Do Chesapeake Bay Retrievers shed?

Yes, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers do shed, and they’re actually above-average shedders. These are not hypoallergenic dogs .

Are Chesapeake Bay Retrievers good family dogs?

Chesapeake Bay Retrievers can make great family dogs when well-socialized with older children who know how to respect their boundaries. They also need a family who definitely has plenty of time to exercise with them.

What is the Chesapeake Bay Retriever temperament?

Chessie puppies and adults alike love adventure, and being outdoorsy and sporty is a given with these canines. Many can be more introverted or reserved with strangers, but they’re very good-natured and warm with their favorite people.

How long do Chesapeake Bay Retrievers live?

The Chesapeake Bay Retrievers lifespan is 10–13 years. Give your pup adequate exercise, a good diet, and regular vet care to help them have the longest, fullest life possible.

Chesapeake Bay Retriever

Updated December 16, 2025

Loyal and bright, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever believes every day is an adventure. So, why aren’t you out on the water exploring right now? Explain to this pup that you have to work, but promise lots of morning and evening exercise, and a boatload of weekend exploits.

Temperament

Reserved, Sporty, Warm-Hearted

Weight

55–80 pounds

Height

21–24 inches

Life Expectancy

10–13 years

Maintenance Level

Friendliness

Coat Color

Brown, Dark Brown, Dark Deadgrass, Deadgrass, Light Brown, Light Deadgrass, Sedge, Tan

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You don’t have to have a boat, a bucket of crabs, and a can of Old Bay to adopt a Chesapeake Bay Retriever—but it wouldn’t hurt.

This pup with a heart of gold is the state dog of Maryland, where they were named for the body of water smack dab in the middle of the state. And while a Chessie, as they’re nicknamed, won’t partake in the Old Line State’s unique maritimecuisine, but they will hop on that boat. A true explorer and lover of the great outdoors, this kind pup makes every day an adventure.

Chesapeake Bay Retriever Characteristics

Remember: Dogs are individuals and not all dogs, even those of the same breed, will exhibit all the same qualities.

Exercise Needs

Health Issues

Grooming Needs

Training Needs

Shedding Level

Friendliness

Playfulness

Energy Level

Good for Apartments and Small Homes

Sensitive to Cold Weather

Sensitive to Warm Weather

Good for First-Time Pet Parents

Chesapeake Bay Retriever Appearance

Chesapeake Bay Retrievers have a waterproof, wavy coat, and their amber eyes reflect their intellect. They come in a handful of colors reminiscent of Maryland nature.

Ears
A Chesapeake Bay Retriever’s ears are small, floppy, and high on the head.
Eyes
Their eyes are set wide apart and are varying shades of yellow and amber.
Nose
The Chessie nose is liver (a light brown and gray combo) or brown.
Coat Length
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever has a double coat; the outer coat is thick, short, and oily, while the undercoat is dense, curly, and fine with a woolly feel.
Coat Color
Chesapeake Bay Retriever colors may be any hue of brown, sedge (red hues), or deadgrass (yellow-tan hues).
Tail
The Chessie tail is medium-length and thicker at the base, with possible feathering at the tip.

Chesapeake Bay Retriever Temperament

Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are poster dogs for the Great Outdoors. Pet parents who can’t possibly understand why anyone would want to be cooped up inside all the time will find this breed to be the perfect family dog.

With their high energy level, Chessie dogs thrive on varied activities, and they need pet parents who can keep up. In this way, Chessies are a lot like other retriever breeds, like the popular Labrador and Golden Retriever.

But while Labs and Goldens are furry extroverts, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers can be reserved around strangers. Don’t take that the wrong way—these pups are kind-hearted, and once they trust you, they’re loyal for life.

Outside, Chessies are all energy. But at home, they tend to be a quiet, affectionate companion who’ll likely follow you from room to room until it’s time to go for another adventure.

Similar in size and pet care needs as the Chesapeake Bay Retriever

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How to Care for a Chesapeake Bay Retriever

Chesapeake Bay Retriever dogs need a lot of daily exercise, but grooming this breed is usually simple.

Bathing: Chessies love to swim, so make sure they get a bath after they splash around at the local lake, pond, or beach. Use a mild dog shampoo to keep their skin and coat healthy.
Brushing: Use a slicker brush to brush your dog once a week. You’ll want to brush them more often in the spring and fall, when they blow their coats (shed heavier than usual).
Ear care: Check their ears every day. If there’s redness, swelling, debris, or an odor, your dog may have an ear infection that needs medical attention. Talk to your vet about how to clean your dog’s ears if they’re prone to irritation or infections. Your vet can also recommend doggy ear cleaners.
Dental care: The best way to prevent dental disease in dogs is to brush their teeth every day. It’s a good idea to start when your Chesapeake Bay Retriever puppy is young, using a dog-safe toothpaste and toothbrush. They’ll also need professional dental cleanings, at your vet’s recommendation.
Nail care: Trim your dog’s nails every two to four weeks. You’ll know it’s time for a trim when you can hear them tapping on hard surfaces as your Chessie follows you around your house.

Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are smart dogs, and they can pick up training cues quickly—if you keep their attention. These pups have independent streaks, so they might not want to follow your cues all the time.

Find what motivates them—whether it be training treats, a favorite dog toy, or even just petting and praise—and use it as positive reinforcement. Begin with basic obedience training, like sit, stay, come, and how to walk nicely on a leash.

