Chesapeake Bay Retriever – Mixed Dog Breed

A water dog used to hunt and retrieve ducks in the chilly chop of Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay gave rise to the breed of dog known as the Chesapeake Bay Retriever. The dog was perfect for the job because of their strong constitution, thick coat, endurance, and strength.

They are still regarded as excellent hunting dogs today, and they make wonderful companions for energetic, seasoned dog owners who can provide them with the structure and exercise they require. Beware, novice dog owners and apartment dwellers.

This dog bed is suggested by Petscaretip for your medium-sized Chesapeake Bay Retriever to ensure a restful night’s sleep. For your high-shedding dog, you should also buy this de-shedder! Check out all the Chesapeake Bay Retriever characteristics and information below!

Chesapeake Bay Retriever Mixed Dog Breed Picture

Chesapeake Bay Retriever – Mixed Dog Breed Characteristics

Vital Stats:

In Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay’s rough and icy chop, waterfowl hunting requires a tough dog. The Chessie, also known as a Chesapeake Bay Retriever, was created for situations like these. He is thought to be related to Sailor and Canton, two Newfoundland puppies who survived a shipwreck in the region in 1807. As a result of their excellent retrieving abilities, they were bred with neighborhood dogs.

The outcome was a brown dog with a thick, water-shedding coat, an upbeat personality, intelligence, and bravery. It is not surprising that Chessies enjoy being in the water given their heritage. Young children who are exposed to water play develop into strong, powerful swimmers who use their straight or slightly curved tail as a rudder.

Chessies can work in a variety of positions. These puppies are prized for being exceptional hunting dogs. They have excellent noses, but you had to know there had to be a drawback, didn’t you? They also have a stubborn streak. — is useful when they are looking for game that has fallen. There are verified accounts of Chessies retrieving up to 100 ducks in a single day.

They perform well as hunting partners, in hunt tests, and in the more competitive setting of field trials when given the proper training. Rally, flyball, and agility might be better options for them. Chesapeake Bay Retrievers can also perform well in obedience competition if creatively trained to tolerate the repetitive nature of the sport. And they are beloved friends, of course.

Chessies can be independent, but they are generally friendly, outgoing, and obedient. With their intelligence and strength, they can easily overwhelm an unprepared owner, but for the knowledgeable dog owner who can provide them with the structure and discipline they require in training, they can develop into a devoted and obedient companion.

His love of activity will be satisfied by daily exercise in the form of long walks or opportunities to swim, which will make him a quiet housemate. The Chessie needs early socialization, or exposure to a variety of people, places, sights, and sounds, just like every other dog. His temperament is such that even after socialization, as an adult, he isn’t overly friendly with strangers; instead, he tends to be reserved when meeting new people.

This quality makes him a great watchdog who is fiercely devoted to protecting his people and belongings. The negative is that some Chessies can be violent with other dogs. Your Chessie needs to learn to submit to your authority in both situations when interacting with other people and dogs. Consistency and rewards for good behavior are key training tools for your Chessie.

Make training enjoyable and avoid repetition to prevent him from getting bored. Always praise or reward him at the conclusion of training sessions for a job well done. Or, put another way, stop while you’re both ahead. Don’t try to save time by sending him to a trainer; he learns best from people he knows and loves. If you train this obedient dog yourself, he will serve you best.

The Chessie frequently gets along well with kids, but he won’t put up with their mistreatment. He will typically get up and leave the situation if he can if he doesn’t like the way he’s being treated. Any time a young child interacts with a dog, it should always be under supervision. A Chessie puppy with a sound temperament, a glossy coat, and pink gums and tongue is active and inquisitive.

Puppies ought to be eagerly retrieving items, unfazed by loud noises, and eager to approach people by this point. They shouldn’t ever come off as timid, scared, or hostile. This serious, sensitive, and strong-minded dog will flourish under your guidance and training thanks to his excellent upbringing and grow to be a beloved family member.

