The Chesapeake Bay Retriever –affectionately referred to as Chessy / Chessies – is the most rugged and powerful of the six retriever breeds and was developed in Chesapeake Bay along the United States Atlantic coast where it was used to hunt under adverse weather and water conditions. In this article, you will find a lot of fascinating Chesapeake Bay Retriever dog information. Did you for instance know that the Chesapeake Bay Retriever is used to having to break ice and get into literary ice-cold water during hunts?

Chesapeake Bay Retriever dog care

An essential part of proper Chesapeake Bay Retriever dog care is to provide it with ample amounts of vigorous exercises. A simple walk around the block will not do; this dogs needs to be able to rumble around outdoors for long periods of time and exercise its athletic body as well as its clever mind. Excessive barking and destructive chewing is a clear sign of under stimulation in this breed. The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is an average shedder and you should be prepared to spend a fair amount of time vacuum cleaning. The coat is smooth and does not require much grooming and brushing with a firm bristle brush to remove dead hairs is enough.

Chesapeake Bay Retriever dog puppy

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever dog puppy is and adorable little fellow, but before you decide to get one you should ask yourself if this breed is ideal for you and if you will be able to care for the dog and provide it with enough stimulation for the next 10-12 years or even longer. Getting a Chesapeake Bay Retriever dog puppy is a great idea if you are an active person that spends a lot of time engaging in strenuous outdoor activities year round. This dog will happily tag along during hikes, skiing, swimming and so on. Getting a Chesapeake Bay Retriever dog puppy is a bad idea if you want a gentle dog, because this is a strong-willed and independent breed that needs a firm trainer. It is also more suspicious of strangers than for instance the Golden Retriever.

Chesapeake Bay Retriever dog training

Chessies are steady-tempered and dependable, but they have a will of their own and Chesapeake Bay Retriever dog training must be firm and consistent. Early socialization is important, because this breed is naturally suspicious of strangers and can become aggressive without the right type of socialization and Chesapeake Bay Retriever training. Earlier, this breed was not only used for retrieving game, it would also sit next to the game at the market and protect it from theft. Chessies are therefore very suspicious of strangers (they are all prospective thieves in the eyes of the dog!) and can become very protective of its, and your, property.

Chesapeake Bay Retriever dog breeding

According to the American Kennel Club, the aim of Chesapeake Bay Retriever dog breeding is to create a dog that is equally proficient on land and in the water. A Chesapeake Bay Retriever should be able to hunt waterfowl even under the most adverse weather conditions and endure wind, tide, and long swims in icy waters. The physical appearance of this breed are all features that makes the dog suitable for this type of work, e.g. jaws that are long and strong enough to carry large birds and a coat that provides insulation as well as protection from the water.

Chesapeake Bay Retriever dog breeders

When getting a dog, it is important to stick to responsible and knowledgeable Chesapeake Bay Retriever dog breeders that know how to minimize the risk for hereditary disease. Responsible breeders will also make sure that the puppy becomes properly socialized during the imperative first weeks of its life. Examples of health problems associated with the breed are hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, cataract, von Willebrand disease, and regional alopecia.

Chesapeake Bay Retriever dog price

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever dog price varies a lot and it is important to investigate what you actually get for your money. Trying to save a few bucks by choosing the lowest possible Chesapeake Bay Retriever dog price without investigating why it is so low can be an expensive decision in the long run if you end up with an unhealthy dog that requires veterinary care. You should also find out if the Chesapeake Bay Retriever puppy has been vet-checked, vaccinated and de-wormed prior to delivery or if you have to pay for such expenses out of your own pocket. If the puppy has not been vet-checked, it is a sign that the breeder might not be serious.