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Chesapeake Bay Retriever Dogs
The Chesapeake Bay retriever is a breed or retriever
dog that also belongs to the gundog and sporting
classes. As its name suggests, the Chesapeake
Bay retriever originated in the United States
in the 1800s, where it was developed in the Chesapeake
Bay region of Virginia and Maryland. Initially
bred to retrieve waterfowl for hunters, the Chesapeake
Bay retriever now serves most often as a family
pet and a hunting companion.
The Chesapeake Bay retriever is a medium- to
large-sized dog. On average, the male Chesapeake
Bay retriever weighs between 65 and 80 pounds
and measures between 23 and 26 inches in height.
Females are slightly smaller, on average weighing
between 55 and 70 pounds and measuring between
21 and 24 inches in height. In general, the breed
is sturdy and well-built.
The Chesapeake Bay retriever is notable for its
coat, which is dense, double-layered, oily, and
water-resistant. These qualities serve to facilitate
swimming by protecting the Chesapeake Bay retriever
from cold waters. With respect to appearance,
the coat is wavy and may be any shade of brown
in color, including red-toned browns called sedge
and neutral, ashy browns called deadgrass.
Like most retrievers, the Chesapeake Bay retriever
loves to swim. Its thick, water-resistant coat
makes it impervious to chilly waters, and its
webbed toes enhance its ability to move in the
water. Swimming is an excellent form of exercise
for pet Chesapeake Bay retrievers where it is
an option.
The disposition of the Chesapeake Bay retriever
is typical of retriever breeds, being cheerful,
intelligent, affectionate, loyal, and protective.
However, some can be aggressive with other dogs
when they feel challenged, especially if they
are poorly socialized. Some can be a bit too assertive,
though many are more passive and eager to please.
While some Chesapeake Bay retrievers can be reserved
around unfamiliar people, others can be quite
outgoing towards strangers.
The Chesapeake Bay retriever requires a good
deal of daily exercise. It tends to be fairly
inactive indoors, but needs space outdoors in
which to play, run around, and, where possible,
swim, making it unsuited for life in an apartment.
The Chesapeake Bay retriever also requires a daily
walk separate from its exercise needs to satisfy
the instinctual desire to walk.
Despite its complex design, the Chesapeake Bay
retriever's coat is generally easy to maintain,
requiring a simple weekly brushing to remove dead
hairs. Chesapeake Bay retrievers should be bathed
occasionally to prevent the accumulation of any
unpleasant odors, but owners should take care
not to bathe their dog too often, as doing so
might strip the oil from the dog's coat.
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