About Chesapeakes

Characteristics

The Breed Standard provides the following information on:

General Appearance and Temperament:

Equally proficient on land and in the water, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever was developed along the Chesapeake Bay to hunt waterfowl under the most adverse weather and water conditions, often having to break ice during the course of many strenuous multiple retrieves. Frequently the Chesapeake must face wind, tide and long cold swims in its work. The breed's characteristics are specifically suited to enable the Chesapeake to function with ease, efficiency and endurance. In head, the Chesapeake's skull is broad and round with a medium stop. The jaws should be of sufficient length and strength to carry large game birds with an easy, tender hold. The double coat consists of a short, harsh, wavy outer coat and a dense, fine, wooly undercoat containing an abundance of natural oil and is ideally suited for the icy rugged conditions of weather the Chesapeake often works in. In body, the Chesapeake is a strong, well balanced, powerfully built animal of moderate size and medium length in body and leg, deep and wide in chest, the shoulders built with full liberty of movement, and with no tendency to weakness in any feature, particularly the rear. The power though, should not be at the expense of agility and stamina. Size and substance should not be excessive as this is a working retriever of an active nature. Distinctive features include eyes that are very clear, of yellowish or amber hue, hindquarters as high or a trifle higher than the shoulders, and a double coat which tends to wave on shoulders, neck, back and loins only. The Chesapeake is valued for its bright and happy disposition, intelligence, quiet good sense, and affectionate protective nature. Extreme shyness or extreme aggressive tendencies are not desirable in the breed as a gun dog or companion.

Training

There is a phrase that applies to Chessies - "You can order a Lab, ask a Golden, but you must negotiate with a Chesapeake."

Simply put, training is absolute necessity when it comes to this breed. Chessies are very intelligent dogs that learn very quickly. Training takes patience and planning, however, as they are known to "think for themselves." Lessons should be well-thought out beforehand to ensure your companion is learning what you want it to. Chessies are indeed eager to please, but once their minds are made up and they believe they are performing what you are asking of them, it can be very difficult to convince them otherwise. That said, it is a very rewarding experience as you get back everything you put in.

Chessies are valued for their bright and happy disposition, intelligence, quiet good sense, and affectionate protective nature. A well-trained and well-bred Chessie is very loving and makes a wonderful companion.