Chesapeake Bay Retriever

Other names : Chessie, Bay, Chessy Dog

Photo: adult dog of Chesapeake Bay Retriever breed
© Ricantimages / Shutterstock
Photo: adult dog of Chesapeake Bay Retriever breed

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever dog has a unique smile – when he is happy he will bare his teeth in a comical grin. This breed first originated as a water dog, used to hunt and retrieve ducks in the waters of Chesapeake Bay. He was ideal for this purpose because of his stamina, sturdy build and dense coat. Even today, he is still used for hunting purposes but is also a fine companion dog. Chesapeake Bays have webbed paws, making them fantastic swimming dogs.

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Life expectancy

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever has a life expectancy of between 10 and 12 years

Temperament

Size

Medium

Adult size

Female Between 21 and 24 in
Male Between 23 and 26 in

Adult weight

Female Between 55 and 71 lb
Male Between 64 and 79 lb
Coat colour
Brown Sand
Type of coat
Short
Eye colour
Brown
Green
Good to know

Some Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are prone to suffer from ear infections and allergies. Ear infections can arise after a dog has been swimming in water for a lengthy period, so always ensure that the dog’s ears are dried thoroughly after swimming. The Chessie can also suffer from various allergies:

  • Certain dog foodstuff that contains cereals or grains
  • Airborne pollen
  • Dust mites
  • Chemicals in household cleaning products
  • Tick and flea bites

More details about the Chesapeake Bay Retriever

Chesapeake Bay Retriever: Origins and history

The first Chesapeake Bay Retrievers were documented when 2 puppies were taken from a shipwreck some 200 years ago, off the Maryland coast. These pups loved being in water and looked similar to a Newfoundland breed. One of the rescued pups, a red dog, was named Sailor, while the other, a black bitch, was named Canton. Both dogs were bred with other breeds, producing the Chesapeake Bay we know today. 

FCI classification of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever

  • Group 8 - Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs

  • Section 1 : Retrievers

Training a Chesapeake Bay Retriever

So that any unwanted behaviours are held at bay, it’s important to begin training routines from a very young age. Chessies need to understand what their trainer is asking of them, otherwise they come across as quite stubborn. 

Chesapeake Bay Retriever: Purchase price

You can expect to pay around £670 for KC Registered dogs and £570 for Non KC Registered Chesapeake Bay Retrievers. In addition, your monthly costs will amount to between £100 to £120 monthly, to account for food, veterinary bills, and pet insurance.

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