The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a breed of dog belonging to the Retriever, Gundog, and Sporting breed groups. Members of the breed may also be referred to as a Chessie, CBR, or Chesapeake. The breed was developed in the United States Chesapeake Bay area during the 1800’s. Historically used by area market hunters to retrieve waterfowl, it is primarily a family pet and hunting companion. It is a medium to large sized dog, similar in appearance to the Labrador Retriever. They are aptly described as having a bright and happy disposition, courage, willingness to work, alertness, intelligence, and love of water as some of their characteristics.

History

The Chesapeake Bay is on the East Coast of the United States. This region has exceptionally harsh and unforgiving winters. The icy conditions make it difficult for many breeds to work in this area. This region also boasts thousand of migratory game birds, making it a hunter's paradise. Chessies were bred to withstand these harsh conditions. They are very well equipped for this environment with a thick, warm, waterproof coat. They have deep chests for endurance and webbed feet for swimming. As with most purebred dogs, the stories surrounding the Chessie's exact origin are speculative at best. There are legends of shipwrecks and orphaned puppies. Most likely, the Chessie is descended from the Labrador Retriever and other hearty dogs such as coonhounds and water spaniels. By the early 1900s, the Chessie that we know today had emerged.

Appearance and Size

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, which is often associated with a slight musky odor. Three basic colors are generally seen in the breed: brown, which includes all shades from a light to a deep dark brown; sedge, which varies from a reddish yellow through a bright red to chestnut shades; and deadgrass in all its shades, 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. The head is round and broad with a medium stop and muzzle. The lips are thin, and the ears are small and of medium leather. The forelegs should be straight with good bone. The hindquarters are especially strong and the toes webbed since excellent swimming ability is important for the Chesapeake. This breed is also known for their large, and powerful chests; used to break apart ice when diving into cold water while duck hunting. In the US, the size of a typical mature male is about 50 pounds and that for mature females is about 40 pounds. In the United Kingdom, the breed standard is 55 pounds for a male and 50 pounds for a female, though it is not uncommon for males to be 70 pounds.

Personality

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is valued for its bright and happy disposition, intelligence, quiet good sense, and affectionate protective nature. Some of them can be quite vocal when happy, and some will 'smile' by baring their front teeth in a peculiar grin - this is not a threat but a sign of joy or submissiveness. Temperament can be an inherited trait. Selecting a puppy from parents with good temperaments is advised. Like other dogs, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers can make excellent family dogs when socialized properly. Chesapeakes can be more assertive and willful and may be reserved with strangers while others are passive and outgoing with people. It simply depends on the personality of the dog.

Wikipedia and GNU

The content of this entry is from the Wikipedia article "Chesapeake Bay Retriever" licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License.