How to Groom a Chesapeake Bay Retriever

Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are lovable, loyal, obedient and friendly dogs. While they are intelligent and trainable, they are sometimes slow learners and require patience. They are very good with children, and can act just as stubborn as kids when they want their own way. This breed is incredibly low maintenance. They require only a monthly general grooming and a full grooming every 10 to 12 weeks.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Slicker brush
• Dog shampoo

1. Brush the your Chesapeake Bay Retriever's coat with a slicker brush before bathing him. Chesapeake Bay Retrievers have a very dense coat, but it's easy to care for with regular brushing.

2. Bathe using a shampoo formulated for dogs. Don't bathe this breed too often. Chesapeake Bay Retrievers have an oily sheen in their coat that dries out if you bathe your dog too frequently. The oil also protects them from cold water, as they are avid swimmers and may jump into a body of water regardless of the temperature.

3. Remove whiskers and eyebrows if this is your preference.

4. Remove excess shed hair after bath with a slicker brush. Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are average shedders.

Tips & Warnings

• Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are a breed with a novel history. A ship wrecked off the coast of Maryland in 1807 containing two Newfoundlands, which people soon bred with retrievers from the area. Thus, the Chesapeake Bay retriever was born.
• Chesapeake Bay Retrievers have a life expectancy of approximately 10 to 12 years.
• These dogs are incredibly restless if you don't exercise them enough. They like to run, play and even swim quite frequently. A lack of exercise may result in bad behavior due to extreme boredom.
• The average weight for female Chesapeake Bay Retrievers is between 55 and 70 lb. Males generally weigh between 65 and 80 lb.
• Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are often susceptible to eye problems and hip dysplasia.