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Chesapeake Bay Retriever Dogs

Chesapeake Bay Retriever Dynamics Based on 544 Dogster profiles   Energy   sleepy energetic     Intelligence   silly genius     Friendliness   aggressive affectionate     Playfulness   not playful very playful     Disposition   anxious calm

Possible Health Concerns: Hip dysplasia Gastric torsion Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)   Less Common Health Concerns: Entropion Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) Elbow dysplasia Cerebellar abiotrophy Trupanion can give you peace of mind when protecting your pet against these and other health issues. Learn more...

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Weight:	55 - 80 pounds (24.95 - 36.29 kg)
Height:	21 - 26 inches (53.34 - 66.04 cm)

Trademark Traits

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Some Ideal Human Companions

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What They’re Like to Live With

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Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are friendly and easy to love. They get along with the entire family, including children. Given lots of love and attention, Chessies can develop beaming, warm personalities to go along with their built-in toughness.

In some respects, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are the ideal hunting dogs—they have a no-nonsense, down-to-business attitude that comes in handy on the marshes or in the woods. They will swim, scout, fetch and retrieve all the livelong day.

Unlike most retrievers, Chessies are fiercely protective of the family and home. They are perfectly polite with strangers, but can be slightly reserved until they feel comfortable. If you’re looking for a retriever with some guarding skills, you’ve come to the right place.

Things You Should Know

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Chessies are very strong. Remember this when you go out for a walk. If they see something interesting, hold on tight and grab onto a street sign. These dogs are obedient and intelligent, but they also have an independent streak. Be sure to give them proper, consistent training from an early age.

Chesapeake Bay Retrievers were born and bred in the outdoors. City life—especially apartment life—will make them feel a little confined. They need lots of fresh air, daily walks and swimming if possible.

A healthy Chesapeake Bay Retriever can live as long as 12 years. They are generally healthy, but some can develop hip dysplasia and eye problems. Their thick, weatherproof coats are easy to groom, just needing a good brushing every few days. Remember not to bathe them too often—the soap can remove the oily film that protects them from harsh temperatures.

Chesapeake Bay Retriever History

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In 1807, an English ship sunk off the coast of Maryland. Fortunately everyone survived, including two Newfoundland puppies. One of the men who helped rescue the passengers was given the puppies as a gift. They grew into first-rate retrievers and were eventually mixed with various Chesapeake-area dogs like the English Otter Hound and the Curly-Coated Retriever. Over time the distinctive, resourceful and water-resistant “Chessie” evolved.

The Look of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever

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Chesapeake Bay Retrievers have powerful, well-built, retriever-type frames covered in short, wavy coats. Their heads have rounded, broad skulls, hanging ears and medium-length muzzles. They have clear yellow or amber eyes. Their strong, muscular necks slope down to deep chests, strong backs and straight tails. Their legs are sturdy and strong with webbed feet—ideal for swimming. They have dense coats that usually come in dark brown or dark red, sometimes with white patches. Overall, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever has a poised and durable look.

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