped around the butt of my rife. Bayleaf had a hold of the strap in his strong muzzle. Bayleaf gave me all the resistance I needed to pull myself out of what might easily have been a watery grave.

It was then that I came to know that retrieving birds did not do justice to the intelligence Bayleaf has. I will forever be grateful to this wonderful dog--what a treasure, and what a memory!

 

 

Introduction

It is no surprise that this breed loves water. It is a strong muscled dog and the largest of the retriever breeds. It stands 21-26 inches at the withers and weighs an average of 55-75 lbs. The coat color can range from a gold color to a red or any color of brown. The coat is a distinguishing characteristic of the breed that allows it to successfully retrieve wild ducks from the icy waters of the Chesapeake Bay. It has a harsh, thick, short, waterproof outer coat, with a dense, fine and woolly undercoat. It is wavy but not curly. Another distinguishing feature is the sway in the dog’s back which allows it’s spine to absorb shock as it busts through the ice when retrieving ducks. The dog has a happy, bright, and loving disposition. The breed is very intelligent and since it can work independently it makes a great hunting dog as well as a tracker and search and rescue dog. It is very athletic and needs considerable exercise. It is a great choice for a family that is active and likes outdoor water activities.

History

During the winter of 1807, there was an English shipwreck off the Maryland coast where everybody was saved, including two dogs which were given to a dog loving family. The local retriever breeds mated with that pair and the result was the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, which proved to be an excellent hunting dog. Careful breeding as years passed resulted in an exceptional retriever combining incredible endurance and enthusiasm. Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are capable of retrieving an average of 200 ducks daily while in chilly waters. These dogs are outstanding in tracking and obedience as well as in field trials, hunting tests and retrieving. They are similarly excellent family companions.

General Description

Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are powerful and masculine dogs with a short, slightly wavy coat that is commonly in shades of tan, red, or brown. There is a preference of solid colors with a permissible white coloring on their feet and chest. Both their harsh exterior coat and their dense undercoat of wool are oily, ensuring water repellency. This breed of dog has a broad round head with a medium muzzle and stop. They have thin lips, with small ears hanging downwards and possess yellowish colored eyes. They have a 12-15 inch long tail, straight, good-boned forelegs, strong hindquarters, and webbed toes which contribute to their excellent swimming capability.

 

Temperament

Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are obedient, friendly and intelligent dogs. They are courageous, loving, willing and trainable despite being slow learners. These affectionate dogs are ideal in the company of children and are happiest when swimming and retrieving. This breed is readily compatible with cats sharing their daily surroundings, but have a tendency of chasing other cats. Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are not recommended for inexperienced dog owners since the handler should be capable of exerting his authority in a confident manner in regards to the dog. The successful owner will be consistent, firm, but kind and realize proper human to canine communication is imperative. Once these dogs sense a timid, meek, or passive behavior in their owners, they may become dominant and develop dominance problems.

Health and Care

Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are prone to hip dysplasia and eye problems. They are generally healthy animals and the only major health issues are gastric torsion and CHD, while progressive retinal atrophy and hypothyroidism are relatively minor issues. Lack of adequate exercise may result in the dog adopting bad behavior(s) attributed to boredom and bottling up of energy. A jog or an invigorating long walk is necessary on a daily basis. Although it is optional to remove these dogs' front dewclaws, those on their rear legs must be removed.

Other Important Information

These dogs are territorial and tend to dominate within their immediate surrounding. Their lifespan can be up to 14 years, but 11-12 years is the norm. Apartment life is not ideal for Chesapeake Bay Retrievers since they like sleeping outdoors and have a preference of cool climates and love the water.

Colors

All colors of brown from tawny or sand through to dark brown with red or mahogany highlights. A small amounts of white on the chest and feet is acceptable.

Living Area

Outdoors or indoors, medium to large yard.

Recognized By

CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, ANKC

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