Introduction
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever, also known as the CBR, the Chesapeake, and the Chessie, is a breed of dog in the Sporting Group. The athletic Chesapeake breed is most well known for its love of water and its ability to navigate through freezing and rough waters. The Chesapeake was recognized by the AKC in the year 1878 and approved by the AKC in the year 1993.
The average Chesapeake Bay Retriever stands about 2 feet high and weighs between 55 – 80 pounds. They have a thick curly coat that should be brushed every few days to help distribute their natural weather proofing oils throughout the coat.
Temperament
The standard personality of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever is one of courage, happiness, and friendliness. This breed does well with families, and socialization at an early age will help to prevent any over protective behavior or reserve around strangers. The Chesapeake is an extremely intelligent, athletic, and energetic breed. These dogs thrive on working with their human companions, learning new tricks and commands, and participating in competitions of all kinds (the Chesapeake breed is in every type of AKC competition).
Potential pet owners need to be aware of this breed’s extremely high energy and intelligence. This is not the type of dog to leave at home or to be strictly a house pet. This is a dog for families that have plenty of space, enjoy being outdoors, and can spend the time to entertain and work their canine companion.
Health
The average life expectancy for this breed is between 10 – 12 years, and the breed is associated with some genetically inherited conditions which pet owners should be aware of, including eye problems and hip dysplasia.
History
The Chesapeake was created in the U.S. in the early 1800’s from two Newfoundland dogs that were rescued from a shipwreck in Maryland. These Newfoundlands enjoyed the water and had good retrieving skills, and they were crossed with various other retrieving breeds such as the Curly-Coated Retriever and the English Otter Hound, to create today’s Chesapeake. They were bred specifically for hunting and retrieving, and they gained their name from the Chesapeake Bay where they would swim through icy cold and choppy waters to retrieve ducks.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Quick Facts
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Weight: 55-80 lbs
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Height: 21-26 in
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Coat: Thick, curly, should be brushed every few days
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Temperament: Courageous, happy, and friendly
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Lifespan: 10-12 Years