The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is an powerful and serious retrieving breed. His distinctive coat allows him to withstand harsh cold water while working. The Chessie is the state dog of Maryland.

Physical Characteristics

• Coat: Short, slightly wavy hair in brown, sedge (reddish) or deadgress (tan)
• Outer coat and dense woolly undercoat make for water-repellence
• Small ears dangle down
• Eyes are yellow
• Height: 21-26 inches
• Weight: 55-80 pounds
• Average lifespan: 10-13 years

Temperament

• Smart, obedient, friendly, affectionate, protective, independent, territorial
• Interaction with people: Good with children
• Interaction with animals: May chase cats other than ones already living in the house
• Training: Eager to learn; needs early socialization and training

At Home

• Not recommended for apartments
• Needs average-sized yard
• Prefers cool climates to hot unless a body of water is nearby
• Needs plenty of exercise
• Loves to swim and retrieve

Grooming

• Easy to groom
• Average shedder
• Brush with firm bristle brush weekly

Brief History

• Originated in the U.S. in 1807
• Developed by breeding Newfoundland puppies with the English otter hound, flat-coat and curly-coated retriever
• Used for its prowess in the rough, icy waters of the Chesapeake Bay, where it would retrieve up to 200 ducks in a day

Fido's Facts

• Developed to hunt waterfowl in the Chesapeake Bay area
• Extraordinarily strong swimmer
• Gentle bite enabling them to carry birds
• Powerful limbs and webbed feet
• Coat is virtually waterproof due to oils in the outer coat and undercoat