The Chesapeake Bay Retriever, affectionately known as Chessie, is a very successful hunting dog and a very good pet because of its playful and affectionate nature. This outdoor dog would be the happiest in the world if he could live near a lake, because he loves to swim.
Characteristics of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Belonging to the group 8 of game and water dogs, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever is medium-sized with a harmonious and powerful build and a developed and broad chest. The male measures between 58 and 66 cm and weighs between 29 and 36 kg while the female is between 53 and 61 cm for a weight of 25 to 32 kg. This dog has a head proportional to the rest of the body with a rounded and broad skull, a muzzle that tapers to its tip and a slightly short nose. The jaws are powerful enough to carry the game. The eyes are full of intelligence and vivacity. They are rather clear with their amber-yellow color which distinguishes it from other races. The small ears fall at the level of the cheeks and are placed high on the skull. The Chessie has a short, tight, rough and wavy coat. The coat comes in shades of rush, brown or dead grass. The standard favors monochromatic coats, although white patches on the belly, chest, feet and toes are tolerated.
History of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever breed
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever originated in the United States. It first appeared around the 19th century. According to history, an English ship was wrecked off the coast of Maryland at that time. The crew was composed of two puppies from the island of Newfoundland. They found refuge with a family on the Chesapeake Bay. Over the years, they were bred with native breeds such as otters and retrievers, resulting in the Chesapeake Bay Retriever. The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is mainly used for hunting and has the ability to adapt to harsh weather conditions.
Living requirements and behavior of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever
The Chessie is a versatile breed used for guarding, hunting and companionship. It is cheerful and alert and reveals a tender, affectionate and friendly nature. However, it is not suitable for people who have no experience in dog training, as this dog tends to be dominant and stubborn and needs a firm education. Cohabitation with other animals is difficult, as its hunting instinct can take over at any time, not to mention territorial conflicts with other dogs. With children, the Chessie is gentle and playful provided that the little ones know how to be respectful towards him.
Diet and major health problems of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever
In general, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a robust dog. However, it is necessary to keep an eye on certain typical pathologies that can affect it, such as degenerative myelopathy, which causes balance problems or worse, paralysis, as well as mucopolysaccharidosis type VI, which manifests itself in heart failure and skeletal deformities. The "exercise induced collapse" caused by intense efforts is also to be feared in this breed.
