Chesapeake Bay Retriever

• ExerciseHigh

  Needs a good workout or long walk every day.

• GroomingWeekly brushing

  A weekly brush keeps the coat healthy.

• Living spaceHouse with room

  Does best with room to move and a yard.

• Owner experienceFor experienced owners

  Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• Commitment10–13 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Hip dysplasia · Progressive retinal atrophy · Bloat (GDV)

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is the toughest and most serious-minded of the retrievers — bred to haul waterfowl from the icy, rough Chesapeake Bay all day, with a dense, oily, water-repellent wavy coat and a will to match. Unlike the sunny Labrador or Golden, the 'Chessie' is more independent, protective and reserved: it loves its own family deeply and is polite-but-cool with strangers, and it can be strong-willed, so it needs an experienced owner who provides early socialisation and firm, consistent, positive training. It has serious working energy and needs a great deal of daily exercise, ideally including swimming. The oily coat needs only occasional brushing, but its natural water-repellent oils mean bathing should be infrequent to preserve them. Health-wise, buy from a breeder who screens hips and eyes, and be aware of hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy and other eye disease, hypothyroidism, and bloat (feed measured meals and rest after eating), plus a bleeding disorder and a muscle condition in some lines. Give a Chessie serious exercise, swimming, early training and confident leadership, and this rugged, devoted retriever will be a loyal companion for ten to thirteen years.

• How much exercise does a Chesapeake Bay Retriever need?

  High. Needs a good workout or long walk every day.

• How much grooming does a Chesapeake Bay Retriever need?

  Weekly brushing. A weekly brush keeps the coat healthy.

• Is a Chesapeake Bay Retriever suited to apartment living?

  House with room. Does best with room to move and a yard.

• Is a Chesapeake Bay Retriever a good fit for first-time owners?

  For experienced owners. Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• How long do Chesapeake Bay Retriever live?

  10–13 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Chesapeake Bay Retriever?

  Keep an eye out for Hip dysplasia, Progressive retinal atrophy, Bloat (GDV). These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

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