Chesapeake Bay Retriever

Pet parents who think there is just too much life to be lived to stay indoors will find their canine soulmate in the Chesapeake Bay Retriever dog. With energy levels through the roof, these dogs thrive when they can accompany you on outdoor adventures.

Unlike other retriever breeds who would gladly welcome anyone over and pour them a cup of coffee if they could (we’re looking at you, Labs), Chessies can be reserved around strangers. Couple that with their strong bark and powerful physique, and strangers and nosy neighbors might take pause.

Chessies have a high drive to hunt and retrieve, but they can be good with kids as long as everyone respects each other’s boundaries. (So teach your kids how to respectfully interact with dogs, and vice versa.) They are also prone to resource guarding, especially with their toys around young children—a behavior you must correct immediately for a harmonious co-existence. Raising a Chesapeake Bay Retriever with kids and other dogs from puppyhood offers everyone the best chance to get along.

Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are affectionate and loyal to their family—and sometimes don’t want to share their toys, chews or retrievals. They are considered the most strong-willed of the retriever breeds, and their intelligence and independent streak may test the patience of a new pet parent, though it shouldn’t stump those willing to put in the training time. While Chessies love having an active job, they are also content to bond with their pet parents through active play and enrichment activities.

Chesapeake Bay Retriever dogs look like the picture of athletic elegance and require your moderate effort to keep them looking that way. Chessies need a ton of daily exercise, a balanced diet and a regular grooming and nail trimming routine to maintain their movie-star good looks and agreeable disposition.

Chessies have a life expectancy of 10 to 13 years, although they are prone to some health issues. Knowing about these potential health problems in advance can help your pup stay healthy for longer.

• Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a skeletal condition, most prevalent with large or giant breed dogs. Signs include lameness, pain, and decreased activity. Treatments include lifestyle changes, joint supplements, medication and surgery in more severe cases.
• Ocular Conditions: Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are prone to progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and cataracts. There are genetic screening tests for both conditions so ask your breeder. However, if you have any concerns about your pet’s eyes (redness, cloudiness, squinting, pain), please make an appointment with your vet right away.
•  Exercise-Induced Collapse (EIC): EIC is an inherited intolerance to exercise. Affected Chessies become uncoordinated and wobbly after a short period of strenuous activity, with episodes lasting up to 20 minutes and completely subsiding after 30 minutes. As both parents must have the defective gene to pass it down to their pups, you can avoid this condition with responsible genetic testing.
• Degenerative Myelopathy (DM): This neurological condition causes older dogs to lose function in their hind limbs. Genetic testing by responsible breeders can help avoid the disease. While the test won’t guarantee that an affected dog won’t develop the disease, it is a good start.
• Follicular Dysplasia Alopecia: This genetic hair loss caused by a deformity in the follicle’s structure gives Chessies’ coats a shabby appearance. No effective treatment is available for this form of alopecia, although selective breeding can avoid the issue in the first place.
• Von Willebrand’s Disease (vWD): A protein deficiency (von Willebrand factor) that helps platelets stick together and form clots causes this inherited blood disorder. Some dogs may never show signs of vWD; others will bleed more profusely after surgery or injury. There is drug treatment available in some instances. You can manage most dogs with the disease by changing their lifestyle to avoid injury. Consult with your vet for options.

Descendant of Newfoundlands, Irish Water Spaniels and other undetermined dogs, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever originated with 19th-century duck club owners who bred these dogs to withstand freezing water conditions and retrieve hundreds of fowl per day. By the American Kennel Club’s inception in 1884, Chessies already existed as an emerging breed.

The breed gets its name from the Chesapeake Bay on the east coast of Maryland, where they hunted migratory ducks and geese. Their waterproof, oily double coat, powerful legs and webbed feet enabled them to withstand the elements for hours.

As successful as they are as duck dogs, Chessies’ speed, muscular build and keen sense of smell also make them excellent police K-9 dogs. At the same time, their athletic prowess and dashing good looks help them excel at dog sports and competitions.

So, where is the best place to find the Chesapeake Bay Retriever breed today? You can find a list of reputable breeders on the American Kennel Club’s website. Depending on the breeder, Chesapeake Bay Retriever prices average between $900 and $1,500. For these Chessie puppy prices, you can rest assured you are getting premiere breed characteristics and a dog bred to avoid significant Chessie temperament and health issues. You can also reach out to a Chessie rescue organization, keep an eye out for the breed at your local animal shelter, or search Chewy’s database of adoptable dogs in your area.

Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are high-energy pets who make great companions for experienced and active pet parents. They may need a lot of exercise (like fetch!) and activities to keep them content, but it’s totally worth it. Whether out and about or at home by your feet, these loyal, loving dogs will bond with you for life.