Chesapeake Bay Retriever

Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are known to be loyal and affectionate by nature.

The Chessie does enjoy playtime, however he can be quite boisterous. This dog loves to entertain and be entertained by others, especially if this playtime includes agility and obedience activities. 

The Chessie is quite calm and level-headed.

This breed excels at obedience training, agility and working trials. Some of these dogs are used in the detection of bombs. 

This dog has a high prey drive that is deeply embedded into its psyche. The Chesapeake will run after and chase wildlife if he is allowed to run off the lead. 

Often more reserved, wilful and aggressive around strangers than other retriever breeds.

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is quite an independent thinker but can also be stubborn. He needs to understand who is in charge.

This breed won’t enjoy spending too much time on its own. Chesapeakes don’t like being left to their own devices in the home. 

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. 

Generally not known to bark much. 

The Chesapeake Bay is a hunting dog, and because of this, if he’s allowed to run off the lead, he will often give chase to wildlife. 

It’s important to make sure that the Chessie receives plenty of outdoor exercise, otherwise this breed can develop unwanted behaviours. 

Not generally a greedy breed of dog.

A very protective dog breed, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever will quickly alert his owner to anything amiss. He won’t be aggressive though, only a watchdog. 

Not the ideal choice for someone looking for a first time dog. As a high energy, intelligent breed, they need an owner who can socialise, train and handle him well. 

This is a large dog, with lots of high energy so probably not best suited to apartment living. He is much better suited to a family who has a large garden and outside space where he can roam freely. 

This dog needs plenty of long walks and if possible, the chance to swim. 

The Chessie will certainly travel happily in the rear of a large car, but not on public transport, mainly because of his large size. 

If a Chesapeake Bay Retriever has grown up with cats from a young age, he will get along fine with cats in the home. 

If they are raised together, a Chessie will get along with other dogs in the home. However, the same cannot be said for ‘outsider’ dogs, with whom he may be quite aggressive.

This breed absolutely adores being around children and in fact often appears to have a special affinity with kids. 

As a large, powerful and energetic dog, he isn’t the best choice as a companion pet for an elderly person.