Chesapeake Bay Retriever - Dog Breed Profile

Author: Dooziedog.com

Key Facts:

Size: Large & solid

Height: 53 - 66 cm (21 - 26 inches)

Weight: 25 - 36 kg (55 - 80 lb)

Life Span: 13 years

Grooming: Fairly demanding

Exercise: Demanding but simple

Feeding: Considerable

Temperament: Alert & cheerful

Country of Origin: United States

AKC Group: Sporting

Temperament:

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is intelligent, independent, active and courageous. These dogs love water, even if it's freezing cold as their coat protects them from the elements. Chesapeake Bay Retrievers make excellent watchdogs with their strong guarding instincts. They tend to be wary of strangers but get on well with children. Chesapeakes are very intelligent and highly trainable, but they do not respond well to harsh discipline. The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is eager to please and it loves people.

Grooming:

Normal grooming to remove the dead hair is adequate for Chesapeake Bay Retrievers. Only wash these dogs occasionally as it strips the coat of it's natural oiliness.

Exercise:

Chesapeake Bay Retrievers need plenty of exercise otherwise they can become badly behaved through boredom. Chesapeake Bay Retrievers enjoy swimming and retrieving and are at their best when they have a purpose in life, such as some form of work.

History:

It is believed that the Chesapeake Bay Retriever originated from a pair of Newfoundlands who were rescued from a shipwreck in 1807. When these Newfoundlands were mated to local dogs carrying Irish Water Spaniel, Bloodhound, Otter and Coonhound lines, a distinctive strain evolved. The breed takes its name from Chesapeake Bay on the east coast of America where the local hunters expected their dogs to plunge into icy waters and retrieve ducks and geese.

Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Intelligent expression, well proportioned and muscular.

Color: Preferably a solid color, varying from yellow-brown to dark-brown.

Coat: No longer than 3.8cm, straight, oily, thick and weatherproof. The undercoat is woolly, dense and fine. The coat tends to be wavy on the shoulders, neck, back and loin.

Tail: Medium length, straight or slightly curved, thick at the base and moderate feathering is permissible.

Ears: Small, set high and hanging freely.

Body: Somewhat hollow, deep, wide and strong chest. Powerful back, well sprung ribs and laid back shoulders.

Additional Comments:

Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are suited for a family that enjoys the countryside and has an active lifestyle.

About the author: This article provided courtesy of http://www.dooziedog.com/dog_breeds/chesapeake_bay_retriever/