Highlights

• Chessies need to exercise frequently, ideally while swimming. They may become angry and destructive if they don’t get enough exercise.
• The ownership of a Chesapeake Bay Retriever is not advised for novice or first-time dog owners.
• If they are not properly socialized and trained, they may be prone to dominance issues. You must demonstrate effective leadership without being stern.
• In comparison to other retrievers, Chessies can be more aggressive, stubborn, and reserved around strangers.
• There is a chance that Chesapeake Bay Retrievers will fight other dogs.
• Chessies are powerful dogs with a slow maturation rate and a propensity for being territorial. They require strict management and training.
• Never purchase a puppy from a backyard breeder, puppy mill, or pet shop if you want a healthy dog. Find a reputable breeder who tests her breeding dogs to ensure that they are healthy and free of genetic diseases that they could pass on to the puppies.

History

One of the few breeds that can say it was created in the United States is the Chesapeake Bay Retriever. Two Newfoundland dogs named Sailor and Canton who were on a ship sailing to England in 1807 are thought to be the breed’s ancestors. The crew was saved along with the two dogs Sailor and Canton, a dingy red male and a black female, after the ship ran aground.

With the help of Dr. James Stewart of Sparrow’s Point and John Mercer of West River, Sailor was able to settle down. Both dogs developed a reputation as exceptional water dogs, particularly when it came to duck hunting, and their offspring inherited both their prowess as well as their peculiar amber or yellowish eyes.

The offspring of Canton and Sailor were interbred at the Carroll Island Kennels and spread from there throughout the region, according to records. There was no known mating between the two dogs, but seventy years later, when strains from both the eastern and western shores of Maryland met at the Poultry & Fanciers Association show in Baltimore in 1877, their similarities were sufficient for them to be recognized as one breed, “The Chesapeake Bay Ducking Dog.”

A distinct Chesapeake variety had been created by the time the American Kennel Club was founded in 1884, and it was well known for its skill in the choppy, icy waters of the Chesapeake Bay. In 1918, the American Chesapeake Club was established.

The first licensed retriever trial was conducted by the American Chesapeake Club in 1932. Fittingly, a pair of cast-iron statues of Chessies stand guard at the entrance to the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michael’s, Maryland.

Size

Women are 21 to 24 inches tall and weigh 55 to 70 pounds, while men stand 23 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder.

Personality

An ideal watchdog, a proper Chessie combines courage, intelligence, a strong work ethic, and an alert nature with a cheerful and upbeat demeanor. However, due to his strong will, or stubbornness, he needs constant, firm training from all the household’s adults. You cannot allow him to act in a certain way “just this once,” as you will have to spend days or weeks retraining him.

More severe punishment is overkill and will only make him sulky and unresponsive. If you’re providing the right leadership, a sharp look or verbal reprimand is sufficient to rein in bad behavior. The Chessie can have a silly sense of humor, but his occasionally obsessive stubbornness can outweigh the amusement. It can be challenging to get an idea out of his head once he has it.

And he will pursue his goals with tenacity when he wants something. That’s great if you have him fetching ducks, but not so great if he’s pestering you for something else, like a child in the supermarket asking for candy. No one’s temperament develops in isolation. It is influenced by a variety of elements, such as training, socialization, and heredity. Puppies with good dispositions are curious and playful, approachable, and eager to be cuddled.

Select a puppy that is in the middle of the pack rather than one that is bullying its littermates or hiding in a corner. Always meet at least one parent to make sure they are pleasant and comfortable around you. Usually, the mother is the one who is available. It’s also beneficial to meet the parents’ siblings or other family members to get a sense of what the puppy will be like as an adult.

In order to ensure that your Chessie puppy develops into a well-rounded dog, socialization is important. He should start by enrolling in a kindergarten class for puppies. Regularly hosting guests, taking him to crowded parks, dog-friendly shops, and on leisurely strolls to meet neighbors will all help him hone his social skills.

Health

Chessies are typically in good health, but like all dog breeds, they are susceptible to specific illnesses and conditions. It’s important to be aware of these diseases if you plan to buy or live with a Chessie even though not all Chessies will contract any or all of them.

