Updated October 14, 2024
Updated October 14, 2024
Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, loyal and intelligent, need regular grooming and ample exercise. They thrive in active homes with experienced pet parents who enjoy outdoor activities and can provide mental stimulation.
Sporty, Protective, Warm-Hearted
Male: 65-80 pounds
Female: 55-70 pounds
Male: 23-26 inches
Female: 21-24 inches
10 to 13 years
Brown, Dark Brown, Dark Deadgrass, Deadgrass, Light Brown, Light Deadgrass, Sedge, Tan
In a high school comedy with an all-canine cast, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever (aka Chessie) would play the handsome jock with a heart of gold. Smart, athletic and fiercely loyal, this muscular breed would do anything to protect their loved ones. Great companions for pet parents who are always on the go, high-energy Chessies are happiest outside running, playing with toys, or, better still, swimming the day away. Hunting dogs at heart, these sporty pups have the stamina to fetch that ball for hours. The Great Outdoors are calling, so be prepared to answer with your Chessie by your side—this breed just might answer the call for you both.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever dogs are the poster dogs for the Great Outdoors. Their waterproof, wavy coat comes in light to dark brown shades, deadgrass (a combination of yellow and tan) and sedge (a red-hued coat) and provides natural camouflage when hunting or playing fetch. Large, lean and muscular, Chessies are a sight to behold. Their striking amber eyes reflect their intellect, while their high-octave bark keeps potential intruders at bay.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever ears are small, floppy and positioned high on the head.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever eyes are medium-large, set wide apart and in varying shades of yellow and amber.
The Chessie's nose is liver (light brown and gray combination) or brown colored.
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever has a double coat; the outer coat is thick, short and oily, the undercoat is dense and fine with a woolly feel.
Their colors range from sedge (red hues) to deadgrass (yellow-tan combinations) to any tone of brown.
The Chessie tail is medium-length, thicker at the base and may feather at the tip.
Pet parents who think there is just too much life to be lived to stay indoors will find their canine soulmate in the Chesapeake Bay Retriever dog. With energy levels through the roof, these dogs thrive when they can accompany you on outdoor adventures.
Unlike other retriever breeds who would gladly welcome anyone over and pour them a cup of coffee if they could (we’re looking at you, Labs), Chessies can be reserved around strangers. Couple that with their strong bark and powerful physique, and strangers and nosy neighbors might take pause.
Chessies have a high drive to hunt and retrieve, but they can be good with kids as long as everyone respects each other’s boundaries. (So teach your kids how to respectfully interact with dogs, and vice versa.) They are also prone to resource guarding, especially with their toys around young children—a behavior you must correct immediately for a harmonious co-existence. Raising a Chesapeake Bay Retriever with kids and other dogs from puppyhood offers everyone the best chance to get along.
Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are affectionate and loyal to their family—and sometimes don’t want to share their toys, chews or retrievals. They are considered the most strong-willed of the retriever breeds, and their intelligence and independent streak may test the patience of a new pet parent, though it shouldn’t stump those willing to put in the training time. While Chessies love having an active job, they are also content to bond with their pet parents through active play and enrichment activities.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever dogs look like the picture of athletic elegance and require your moderate effort to keep them looking that way. Chessies need a ton of daily exercise, a balanced diet and a regular grooming and nail trimming routine to maintain their movie-star good looks and agreeable disposition.
Chessies have a life expectancy of 10 to 13 years, although they are prone to some health issues. Knowing about these potential health problems in advance can help your pup stay healthy for longer.
Descendant of Newfoundlands, Irish Water Spaniels and other undetermined dogs, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever originated with 19th-century duck club owners who bred these dogs to withstand freezing water conditions and retrieve hundreds of fowl per day. By the American Kennel Club’s inception in 1884, Chessies already existed as an emerging breed.
The breed gets its name from the Chesapeake Bay on the east coast of Maryland, where they hunted migratory ducks and geese. Their waterproof, oily double coat, powerful legs and webbed feet enabled them to withstand the elements for hours.
As successful as they are as duck dogs, Chessies’ speed, muscular build and keen sense of smell also make them excellent police K-9 dogs. At the same time, their athletic prowess and dashing good looks help them excel at dog sports and competitions.
So, where is the best place to find the Chesapeake Bay Retriever breed today? You can find a list of reputable breeders on the American Kennel Club’s website. Depending on the breeder, Chesapeake Bay Retriever prices average between $900 and $1,500. For these Chessie puppy prices, you can rest assured you are getting premiere breed characteristics and a dog bred to avoid significant Chessie temperament and health issues. You can also reach out to a Chessie rescue organization, keep an eye out for the breed at your local animal shelter, or search Chewy’s database of adoptable dogs in your area.
Expert input provided by veterinarian Dr. Rachel Barrack, DVM, CVA, CVCH founder of concierge veterinary practice Animal Acupuncture and Amber Walker, KPA-CTP, zoologist, and owner of Animal Intuitions.
Breed characteristic ratings provided by Dr. Sarah J. Wooten, DVM, CVJ, a veterinarian at Sheep Draw Veterinary Hospital in Greeley, Colorado; dog trainer and behavior consultant Irith Bloom, CPDT-KSA, CBCC-KA, CDBC, owner of The Sophisticated Dog, LLC, in Los Angeles; and certified animal behavior consultant Amy Shojai, CABC, in Sherman, Texas.
The health content was medically reviewed by Chewy vets.
Photo credit for “How do I look?” American Kennel Club