Chesapeake Bay Retriever puppies also need early socialization, where they are introduced to new places, animals, and people. This gets them used to new experiences and helps them become confident and well-adjusted adult dogs.

Chesapeake Bay Retrievers do well on a high-quality commercial dog food. Choose a diet that meets AAFCO nutritional standards for your dog’s life stage (puppy, adult, or senior).

Chessies can benefit from a large-breed food, especially as puppies. And because they’re such active dogs, they may benefit from a high-performance food, like Purina Pro Plan’s Sport Performance High-Protein Dog Food. Your vet can help you choose the best dog food.

While treats are important for motivating your dog during training, watch how many you’re offering. Treats should never make up more than 10% of a dog’s daily calories.

It’s often smart to use a slow feeder with Chesapeake Bay Retrievers and to feed them smaller meals throughout the day to avoid a life-threatening condition called bloat. Restricting exercise for two hours before and after meals can also help prevent bloat.

Lace up your hiking boots, because your Chesapeake Bay Retriever is happiest when the two of you are out in the wilderness. They’re sporty pups who love to hike, hunt, run, and play fetch in a wide-open field, and it’s your job to make sure they expend all that energy.

One hour of exercise every day is ideal (and 30 minutes is the absolute minimum), but you can (and should!) do more if you have the time and energy yourself.

Competing in a dog sport like agility or flyball is a great option for an active Chessie dog, as well as mental exercises like nose work and scent walks.

But a Chesapeake Bay Retriever’s favorite activity is swimming. These dogs got their name from the Chesapeake Bay, after all, and their dense and curly fur is perfect for keeping them warm while doggy paddling.

Because they’re natural swimmers, dock diving is a fun exercise that will keep a Chessie entertained. And they’ll always enjoy a trip to the beach or lake.

If your home doesn’t have a large yard to roam in or a lake to jump into, you’ll need to take your Chesapeake Bay Retriever out every day to meet their exercise needs. Chessie dogs love adventure, and they’ll bond best with a pet parent who shares their passion for exploring.

They do tend to bark a bit, so if you have neighbors in close proximity, you may need to work with a certified trainer who practices positive reinforcement to teach them that it’s OK to not alert you to every little thing (especially since they take the phrase “stranger danger” a little too seriously).

Your Chessie may do OK with other pets and kids, as long as everyone is socialized to get along well.

Chesapeake Bay Retriever Health

The average Chesapeake Bay Retriever life expectancy is 10–13 years. Here are some health issues to be aware of.

Bloat and gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV): Like many deep-chested breeds, these dogs are prone to a life-threatening condition called bloat. It occurs when the stomach gets distended with air and/or food. A serious complication of bloat is when the stomach twists on itself, cutting off blood supply to the organs. This is gastric dilatation-volvulus, and symptoms include abdominal distension, restlessness, and dry heaving. If you notice these signs, go to the vet immediately.
Cataracts: Cataracts are a common eye problem, and they can be hereditary. The most common symptom is a cloudy eye. Surgery is the go-to treatment.
Degenerative myelopathy: Degenerative myelopathy is a neurological disease that affects the spinal cord; it causes problems with breathing, vocalizing, and eating, and it slowly weakens then paralyzes the back legs. Keeping your pup at a healthy weight and active as long as possible may help slow the progression. There is no treatment to reverse it, but physical therapy may help. If you notice anything unusual with your Chessie, like lameness or stumbling, visit your veterinarian.
Exercise-induced collapse: Chessies are prone to exercise-induced collapse, usually during or right after intense exercise. Preventive treatment involves avoiding excessive exercise and ensuring that your dog is well-hydrated and doesn’t become overheated. 
Follicular dysplasia alopecia: Alopecia, or hair loss, is a common condition in dogs, but follicular dysplasia alopecia is genetic and caused by a problem in the follicles’ structure. While there’s no treatment available, your vet can help you manage it.
Hip dysplasia: Hip dysplasia develops during puppyhood when the ball and socket of the hip joint doesn’t align well and becomes looser than normal. Signs include limping, and treatment might involve weight loss, reduced activity, joint supplements, physical therapy, pain medication, or surgery.
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA): PRA leads to blindness in dogs, and while there is no cure, pups who lose their eyesight tend to adapt well and can still live full, happy lives.
Von Willebrand disease: Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are susceptible to von Willebrand disease, a bleeding disorder where the blood doesn’t clot properly. Your veterinarian can test your dog for this.

Chesapeake Bay Retriever History

Descendants of the Newfoundland, Irish Water Spaniel, and other pups, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever was bred in the 19th century by people who wanted canines who could help retriever water fowl.

The breed takes their name from the Chesapeake Bay, a body of water that borders Maryland and Virginia, where they hunted migratory ducks and geese. Their waterproof double coat, strong legs, and webbed paws enabled them to withstand the elements in the field.

Chesapeake Bay Retriever puppies can cost thousands of dollars. If you choose this route, pick a responsible breeder.

You can also adopt a Chesapeake Bay Retriever. Check out a Chesapeake Bay Retriever rescue like Chesapeake Bay Retriever Relief & Rescue, keep an eye out at your local shelter, or search Chewy’s database of adoptable dogs in your area.

FAQs

This content was medically reviewed by Barri Morrison, DVM, Chewy veterinarian.

Similar in size and pet care needs as the Chesapeake Bay Retriever

Chesapeake Bay Retriever