Is a Chesapeake Bay Retriever Right for You?
Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are known for their loyal, intelligent, and independent temperament. They are strong-willed and confident dogs with a natural instinct for retrieving. Chesapeakes are also affectionate and protective of their families, and can be aloof with strangers and strange dogs.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever Origin & History
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever originated in the United States in the early 19th century, specifically in the Chesapeake Bay area of Maryland. Developed as a versatile hunting dog, the breed’s origins can be traced back to two St. John’s Water Dogs, also called Lesser Newfoundland Dogs, who were rescued from a shipwreck off the coast of Maryland in 1807. These dogs were crossed with local retrievers and other breeds, resulting in the creation of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever Historical Uses and Development
Chesapeake Bay Retrievers were originally bred for hunting waterfowl in the harsh and icy waters of the Chesapeake Bay region. Their specific purpose was to retrieve ducks and geese that had been shot by hunters. With their webbed feet, waterproof coat, and strong swimming abilities, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers excelled at navigating the cold waters and retrieving game for their owners. Over time, they have also proven to be versatile working dogs, capable of tasks such as search and rescue, agility, obedience, and even therapy work due to their intelligence, loyalty, and adaptability.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever Love of Water
CBR’s love the water and will often seek out the nearest body of water to “take a dip”. This breed was bred to be a water retriever and an excellent swimmer and their water-proof coat and webbed feet help them excel as swimmers. They are also know to roll in mud puddles, weather to cool off or as an inbred method of camouflage from their bird hunting instincts. Keeping your CBR clean and cry can be a challenge!
Dog Breeds Most Closely Related to the Chesapeake Bay Retriever
While no exact records exist, it is believed that Chesapeake Bay Retrievers were created by crossing Lesser Newfoundland Dogs, Irish Water Spaniels, and possibly Bloodhounds to create a breed with a strong nose that excelled in retrieving waterfowl.
The Chessie Smile
One interesting quirk of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever is called the “Chessie smile,”. Owners of some Chessies delight in watching their pups curl up their lips and show their teeth in a manner that strikingly resembles a human smile. Unlike other dogs, where such behavior might be misconstrued as aggression, the Chessie smile is generally interpreted as a sign of happiness. Not all Chessies will display this behavior.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever Physical Characteristics
Chesapeake Bay Retrievers stand up to 26 inches tall inches tall at the shoulder and weigh up to 80 pounds. Their short, thick coat has another dense undercoat beneath making them almost water resistant. According to AKC breed standard, coat colors can be “Any color of brown, sedge or deadgrass“ is acceptable” and should match their working surroundings as closely as possible. Solid colored dogs are preferred, but a white spot on the chest is permissible. Black dogs do not meet breed standard. Their eyes should a beautiful amber/yellowish color.
How Fast Can a Chesapeake Bay Retriever Run?
The AKC Conducts Dog Racing Trials each December in Orlando, FL. called the Fast CAT Invitational. This is a 100 yard race where dogs run individually chasing a lure. The average running speed by Chesapeake Bay Retrievers is about 25.03 mph. The fastest recorded speed by a dog named Vedder’s Duke at 29.31 mph!
Chesapeake Bay Retriever Personality & Temperament
The CBARQ Dog Temperament Research study, conducted at the University of Pennsylvania, is a giant study of over 300 dog breeds and 60,000 individual dogs. In this study, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever ranks 31 out of 124 breeds in their energy level. They are considered a high energy breed that likes to play and does not tire easily. They also rank 31st in excitable behaviors and are likely to display strong reactions to events such as a knock on the door, getting ready for a walk or their owner arriving home.
In this Same Research
the Chesapeake Bay Retriever ranks very high (17 out of 124 breeds) in displaying aggression towards other unfamiliar dogs. Aggression is defined as growling, barking or bearing teeth and, in extreme cases lunging or biting when approached by another unfamiliar dog.
CBR Humor!
Chesapeake Bay Retriever Intelligence
In the Landmark Book entitled, “The Intelligence of Dogs”, professor Stanley Coren researched and documented the intelligence of over 130 different dog breeds. In his book, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever ranks 27th out of 138 breeds in working/obedience intelligence. Essentially this means they will learn new commands in 15-25 repetitions and obey first commands 70% of the time or better. This puts them in the “above average and obedience intelligence” category. In contrast, the least intelligent breeds will learn the same commands in 80-100 repetitions!
Chesapeake Bay Retriever Health & Lifespan
Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are generally healthy with an average lifespan of around 10-13 years. However, like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health concerns. Three major health conditions for Chesapeake Bay Retrievers include:
Degenerative Myelopathy
Exercise-Induced Collapse
Ectodermal Dysplasia – Skin Fragility Syndrome
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Facts About Chesapeake Bay Retrievers-Final Thoughts
Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are truly remarkable gundogs with a keen sense of smell and a strong drive to retrieve. From their distinctive double coat to their impressive obedience training skills, this retriever breed makes excellent companions for those seeking a loyal and hardworking canine partner. Whether you’re drawn to their history as waterfowl retrievers or their playful nature as Chesapeake Bay Retriever puppies, one thing is certain – these dogs have left an indelible mark on the world of gundogs. With proper care, training, and positive reinforcement, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers make excellent family dogs.
