The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds around. Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are known for their distinctive features, which include a thick coat of fur that keeps them warm in cold weather and webbed toes that make them excellent swimmers.
They were initially bred as working dogs and, today, are still used for hunting and fishing. However, many dog lovers still choose Chesapeake Bay Retrievers as their pets because of their loyalty and affectionate nature.
If you are thinking about adopting a Chesapeake Bay Retriever puppy, be sure to read this article first! We will discuss everything you need to know about the Chesapeake Bay Retriever breed and how they differ from most breeds, including how to take care of them and what they eat.
History Of Chesapeake Bay Retrievers
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever originated from the Chesapeake Bay area of Maryland and Virginia, the United States of America, in the early 1800s. This dog breed (also known as the Chessie) was created by crossings other retriever breeds, including the Newfoundland, Curly-Coated Retriever, and Flat-Coated Retriever. These dog breeds are known as the predecessors of the Chessie Puppy.
Chesapeake Bay is a large estuary in the United States with harsh weather conditions that are suitable for tough breeds that can withstand cold temperatures and icy waters. As stated earlier, Chesapeake Bay Retriever dogs were originally bred to hunt waterfowl, geese, and duck in the Chesapeake Bay.
The Bay Retriever dogs attained the reputation of “water dogs” because of their extraordinary swimming abilities, instincts to retrieve anything that falls in the water, and their passion for swimming. Asides from this, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers were also used as rescue dogs during World War II.
In 1888, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) – the first retriever to receive this formal acknowledgment.
Several reputable individuals who owned a Chesapeake Bay Retriever dog include President Theodore Roosevelt, General George Armstrong Custer, Senator John McCain, and actors Tom Felton and Paul Walker. The Chesapeake Bay Retriever was also made the official dog of Maryland in 1964 and is the mascot of the University of Maryland, Baltimore county.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever Characteristics
Now that we know a little about the Chesapeake Bay Retriever’s history, let’s move on to some Chesapeake Bay Retriever characteristics.
Life Expectancy
A Chesapeake Bay Adult dog can live up to 10-13 years. These dogs have a good life expectancy rate compared to other breeds. But like all breeds, its life span depends on living conditions. Your Chesapeake puppy will have a healthy life span if you monitor its health issues, feed it properly, and give it enough training.
Height And Weight
Chessies are large dogs. A female Chesapeake Bay Retriever dog can stand up to 21-24 inches in height and weigh about 55-70 pounds, while a male Chesapeake Bay Retriever can stand up to 23-26 inches in height and weigh about 65-80 pounds.
Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are known to be one of the heaviest breeds in the retriever category. They have a sturdy, muscular build, broad chest, and strong legs.
Coat And Colors
Chesapeake Bay Retrievers have a thick double coat that helps protect them from icy waters and cool climates. The Chesapeake Bay Retriever’s outer coat is short, oily, and wavy, while the breed has a woolly undercoat that is dense, soft, and short.
An adult Chessie dog can be solid-colored, either dead grass or chocolatey brown, sedge, with keen yellow-amber eyes that complement the coat. Also, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers shed moderately throughout the year, with little to no shedding during the summer months.
High-Energy Level
Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are high-energy dogs, making them bright and excellent watchdogs. Bay Retriever dogs have the energy level to perform many fun activities, including hiking and going for long walks.
Excellent Swimmers
As we mentioned before, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are excellent swimmers. If you’re buying one and you live near a body of water, always keep an eye on them. Chesapeake Bay Retrievers have webbed feet that help them swim powerfully, and their coats provide extra insulation in cold water.
Protective And Polite
Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are protective of their family and make excellent watchdogs. They are also polite with strangers and get along well with other pets in the family. Chesapeake Bay Retrievers love children and make great playmates.
How To Care For Your Chesapeake Bay Retriever Puppy
Taking care of a Chesapeake Bay Retriever is not difficult, but it does require some effort. Here are some tips on Chesapeake Bay Retriever care:
Healthy Feeding
Feeding your Chesapeake Bay Retriever a nutritious diet is essential for their overall health. Chesapeake Bay Retrievers need a diet high in protein and fat and low in carbohydrates. You should also avoid feeding your Chesapeake Bay Retriever table scraps, as this can lead to obesity.
Exercise
Also, Chesapeake Bay Retriever puppies need daily exercise to stay healthy and fit. An excellent way to provide your Chesapeake Bay Retriever with enough exercise is by taking them on long walks and runs and by participating in dog sports. You can also take them swimming as this is one of their favorite activities.
