| Alternative Name Chessie (The Strongest
Swimmer )
Basic Info
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever breed of dog that was
developed along the Chesapeake Bay to hunt waterfowl
under adverse weather and water conditions, often having
to break ice during the course of many strenuous
multiple retrieves. The breed was used not only to
retrieve the game, but also sat in the boat and on the
wagon when the game was taken to market in order to
protect the load from theft. Thus, the breed is very
protective of its people and property. Many owners refer
to this breed as "Chessies". Distinctive features
include eyes that are very clear, of yellowish or amber
hue, hindquarters as high or a trifle higher than the
shoulders, and a double coat that tends to wave on
shoulders, neck, back and loins. This "waterproof" coat
feels slightly oily compared to other members of the
same family. Three basic colors are generally seen in
the breed: brown, which includes all shades from a light
cocoa (a silvered brown) to a deep bittersweet chocolate
color; sedge, which varies from a reddish yellow through
a bright red to chestnut shades; and deadgrass, which
takes in all shades of deadgrass, varying from a faded
tan to a dull straw color. The breed standard states
that white may also appear, but it must be limited to
the breast, belly, toes, or back of the feet.
Behavior
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is valued for its bright
and happy disposition, intelligence (in fact, the breed
is considered by most to be the smartest of all the
retrievers), quiet good sense, and affectionate
protective nature. The breed is very loving and makes a
wonderful companion. Some Chessies become vocal while
happy; while this can be mistaken for a growl it is only
a sign of happiness and not intended to create alarm. In
addition, some dogs will 'smile' when happy by baring
their front teeth in a peculiar grin; again this is not
a threat but a sign of joy. The Chessie is naturally
dominant and, while usually won't start a fight over
dominance, the breed will defend his position as the
alpha dog. For the casual pet owner, it is usually not a
good idea to have more than one Chesapeake because of
dominance issues. The Chesapeake Bay Retriever tends to
recognize only one person or family as master. All other
people are considered by the dog to be either equal or
subordinate. In order to keep the dog from attempting to
become the alpha family member, the dog's master should
regularly reinforce dominance over the dog by issuing a
command such as 'come' or 'sit' at a time when the dog
would rather not do so. The breed is very tolerant of
pain, which makes it difficult to tell when they're
injured. This trait also makes Chessies tolerant of
roughhousing from young children; when they have had
enough they typically move away rather than snap at or
otherwise attempt to correct the child for their
behavior.
Origin
United States
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