New York Chesapeake Bay Retriever Rescue
[ Home ]       [ Adoption Process ]    [ Contacting Us ]   
[ Calendar ]    [ Photos of Available Dogs ]

About the Breed....

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is the only American retriever breed. The first Chessie registered with the American Kennel Club was recorded in 1878. Originally, Chesapeakes were developed as ducking dogs used by hunters for retrieving waterfowl and protecting the day's harvest in the Chesapeake Bay area.   

     Today, Chessies are still remarkable working dogs and loyal companions. The breed is quite versatile with success competing in obedience, hunt tests, tracking, and agility trials. Chessies love to work and law enforcement have relied upon the breed for a wide range of scent detection work. But for the average dog owner, the intelligence and loyalty of a Chesapeake are reasons to love one.

Chesapeakes are intensely loyal. They like nothing better than to be with their owner. Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are bred to work and thrive on retrieving and training. The Chessie is quite sensitive to correction once he has bonded and learned to respect his owner.  A Chessie needs structure, consistency, and firmness but not heavy-handedness during training.

     Chesapeakes are also protective by nature. They feel a strong responsibility to protect loved ones and their property. This trait needs to be kept under control by continuous training.  (We highly recommend group obedience classes for Chesapeakes.) A Chesapeake can also appear aloof to strangers at first and yet, may get excited to see friends and family its owner obviously likes.

     Chessies are known for giving their owners remarkable eye contact. Some Chessies are also vocal, making affectionate roo-ing sounds. And a few Chessies do scrunch up their noses and smile, showing their teeth.

     Chesapeakes are the largest of the retriever breeds. These dogs come in seven shades of brown from a light deadgrass (straw color) to sedge (reddish brown) to dark brown. The wavy fur along the neck, back, and hindquarters is also a distinguishing Chessie trait.  The coat has two layers which provide insulation in cold weather or while swimming. And yes, Chessies do love water!

     Chessies are highly intelligent dogs who do well in activities that provide mental stimulation whether it is water retrieves or advanced obedience work.
 

Activities Chesapeakes Enjoy With Their People:
Hiking, water retrieves, obedience competition, hunting, agility, fishing, therapy work, big air dog leaps (jumping long distance off a dock), tracking, advanced field drills, cross-country skiing, flyball, sailing...and just lounging at your feet near a warm fire on a cold winter evening!



Books We Recommend:

The 10-Minute Retriever by John and Amy Dahl. This recent book provides excellent training advice to teach your dog to retrieve properly. Written by experienced Chessie trainers, the book also contains interesting segments about specific Chesapeakes they have owned and/or trained.

Mother Knows Best by Carol Lea Benjamin. This class basic training book is, in our opinion, the one book, if you could pick just one, that every dog owner should read and follow. It is concise and well-written enough that older children can enjoy it too. Available in many libraries. This is a terrific book that every Chessie owner should read.

Chesapeake books recommended by the American Chesapeake Club (www.amchessieclub.org)

Life is far more interesting with a Chessie by your side!