Firm Training
Chesapeake Bay Retriever dog breeds are intelligent, and they need firm training. Chesapeake Bay Retrievers respond well to positive reinforcement such as treats and praise. Avoid using harsh words or physical punishment when training your Chesapeake Bay Retriever.
Training your Chessie puppy will give it the mental stimulation it needs and help them avoid getting into trouble with other dogs, cats, and animals.
Proper Grooming
These dogs are easy to groom and only need to be brushed once or twice a week. Chesapeake Bay Retriever dog breeds also shed moderately throughout the year, so you’ll have to deal with some dog hair. For this, you may want to use a de-shedding brush during shedding season.
Also, bathe your Chessie dogs monthly, depending on how dirty they get. This dog breed has a natural musky odor due to its oily, wavy coat. Also, Check your dog’s nails frequently to know when it needs a trim.
Pet Toys
Don’t hesitate to get your Chessie puppy nice toys from the pet store. Toys provide mental stimulation and can help with socialization with other animals.
How To Select A Chesapeake Dog Breeder
When you are ready to select a Chesapeake Bay Retriever breeder, there are some things you need to keep in mind.
You want to make sure the Chesapeake Bay Retriever puppies have been well-cared for and socialized. A good breeder will have Chesapeake Bay Retriever puppies that are healthy, happy, and well-adjusted. They will also ensure to screen their breeding dogs for genetic disease and breed only the healthiest and best-looking specimens
You also want to make sure the Chesapeake Bay Retriever breeder is reputable. A good way to do this is to check with the national breed Club, the American Kennel Club, or the American Chesapeake club.
Asides from this, you also want to make sure the Chesapeake Bay Retriever breeder provides a health guarantee for their Chesapeake Bay Retriever puppies. This is important because it shows that the breeder stands behind the health of their Chesapeake Bay Retriever puppies.
Need A Chesapeake Bay Retriever Dog? Check Out These Breeders
If you’re looking for Chesapeake Bay Retriever puppies for sale, here are some Chesapeake Bay Retriever breeders to check out:
1. Skywatcher Chesapeakes
Skywatcher Chesapeakes is a Washington-based breeder that has been awarded the AKC’s Breeder of Merit for providing outstanding service and performance. Skywatcher Chesapeakes belongs to several kennel clubs, including the American Chesapeake Club, Evergreen Chesapeake Bay Retriever Club, and Neuwaukum River Retriever Club.
The puppies produced by this Chesapeake Bay Retriever breeder are healthy, happy, and high-energy. They are primarily concerned with producing dogs for companionship, work, and show. To guarantee the health and validity of each Chesapeake puppy’s health and pedigree, this kennel’s breeding stock goes through rigorous health clearances and genetic testing.
Skywatcher Chesapeakes offer additional services such as stud service, show handling, periodic boarding, periodic fostering, and whelping in addition to breeding.
2. Silvercreek Chesapeakes
Since 1989, Silvercreek Chesapeakes has been raising Chesapeake Bay Retrievers. This breeder was honored with the Platinum Breeder of Merit by the AKC. With that in mind, their puppies are of excellent quality!
They have bred and trained award-winning Chesapeakes in dog sports sponsored by the American Kennel Club and other international and worldwide kennel clubs. They mainly specialize in Chessies for championship and work.
Their Chessies can be trained to serve as service, pet therapy, search and rescue, bomb detection, and drug detection dogs. You may also acquire a regular family pet or a show dog from Silvercreek Chesapeakes if you just want one. Lastly, all of their pups meet AKC qualifications.
3. Desert Winds Chesapeake Bay Retrievers
Desert Winds Chesapeakes Bay Retrievers is a family-owned breeder that was founded in 1993. Though it’s mostly made up of family members, Desert Winds CBR has been recognized by the AKC as one of its Breeders of Merit. This breeder mainly focuses on dog behavior, coats, and pedigree.
Their dogs are housed in a clean facility that is regularly inspected by the Department of Animal Control and the American Kennel Club. This ensures that their Chesapeakes are raised properly.
All of the pups at Desert Winds CBR are descended from the bloodlines of award-winning show ring champions. Lastly, their puppies are OFA and CERF certified.
Note: Asides from breeders, you can also adopt a Chesapeake puppy from a Chesapeake Bay Retriever Rescue or shelter.
High-Quality Pet Services For Your Chessie Puppies
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