• Hip dysplasia, a heritable condition in which the thighbone doesn’t fit snugly into the hip joint, is one such instance. Some dogs exhibit pain and lameness in one or both of their hind legs, but a dog with hip dysplasia may not exhibit any signs of discomfort. Arthritis may appear as the dog ages. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals and the University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program (PennHIP) both perform X-ray screening for hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia in dogs should prevent breeding. Ask the breeder for documentation that the parents have undergone hip dysplasia testing and have been found to be healthy if you are purchasing a puppy. Although hip dysplasia is inherited, it can also be brought on by certain environmental factors, such as rapid growth brought on by a diet high in calories or wounds received from falling or jumping on slick surfaces.
• A degenerative eye condition known as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) eventually results in blindness due to the loss of photoreceptors in the retina. Years before the dog exhibits any signs of blindness, PRA is detectable. Fortunately, dogs can compensate for blindness with their other senses, and a blind dog can lead a full and content life. Just remember not to rearrange the furniture frequently. Reputable breeders do not breed dogs with this condition and have the eyes of their dogs certified by a veterinary ophthalmologist each year.
• Von Willebrand’s disease is a blood condition that affects both humans and canines. Because there is less von Willebrand factor in the blood, it has an impact on the clotting process. Von Willebrand’s disease in dogs manifests as nose bleeds, bleeding gums, prolonged bleeding after surgery, prolonged bleeding during heat cycles, and prolonged bleeding following whelping. Blood is occasionally discovered in the stool. This condition, which cannot be cured, is typically diagnosed in dogs between the ages of 3 and 5 years. However, it is treatable with methods like cauterizing or suturing wounds, donating von Willebrand factor prior to surgery, and refraining from taking specific medications.
• Large, deep-chested dogs are more likely to develop gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat), a potentially fatal condition, if they eat one large meal per day, drink a lot of water quickly, or engage in strenuous activity right afterward. Bloat happens when the stomach twists after becoming distended with gas or air. The dog can’t belch or vomit to get rid of the extra air in his stomach, which restricts blood flow to the heart. The dog experiences a drop in blood pressure and shock. The dog could die if not given immediate medical care. If your dog’s abdomen appears distended, drools excessively, and retches without vomiting, suspect bloat. He might also be agitated, depressed, listless, weak, and have a fast heartbeat. Get your dog to the vet as soon as you can if you notice these symptoms.
• Chessies are susceptible to epilepsy, a condition that can result in either mild or severe seizures. Epilepsy can be inherited, brought on by conditions like metabolic disorders, brain-affecting infectious diseases, tumors, exposure to toxins, or severe head injuries, or it can have no known cause (known as idiopathic epilepsy). Unusual behavior, such as frantic running as if being pursued, stumbling, or hiding, can be a sign of seizures. While watching a seizure can be terrifying, dogs with idiopathic epilepsy typically have a very good long-term outlook. Medication can control epilepsy, but it cannot be cured. With the right treatment, a dog can live a full and healthy life. Take your Chessie to the vet right away for a diagnosis and treatment suggestions if he exhibits seizure activity.
• Chondrodysplasia: This genetic condition, which is frequently misdiagnosed as “dwarfism,” results in abnormally short limbs for the breed in affected dogs. From “nearly normal” to severely crippling, it has a wide range of severity. In less severe cases, dogs have lived full and healthy lives, but breeding a dog that has been identified as having chondrodysplasia or as a carrier should be avoided in order to prevent the condition’s genes from being passed on.

Care

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever enjoys cool temperatures. If they frequently have the chance to swim, they thrive in a warm environment. Chessies need a lot of exercise to be content, and if they get it, they make quiet housedogs who are content to unwind with you while you watch TV. Give him at least 20 minutes of intense work, training, water retrieves, or play every day, or up to an hour of more leisurely strolling.

Chessies excel if swimming is incorporated into their daily exercise routine because they love to swim. They are not a city dog; they are a rural or suburban dog. Puppies need specialized exercise. Puppy kindergarten is a fantastic way for puppies between the ages of 9 weeks and 4 months to get training, socialization, and exercise. They also get 15 to 20 minutes of playtime in the yard each morning and evening.

Allow them to play in a kiddie pool or throw them a ball for them to retrieve. From 4 to 6 months of age, daily half-mile walks, weekly obedience training, and yard playtime will all take care of their needs. Start instructing them in swimming in a lake or pool, if the weather permits. Play fetch with a ball or Frisbee for up to 40 minutes between the ages of 6 months and 1 year, preferably in the cool mornings or evenings rather than during the heat of the day. Keep your walks to a mile or less.

