The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a breed of dog that was developed along the Chesapeake Bay. It hunts under adverse weather and water conditions, often having to break ice during the course of many strenuous multiple retrieves. The Chesapeake Bay Retriever breed was used not only to retrieve the game, but also to sit in the boat and on the wagon when the game was taken to market, in order to protect the load from theft. Thus, the breed is very protective of its people and property. Many owners refer to this breed as "Chessies".
Appearance
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever distinctive features include eyes that are very clear, of yellowish or amber hue, hindquarters as high or a trifle higher than the shoulders, and a double coat that tends to wave on shoulders, neck, back and loins. This "waterproof" coat feels slightly oily compared to other members of the same family. They often have a slight musky odor. Three basic colors are generally seen in the breed: brown, which includes all shades from a light cocoa (a silvered brown) to a deep dark brown; sedge, which varies from a reddish yellow through a bright red to chestnut shades; and deadgrass in all its shades, varying from a faded tan to a dull straw color. The breed standard states that white may also appear, but it must be limited to the breast, belly, toes, or back of the feet. This breed is also known for their large, and powerful chests; used to break apart ice when diving into ice-layered water while duck hunting or retrieving apples.
Temperament
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is valued for its bright and happy disposition, intelligence, quiet good sense, and affectionate protective nature. The breed is very loving and makes a wonderful companion.
Some The Chesapeake Bay Retrievers become vocal while happy; while this can be mistaken for a growl it is only a sign of happiness and not intended to create alarm. In addition, some dogs will 'smile' when happy by baring their front teeth in a peculiar grin; again this is not a threat but a sign of joy.
The The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is naturally dominant and, while usually won't start a fight over dominance, the breed will defend his position as the alpha dog. For the casual pet owner, it is usually not a good idea to have more than one Chesapeake because of dominance issues.
The The Chesapeake Bay Retriever tends to recognize only one person or family as master. All other people are considered by the dog to be either equal or subordinate. In order to keep the dog from attempting to become the alpha family member, the dog's master should regularly reinforce dominance over the dog by issuing a command such as 'come' or 'sit' at a time when the dog would rather not do so.
The breed is very tolerant of pain, which makes it difficult to tell when they're injured. This trait also makes The Chesapeake Bay Retrievers tolerant of roughhousing from young children; when they have had enough they typically move away rather than snap at or otherwise attempt to correct the child for their behavior. This dog can also smile some times.