Things You'll Need:
- Know why you want a dog
- How much space and time do you have?
- Is there a place to play outside?
- Do you have time to spend with your dog?
-
Step 1
What is your dog owner personality?
If this is your first animal, a Chesapeake Bay Retriever is probably not for you. On the other hand, if you grew up with dogs and cared for them or have had other dogs as an adult, read on. Chessies were bred as serious working dogs. They are the largest and sturdiest of the retrievers. Chesapeakes are looking for a leader and respect authority of the firm but loving variety. If you are the kind of owner, who dog or cat, it's all the same to you, you may be too laid back for a Chessie. The Chessie is looking for the alpha dog leader (you) that the dog can respect as the pack leader. If you are too non dominant you probably won't connect with this dominant dog.
Why do you want a dog?
If your reason is that you want a companion for you or your active family, you are on the right track. Chessies are active, loyal dogs who have a protective side. They want to interact with you, work for you and guard you and watch over your family. They fret when they do not feel close with their owners and if you go for a walk without your dog, you'll break your Chessie's heart.
How active are you?
Chessies can be service dogs, but they are bred to be "in the field". If you don't walk your Chessie around your neighborhood every day, you'll need a big fenced yard to keep this active gal or guy happy.
When it comes to training the Chessie, this is a breed that really needs obedience school. The boot camp approach, i.e. sending your dog to a trainer for a few weeks, will have limited success unless the trainer also trains you. Chessies have a stubborn streak. They would rather learn commands from their alpha mom and/or dad than a trainer any day. Surprisingly, they have a capacity to be very well trained and can really excel at obedience and field trials. If trained when young they can accompany the hunting enthusiast both on land or water.
Finally, are you active and outdoorsy? Or do you have kids who are? Your family members need to play with this dog...a lot. Chesapeake Bay Retrievers have deep chests and sturdy long legs. They can run for miles and swim distances and they often will. Lots of walks, dog park play dates and a big back yard are good fits. An apartment usually won't work for this dog. -
Step 2
What are the Key Characteristics of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever?
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is considered the only "American" dog breed and is the state dog of Maryland. A large dog averaging 60 to 80 lbs, plenty of Chessies top 90 lbs or more especially males. Many people have ideas about whether a male or female dog is best but with the Chessie, both sexes are very similar in temper, serious and somewhat dignified in demeanor yet fun loving.
This is a lot of dog and a sturdy playmate or family friend. In their early days, hunters often kept Chessies in outdoor kennels but the dogs we know today are family dogs with big personalities. They are happiest watching over you and living in the house. This is the most dominant retriever, a quality that compares to the protectiveness of the German Shepherd. Unlike the German Shepherd, the Chessie doesn't need to be an only dog, although it is a good idea for your other dog to be of a different sex. A Chessie female will get along better with a male and vice versa. Chesapeakes also accept cats. They may bark at your neighbor's cat, but this family dog will treat your cat like a member of the family if you do.
It goes without saying these duck dogs can fetch, they love to play catch and will often win biscuit or frisbee toss in the neighborhood "fun dog show". Chesapeake's have a double coat that insulates them from the cold and both coats have oils in them that waterproof the dog. Coming out of an icy lake or from playing in the snow, the Chessie shakes itself a few times and all the drops are gone. Watching these dogs play in the snow is a delight. If you live in a cooler climate this is the dog for you but if you live in Florida, better find another pet. Chesapeake Bay Retrievers suffer in the heat. They really don't like the "dog days" of summer.
That doesn't mean you need to worry about having a Chessie with children. They are loving and loyal and will protect the young as their "job". Chessies love your kid's friends and a well socialized Chessie will love going outdoors with your children. On the other hand, with very young children, the active and rambling nature of a Chessie means the kids under 4 years old could easily be knocked over by the dog. This can happen with any young retriever. Chessies are medium shedders and need routine brushing to keep their fur off your carpets. They do best when kept off the furniture and will respect you more for your rules and boundaries. -
Step 3
Some Chesapeake History explains why a Chessie is a Chessie!
In the early 1800s two Newfoundland dogs off a boat from Canada were the start of the line of dogs called Chesapeake Bay Retrievers today. Bred to be "duck dogs" that retrieve waterfowl, the original two dogs were bred with other dogs with good water and fetching characteristics. These included otter dogs, curly and flat coat retrievers, water spaniels and other breeds with characteristics that would help duck hunters retrieve their birds. This was a time when shooting was done as a commercial enterprise to provide waterfowl to American dinner tables. Having the right dog was a serious business. Even the breed coat colors have serious names like sedge or "dead grass".
Chesapeakes were bred right from the start for performance rather than looks. Many people are attracted to the Chesapeake because the grooming required is less than a Golden and they think the slightly curly coat and variety of colors are more interesting than a Labrador Retriever. Make no mistake, a Chessie isn't a laid-back lab in a different package!
Although today the Chesapeake is in the top 50 dog list, at number 47 it isn't in the top ten either. This is a dog for an active lifestyle, an experienced owner who wants a best friend and companion who is loyal and true blue. Toward the middle to later life, the Chessie will slow down a bit and may develop some hip or joint problems like other big dogs. Regular vet care and keeping your pet at the right weight will go a long way toward a long and enjoyable life for your Chesapeake.
