Chesapeake Bay Retriever

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a breed of dog that was developed along the Chesapeake Bay to hunt waterfowl under adverse weather and water conditions, often having to break ice during the course of many strenuous multiple retrieves. The breed was used not only to retrieve the game, but also sat on the wagon when the game was taken to market in order to protect the load from theft. Thus, the breed is very protective and can be vicious to strangers if provoked.

Appearance

Distinctive features include eyes that are very clear, of yellowish or amber hue, hindquarters as high or a trifle higher than the shoulders, and a double coat that tends to wave on shoulders, neck, back and loins. This "waterproof" coat feels slightly oily compared to other members of the same family. Three basic colors are generally seen in the breed: brown, which includes all shades from a light cocoa (a silvered brown) to a deep bittersweet chocolate color; sedge, which varies from a reddish yellow through a bright red to chestnut shades; and deadgrass, which takes in all shades of deadgrass, varying from a faded tan to a dull straw color. The breed standard states that white may also appear, but it must be limited to the breast, belly, toes, or back of the feet.

Temperament

The Chesapeake is valued for its bright and happy disposition, intelligence, quiet good sense, and affectionate protective nature. The breed is very loving and makes a wonderful companion.

The male Chesapeake is naturally dominant and, while he usually won't start a fight over dominance, he will fiercely defend his position as the alpha dog. It is not a good idea to own more than one male. Although, it is not a problem to have multiple female Chesapeake's.

The male Chesapeake recognizes only one human master, and all other family members are considered to be either equal or subordinate to the dog. In order to keep the dog from attempting to become the alpha family member, his master must regularly reinforce dominance over the dog by issuing a command such as 'come' or 'sit' at a time when the dog would rather not do so.

The breed is very tolerant of pain and will not harm small children during play. In fact, he would fiercely defend small children against any attacker.

Training

Training is a necessity with this breed, especially for a male. The trainer must exercise more patience than with most other breeds as this breed is usually not willing to change its behavior.

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a very intelligent breed and learns faster than most other breeds. Once a Chesapeake learns what is expected, he will act accordingly from that point on. A Chesapeake is not willing to break the rules and will attempt to enforce the same rules on subordinate dogs.

During training, if a Chesapeake is asked to perform something that he believes is against the rules, he will flatly refuse. This has earned the breed the reputation of being very stubborn. This reputation is not deserved. The trainer must take into account that the dog is being asked to do something that he has previously been taught not to do.

A Chesapeake's greatest joy is pleasing its master. While giving treats as a reward for good behavior works well much of the time, the dog also responds very well to scolding from its master in response to bad behavior.

When a Chesapeake does something that is strictly forbidden, it will usually tell on itself and willingly accept the consequences. However, in such circumstances, a stern scolding followed by forgiveness goes a long way in gaining the animal's trust.

Books about Chesapeake Bay Retriever Dogs