Maryland's state dog is the most independent and toughest retriever. In fact, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers' ancestors were shipwrecked on the Chesapeake Bay coast. These dogs are strong, intense, and built for endurance.
As their name suggests, these dogs excel at water retrieving. Chesapeake Bay Retrievers (or “Chessies,” as their fans call them) are tough, powerful, and muscular. They are reliable working dogs who have even been trained to sniff out explosives!
An American original, this large and high-energy breed can grow to between 55-80 pounds and lives an average of 10-13 years. The breed is recognized by the American Kennel Club and classified as a member of the Sporting group.
| AKC Recognized | Y |
| Breed's original pastime | Water retriever |
| Origin | USA |
| Breed group | Sporting |
| Average lifespan | 10-13 years |
| Size | Large |
| Bark factor | Moderate |
| AKC Ranking | 41 |
| Family | Gundog, spaniel |
| Date of origin | 1800s |
| Original function | Pointing and retrieving |
| Today's function | Pointing and retrieving, pointing field trials |
| Average size of male | Height: 17.5-20.5 Weight: 30-40 |
| Average size of female | Height: 17.5-20.5 Weight: 30-40 |
| Other name | None |
| Energy level | High energy |
| Exercise needs | High |
| Playfullness | Very playful |
| Affection level | Very affectionate |
| Friendliness toward other dogs | Friendly |
| Friendliness toward other pets | Friendly |
| Friendliness toward strangers | Friendly |
| Ease of training | Hard to train |
| Watchdog ability | High |
| Protection ability | Moderately protective |
| Grooming needs | Moderately maintenance |
| Cold tolerance | Medium tolerance |
| Heat tolerance | Medium tolerance |
BEHAVIOR & TRAINING
WHAT IS A CHESAPEAKE BAY RETRIEVER'S PERSONALITY LIKE?
These are smart, affectionate, sensitive, and hard-working dogs. Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are playful and family-oriented, but play best with older kids. They can be shy with other dogs and strangers, but with socialization, many are friendly with other pets.
WHAT IS CHESAPEAKE BAY RETRIEVER BEHAVIOR LIKE?
This active breed requires regular, vigorous exercise, but they'd prefer to play retrieving games or swim than go for walks. Chesapeake Bay Retrievers need space to spread out and run. Once they've worked and played enough, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are mellow housedogs.
HOW EASY IS IT TO TRAIN A CHESAPEAKE BAY RETRIEVER?
Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are trainable, but you'll need to be patient and consistent with these pups. Reward them with retrieving games or treats. Structured obedience training with professionals is recommended. Want to keep your Chessie busy? Chessies have distinguished themselves in tracking and obedience events.
CARE & HEALTH
HOW MUCH DO CHESAPEAKE BAY RETRIEVERS SHED AND WHAT ARE THEIR GROOMING NEEDS?
This breed's short, waterproof double coat is soft and dense underneath, overlaid by a flat and oily top coat.
Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are average seasonal shedders and fairly easy to groom. Plan for weekly brushing and occasional baths. (If they're swimming in cold weather, don't bathe them — you'll strip the protective oils from their coats!)
WHAT HEALTH PROBLEMS DO CHESAPEAKE BAY RETRIEVERS HAVE?
Like many larger breeds, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers can be prone to joint issues and bloat. They also tend toward pudginess, so be mindful of meals.
Feeding your puppy Chessie a growth food for large-breed puppies will slow their rate of growth but not diminish their adult stature, and may help prevent or reduce the impact of adult-onset hip dysplasia.
