Chesapeake Bay Retriever breed guide

Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are more emotionally complex than the usual hunting dog. They take to training but have a mind of their own and may tenaciously pursue their own path.

AKC calls obedience training a must for the Chesapeake Bay Retriever and the coat comes in chocolatey brown, sedge or deadgrass with keen yellow-amber eyes.

Chesapeake Bay Retrievers live 10 to 13 years. Hip dysplasia is a concern in most dogs, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers included. AKC says responsible breeders use tests to assess other hereditary diseases and should supply the health information on both parents.

A shorthaired breed with a soft undercoat and a harsh outer coat, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever sheds and a good brushing about once a week keeps dead hair on the floor to a minimum. Chesapeake Bay Retrievers need little grooming or bathing.

An intelligent, high-energy breed, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever needs a job and plenty of exercise. Hiking, running, hunting and swimming are what they love. They excel in obedience, tracking and agility.

Wealthy owners of the duck clubs that lined both shores of the Chesapeake Bay in the 19th century set the basic type. Newfoundlands, Irish Water Spaniels and hounds of undetermined origin are thought to be in the mix.

By the time the AKC was founded in 1884 a definite Chesapeake Bay Retriever type was established and regional names of the era included the Red Chester and the Brown Winchester.