Your Chessie puppy can start jogging with you once he’s a year old, but limit the distance to less than a mile and give him frequent breaks along the way. You can extend your runs’ duration and distance as he gets older. These progressively harder exercise levels will safeguard his growing bones and joints. Chessies enjoy interacting with people, but they are also capable of being independent and self-sufficient.

Use kind, consistent training methods, along with praise and positive reinforcements like food rewards. The Chessie who is treated harshly will only grow more independent and reluctant to comply with your orders. Your best bet is to keep training engaging and give him a sense of control over his actions.

Your Chessie must be informed immediately — loudly and firmly — that his behavior is unacceptable and not to be repeated whenever he engages in inappropriate behavior, such as countersurfing or lifting his leg inside the house. All rules apply!

Feeding

Two meals a day, each containing 2 to 2.5 cups of premium dry food, are advised. NOTE: The amount of food your adult dog consumes is influenced by his size, age, build, metabolism, and level of activity. Like people, each dog is unique, so they don’t all require the same amount of food. A highly active dog will require more than a couch potato dog, which should almost go without saying.

The kind of dog food you purchase also matters; the better the food, the more effectively it will nourish your dog and the less you will need to shake into the bowl. Puppies consume a lot of food, but they should err on the side of being thin to protect their still-forming joints. They should have a visible waist when you look down at them, and you should be able to feel but not see their ribs.

For a total of four cups per day, a four-month-old puppy may consume two cups of adult food or large-breed puppy food. See our recommendations for selecting the best food, feeding your puppy, and feeding your adult dog for more information on feeding your Chessie.

Coat Design and Maintenance

The Chessie has a coat that repels water similarly to how duck feathers do, fitting his purpose as a water retriever. The undercoat is delicate, dense, and woolly, while the top coat is short, thick, rough, and oily. Together, they offer exceptional insulation, enabling him to hunt in all weather, even ice and snow. Cold water is prevented by the woollen undercoat and oily outercoat.

Your Chessie must be informed immediately — loudly and firmly — that his behavior is unacceptable and not to be repeated whenever he engages in inappropriate behavior, such as countersurfing or lifting his leg inside the house. All rules apply!from touching his skin and speed up the drying process. His coat is only moist after he exits the water and shakes because it doesn’t hold water.

The Chessie’s coat serves as canine camouflage, helping him to blend in with his surroundings. He can be any hue of brown, sedge, or deadgrass, a perfectly apt description, which is a dull tan or straw-like color. Red hues are absent from dead grass. Deadgrass can be almost yellow or tan in color. Sedge has a relatively light-colored coat and an almost strawberry blonde coloration with distinct reddish undertones.

Brown (light brown, brown, and dark brown) is darker and can have red undertones. On occasion, the Chessie may have a white spot directly above the big pad on the chest, belly, toes, or back of the feet. The majority of retrievers shed a lot, including Chessies. Once a week, use a rubber curry brush to brush the coat to remove dead hair and distribute skin oils.

Brushing frequently will help keep pet hair off of your clothing and furniture and on the brush. Avoid using a wire slicker brush or coat rake because they can cause the hair to lose its wave and kink. Bathe a Chessie as little as possible to prevent removing the protective oils and reducing its ability to withstand water. To help the new coat grow in, a warm bath or two during the shedding season can help release dead hair.

Kids and other animals

Chessies love children in general, but they won’t tolerate much bullying and would much rather just leave it alone. They may not be the best choice for households with young children because they can be possessive with food and toys. Despite their tendency to misinterpret children’s play with their friends and act inappropriately, they are still protective of them.

Many breeders refuse to sell Chessie puppies to households with kids under the age of eight. A family with young children would benefit more from an adult Chessie who has experience with kids. Always supervise any interactions between young children and dogs to prevent biting or ear or tail pulling on either party’s part, and always teach kids how to approach and pet dogs.

Teach your child to never try to steal a dog’s food or approach a dog while he or she is eating. With a child present, no dog should ever be left unattended. Chessies can be aggressive toward unfamiliar dogs, but if they grow up around other family pets like dogs and cats, they should get along just fine.

Rescue Teams

Frequently, people buy Chesapeake Bay Retrievers without fully comprehending what goes into owning one. There are lots of Chessies who need to be adopted or fostered. We have not included all of the rescues that have occurred. The national breed club or a local breed club can direct you to a Chessie rescue if you can’t find one listed for your region.

Creator: PetsCareTip