Chesapeake Bay Retriever

The origin of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever dates back to the early 19th century. In 1807, a British brig wrecked on the Maryland coast was rescued by the Canton, an American ship. Two puppies from Newfoundland were among the rescued crew: a dull-red male named 'Sinbad' or 'Sailor' and a black female named 'Canton.' These two dogs were taken in by families in Chesapeake Bay and used for retrieval during duck hunts. They were crossed with native dogs, probably including flat-coated and curly-coated retrievers and otterhound-type dogs. The breed adapted to the harsh climatic conditions of Chesapeake Bay. In its region of origin, the hunting dog may be called upon to break ice to retrieve game and cover long distances swimming in freezing water.

The standard of the International Cynological Federation (FCI) describes the Chesapeake Bay Retriever as an alert, cheerful, intelligent, calm and affectionate dog. It is a dog that loves water and should not be too shy or aggressive. These behavioral qualities are particularly considered in the breed standard because they ensure that the dog serves well in its function as a hunting dog and companion. This dog breed resembles its very close Canadian cousin, the Labrador, particularly the chocolate brown coat. They are both direct descendants of the St. John's Water Dog and both have webbed feet. But there are ways to distinguish the two by their behavior. The Labrador has a gentler temperament. The Chesapeake Bay Retriever was never bred to guard a duck hunter's boat, but it does so by instinct. That is why, even today, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever shows more reserve with people it does not know. This dog breed will be friendly with home visitors, but it takes longer for it to learn to trust people who are not family members than the other five retriever breeds. Once familiar, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever will 'smile' as a greeting: this is a trait the Labrador does not have. The famous 'smile' is an expression of submission or greeting where the dog shows its teeth and curls its gums. It is the only one of the six Anglo-Saxon retriever breeds that smiles, and it is not an aggressive display, because this behavior is often quickly followed by an invitation to play or joyful exuberance.

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a medium-sized dog built for working in difficult climatic conditions. The body is solid, well-proportioned and powerful. The well-developed chest reaches at least the level of the elbows. Of medium length and thickness at the base, the tail is carried straight or slightly curved, never curled over the back. The skull of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever is broad and rounded with a moderate stop. The jaws must be of sufficient length and power to easily carry large waterfowl. The medium-sized eyes are very clear, with a yellowish or amber hue. Set high, the small ears hang without being pressed against the cheek. The double coat consists of a short, rough and wavy outer coat and a tight, fine, woolly undercoat abundantly impregnated with natural oil making it waterproof. The color of the coat is as close as possible to that of its environment, in shades of brown, reeds or dead grass. A white spot on the chest, belly, toes or on the back of the feet is allowed but not sought. Owners of this breed should be careful when grooming this dog as it requires fewer baths than other retriever breeds. Too many baths will destroy the oily coat and cause skin problems, in addition to making the dog's coat vulnerable when it jumps into the water: the oil is meant to make the dog almost dry after a shake. That is why the Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a tenacious hunter in extremely cold and snowy conditions that British retrievers cannot tolerate, and why it will gladly play in the snow in winter with children when its coat is at its thickest.