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Gundog group · United States

Chesapeake Bay Retriever

Also called Chessie, CBR.

Large dog, high energy, trains well with consistency.

  • Affectionate
  • Bright
  • Sensitive
  • Protective
  • Strong
AI-generated illustration of an adult Chesapeake Bay Retriever
AI-generated illustration
Size
Large
Weight
25 to 36 kg55 to 80 lb
Lives
10 to 13 years
Energy
High
Trains
Moderate
Barks
Moderate

Training

Training a Chesapeake Bay Retriever

Gundog breeds. Quick to learn and quick to get over-excited. The work is calm around distractions, not obedience.

  1. Independent Thinker

    Start here

    Unlike eager-to-please Labs, Chessies are independent. Earn their respect with confident, consistent handling.

  2. Early Socialisation

    Natural protective instincts require extensive early socialisation to prevent wariness or aggression.

  3. Water Work Excellence

    Bred for harsh Chesapeake Bay conditions. Incorporate cold-water retrieves to satisfy their instincts.

The app turns this into five to fifteen minutes a day.

Add your Chesapeake Bay Retriever and it builds the plan around their age, where they came from and what they already know, on video with Atlas and Shango.

Free to start. iPhone. No card needed.

At home

Living with one

Bred to find, flush and retrieve game alongside a person. Biddable, busy, and happiest with a job.

Gets on with

  • ChildrenHigh
  • Other dogsModerate
  • StrangersLow
  • CatsLow

Breed averages. Early socialisation and the individual dog matter more.

Exercise
1-2 hours daily. Swimming is ideal. Bred for endurance in harsh conditions.
Grooming
Low to moderate. Weekly brushing. Oily, waterproof coat should not be over-bathed.
Drool
Moderate
Coat
Double coat, Dense, Oily, Water-resistant, WavyBrown, Sedge, Deadgrass
In a flat
Needs more space than a flat gives.

Health

Things to ask a breeder or vet about

  • Hip Dysplasia

    Moderate

    Joint condition requiring screening in breeding dogs

  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy

    Moderate

    Degenerative eye disease leading to blindness

  • Bloat (GDV)

    Severe

    Deep-chested breed at risk for life-threatening stomach torsion

Where they come from

History

Developed in the Chesapeake Bay region of Maryland and Virginia in the 19th century. Legend traces origins to two Newfoundland puppies rescued from a shipwreck in 1807. Bred to retrieve waterfowl in the harsh, icy waters of the Bay. Known for incredible endurance and determination.

  • Sailor and Canton · The legendary Newfoundland puppies rescued from the shipwreck who are credited as breed foundation

Similar breeds

All breeds

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