Spotlight Breed: The Chesapeake Bay Retriever


Why We Love Them: "Why I love my Chessie?  He is my personal body guard, fearless home alarm system, motivational jogging partner, and loyal road dog.  He is my warm fuzzy blanket on cold winter nights.  And, with his constant, happy, goofball smile, he is my daily pick-me-up - much better than coffee.  With all these jobs he does not complain and he is not lazy.  Rather, quite overzealous, eager to please, and relentless until all the jobs are satisfactorily complete.  All this and good looks to boot. What more could you ask for?  In my eyes, he is perfect!" ( A Devoted Chessie Owner )



 
THE NOT-SO-HARD FACTS


Chesapeake Bay Retrievers

HISTORY: Chesapeake Bay Retrievers (CBR), the Maryland State dog, are one of the few breeds actually developed in the U.S.  CBR’s are reportedly the result of breeding two Newfoundland breeds (one black and one brown) that survived an English shipwreck off the coast of Maryland in 1807.  The pups were then bred to local sporting breeds such as coonhounds, English water poodles, and curly and flat-coated retrievers; resulting in the eventual evolution of the present day CBR.  They were originally bred to hunt waterfowl in adverse conditions, particularly harsh, cold weather.

The American Kennel Club first recognized CBR’s in 1873.  Breed standards list males at 23 – 26 inches in height and 65 – 80 pounds and females at 21 to 24 inches in height and 55 – 70 pounds.  However, it is not uncommon to see CBR’s that are much larger (closer to 100 pounds) especially the males.  Two distinct features of the CBR are the yellow/amber eyes and the curly wool-like coat, which comes in 3 colors of varying degree – brown, sedge or deadgrass.  Known for their ability to swim in icy waters without risk of hypothermia, it is their undercoat that remains dry, keeping them warm. 

PERSONALITY: CBR’s are often described as powerful, intelligent, courageous, happy, affectionate, protective, stubborn, and very high energy. This is a breed for the more dog savvy person.  CBR’s can be difficult to train due to their stubborn nature.  They are also large and extremely powerful dogs that need to have an “alpha” human leader, and their protective nature needs to be nurtured properly.  However, trained properly, in return, CBR’s are extremely loyal, affectionate and happy companions with a constant smile on their face!  They also make an excellent watchdog with a very loud, commanding bark.

MEDICAL: Medical conditions to watch out for with CBR’s include hip displasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and bloat.  CBR’s require a lot of exercise and preferably access to water, as they love to swim.  It is not unusual to see a CBR bound 100 yards towards a lake, make a leap and be airborne for 15 feet before hitting the water. 

Would a CBR be good for you?
A CBR would be a good for you if:
A CBR would not be good for you if you have young children (not because they are aggressive, but because they are large and can unintentionally knock over a young child); you live in an apartment or house without a yard; you have not had experience with large breeds.

For more information:
American Chesapeake Club – http://www.amchessieclub.org



If you are interested in Chessies, check out Petfinder !

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