Knowing and Understanding Your Chesapeake Bay Retriever

Developed along the Chesapeake Bay area, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever was bred to handle hunting endeavors in adverse water and inclement weather conditions. They are capable of breaking ice and handling the most strenuous retrievals imaginable. Owners of this dog oftentimes refer to them as the Chessie. The story of this breed is nothing short of interesting as they were the result of breeding two Newfoundland puppies that were rescued from the brig of a shipwreck found off the coastline of Maryland in 1807.

Along with salvaged cargo, the two pups were entrusted to the care of their rescuers. One of the dogs was black while the other was red, and it was quickly recognized that they both were capable retrievers, fearless in the water, and extremely intelligent. Once breeders found out about these traits, they were quick to breed them with Bloodhounds, Irish Water Spaniels, and New found lands.

Occasionally, you do run across a contradiction such as a puppy that fears the water or one that does not have the typical oral fixation or obsession characteristic of the majority of members of this breed. Instance’s of these occurring are few and far between, so there is not much likelihood that you will encounter one like this.
The result was the onset of a very unique breed that was capable of handling the icy waters of the Chesapeake Bay while fetching one duck after another. Their inherent intelligence affords them the ability to spot and retrieve quarry that has fallen miles away. By 1885, the reputation of the animal caught up with the dog and it was recognized as an official breed of the AKC.

Aside from its acute intelligence and sheer hardiness at handling any water and weather condition, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever is well known for its love of the outdoors and swimming. They are also independent yet eager to learn knew things. Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are also inherently protective of their families and have been known to be somewhat aloof around strangers and other animals. This also equates to them being excellent watchdogs.

Make no mistake about it, this is a larger breed of dog and is extremely active so daily exercise is imperative if you want to keep your Chessie happy. Suffice it to say, living near the water would afford the dog with the luxury of a most desirable environment as well as what he was originally bred for - specifically swimming and various water games. If you do not live near the water, then daily walks and fetching games will substitute quite nicely.

Grooming issues with Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are not tedious. Due to the length of their coats, a weekly brushing is definitely recommended. Conversely, the frequency with baths is diminished by the fact that they rarely require a bath. Living near water and allowing the dog to play in it will also impact the bathing issue positively.

Chessies have been known to live up to 14 years with the average hovering between 11 and 12. This is a very healthy canine breed and the only major health concerns are CHD and occasional bouts with gastric torsion. Minor issues include hypothyroidism and PRA, Progressive Retinal Atrophy.

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Written by Jeff Nenadic from My Dog Shop - check for current specials on chew toys online.

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