Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Puppy
Fully Grown
This breed, which originated in the USA, was traditionally used for hunting geese and ducks. Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are more common in America than in Europe or Australia, so you may have to search for a breeder if you are interested in getting one.
As they are such skilled retrieving working dogs, they are now used for other work, like search and rescue in water. They are not only brave but also show endurance and are built robustly.
Chesapeake Bay Retrievers’ face and head shape looks like that of a Labrador Retriever, but they have wavy hair on some parts of their body and very oily skin. Their undercoat is so thick that water won’t penetrate the skin and they can swim in icy water without getting cold.
As a family dog they are only suitable when given enough stimulation. If they don’t get enough stimulation, they can become over-protective and guarding, especially if they feel the need to run and protect the pack if there are no clear hierarchy structures.
If their position in the family is clear and their work ethic met, they will make friendly, devoted and loving family dogs. However they will not usually be interested in strangers when they want a cuddle (which they often will, as they have that friendly retriever smile from ear to ear).
| Weight: | 30-36 kg |
| Health risk: | Medium |
| Life expectancy: | 10-12 years |
| Coat: | Short |
| Grooming intensity: | Low |
| Monthly cost (food): | high |
| Trainability: | High |
| Activity level: | High |
There are many sources to get your Chesapeake Bay Retriever from. Considering the number of homeless dogs without a future, we strongly encourage you to consider rescuing a dog. Your local shelter or rescue organisation can be a helpful place to start, or try contacting your local or national breed club or a reputable breeder and asking if they have pets available for rehoming. Many rescue organisations have active Facebook pages, which can also be a good place to enquire.
Here are some links that could be useful for finding a Chesapeake Bay Retriever to adopt:
To help your rescued Chesapeake Bay Retriever to settle into your home, our Rescue Dog Guide gives you tips and advice on bringing your rescue dog home.
If you decide you’d prefer to get your Chesapeake Bay Retriever from a breeder, the following guides will help you to find a responsible breeder:
The following organisations will be able to help you find breeders in your state in Australia. They will also be able to connect you with your local breed clubs, which are always a great source of information in regards to finding good breeders and rescue organisations.
