The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a large breed, standing 21 to 26 inches at the shoulder and weighing approximately 60 to 85 pounds. Their earth tone-colored coats are thick with a short undercoat, keeping them well-insulated in cold temperatures and water. Though these dogs love the water, a Chesapeake owner need not worry as their oily coat allows them to rapidly dry off.
Chesapeakes as Retrievers
Chesapeakes, above all, are hunting dogs. They can easily be trained to retrieve nearly any fowl that can be hunted. With keen intelligence and sense of smell, a Chesapeake can easily retrieve multiple falls and have even been known to pick up the injured birds before the dead ones. Chesapeakes are powerful swimmers and avid lovers of water and especially enjoy water retrieves. In light of this, it is not surprising that Chesapeakes have been able to retrieve as many as 200 ducks in a single day.
Chesapeakes as Companions
The breed, however, is not just limited to retrieving. As a family pet, Chesapeakes are affectionate, loyal, and protective companions. Chesapeakes are excellent with children and will tolerate much more of their rowdiness than most other breeds. While they will be friendly to most people, Chesapeakes will become much attached to and only show affection toward their family. This intense loyalty coupled with keen senses allows a Chesapeake to be an exceptional watchdog. While they are not attack dogs—they scarcely, if ever, intentionally injure humans, a growl or the powerful build of a Chesapeake should be enough to keep any would-be intruders at bay.
Some Chesapeakes, when excited or happy, will become vocal and expose their teeth in a smile. Neither of these, however, should be mistaken for hostility.
While Chesapeakes are naturally dominant, they will not start a fight over dominance—only defend a position as the alpha dog and will coexist peacefully with other animals. The breed can be prone to dominance problems if not properly trained and socialized. Chesapeakes also enjoy getting to know other dogs in a structured situation, and this can be used to overcome most dominance issues.
Chesapeakes as Competitors
A Chesapeake’s coat requires very little care to keep looking beautiful. A weekly brushing will keep the coat at its best. Preparation for Breed or Show requires only a little more: clean teeth and ears, whiskers clipped, and a solid brushing. Eager to please, a Chesapeake with a patient and consistent handler can overcome the breed’s strong mindedness and work toward Companion Dog, Companion Dog Excellent, and Utility titles. Chesapeakes can do very well in agility, rally, and tracking trials and have their own style in each of these competitions.