How to Identify a Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are a breed derived from Newfoundland hounds, setters, water spaniels and other dogs over time. They are wonderful hunters and swimmers, with the full-time energy of a working dog. Learn to identify the Chessie from other retriever breeds when looking for a new duck-hunting companion.
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Instructions
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Pet the dog to confirm a double coat. The undercoat should be dense, furry and woolly, and the outer coat should be short, harsh and wavy.
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Look at the dog's eyes. They should be very clear with an amber or yellowish color to them.
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Check that the head is broad and it's jaw is big enough to carry a bird or duck in its mouth.
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Measure the dog's size. Males average around 23 to 26 inches and weigh 65 to 80 pounds. Females should be about 24 inches and weigh 55 to 70 pounds.
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View the dog from the side. The hindquarters should be as high or slightly higher than the front quarters.
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Notice where the wavy hair is located on the dog. Chesapeake Bay Retrievers have wavy hair on their shoulders, neck, back and loins while the remaining hair is straight.
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Play with the dog in water. If it shows any fear of the water, the dog probably isn't a Chessie.
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Inspect the dog's coat after it gets out of the water. The coat of a Chesapeake Bay Retriever will hold little to no water after they shake.
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Examine the dog's chest to make sure it is deep and wide like a work dog's should be.
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Find a different dog if the retriever's coat is black with large patches of white. Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are camouflage in color, ranging from tan to dark brown with little to no white on the chest.
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Tips & Warnings
Lots of time spent with a Chessie on land and in the water pays off for this needy bird dog that loves human companionship.
Chesapeake Bay Retrievers need to know who the boss is and what the commands are. This dog breed responds well to intensive training and a strict work regimen.
Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are sensitive and gentle but can exhibit assertive behaviors towards a perceived threat due to their protectiveness of the family.
