Nickname        : The Strongest Swimmer

Breed Origins : USA (1600’s)

Breed usage     : Hunting Small Game - water retriever

Dog Weight      : 55 - 75 Pounds

Dog Height       : 21 to 26 inches to the shoulder

History
Chesapeake Bay Retriever comes from the USA and was bred originally to hunt small game as a water retriever. It’s origins can be dated back to the 1600’s and as its name indicates Chesapeake Bay in Maryland, USA. This dog is classified as one of the Sporting Dog Group . The Chesapeake Bay Retriever was first Registered by the AKC (American Kennel Club) in 1878.
It is said that this breed was developed from a dog and bitch which were ship wrecked from a British Brig during a severe storm off the coast of Maryland. The Captain of the Brig and many of his crew were rescued by the American ship, the Canton, and in gratitude the Master of the brig presented two dogs to the American Captain. The dogs were a strain of Newfoundlands known as the St. Johns. The exact breeding program that followed is unknown but since the 1807 ship wreck a quite distinct new breed has evolved. It is probable that a considerable percentage of the dogs used in the program were retrievers of all current recognised breeds. It is not surprising considering the love of water of all the types of dogs contributing to this breed that the Chesapeake is almost certainly the strongest swimmer of all dogs, regardless of the coldness of the water.
Dogs in the Sporting group, which include the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, can be divided into three main categories - Retrievers, Pointers and Setters. These dogs were bred primarily to work with people to hunt game birds. Some of these dogs work in water whilst other dogs are more suited to work on land and many of the dogs in the Sporting dog category are comfortable and capable of working in either land or water environments. Sporting dogs, including the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, are particularly suited to wood and field activities. The Retriever, Pointer and Setter dogs and their main functionalities are as follows:

• The Retriever dog - Retriever dogs find and return killed game to the hunter. Some Retrievers are especially equipped, for instance with a water-repellent coat and webbed feet, for retrieving downed waterfowl.
• The Pointer dog - Pointer dogs stand in front of their quarry, with their nose and body rigidly still , thus directing (or pointing) the hunter to its location.
• The Setter dog - Setter dogs were originally trained to set, or crouch, in front of game preventing the escape of the quarry. The hunter would make the capture with a net.

All Information and Tips About This Dog :

• Coat and Colours information
  The Chesapeake Bay Retriever’s coat is normally a shade of brown. The coat is normally a thick, oily outer coat and a dense, fine undercoat.

• Health information - potential problems
  Resolving dog health problems, including those of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, can prove to be costly and it would be wise to consider the benefits of obtaining dog health insurance. Common health problems and questions occur in relation to the Bones, Joints, Muscles, Nerves, Ears, Eyes, Teeth and the Mouth. Other, more serious, issues can relate to the Digestive System, Heart & Respiratory Systems, Immune & Blood Systems, Reproduction and Urinary Systems. Potential health problems of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever can include:
  • Hip Dysplasia (abnormal development of hip joints)
  • Eye Problems
  • Gastric torsion
  • The life expectancy for this particular breed is 10 – 12 years.

• Grooming and Care
  Chesapeake Bay Retriever requires weekly care and grooming. Grooming consists of not only brushing out the coat and bathing but also giving attention to the eyes, teeth, ears, feet and nails. A regular routine also ensures that any potential health problems are identified as quickly as possible.