Chesapeake Retrievers: An American Original

By: John Theisen

Rocket’s Lakeshore Eclaircie, (Ginny, my wife, and I called her Claire) was our first dog.  Eclaircie, Claire’s pedigree name, is French for “bright sunny moment”.  Claire was certainly that.  She was the sweetest dog in the neighborhood.  The neighborhood kids don’t know my name, but they sure knew hers!  Ginny’s parents even “adopted” Claire and gave her the title of “Official Granddog” – certificate and all!  Illness took Claire from us in 2008.  We cried but were consoled by our second dog, and Claire’s half sister, True.  As a puppy, True wasn’t quite as sweet as Claire.  Ginny even had me look at hiring the Dog Whisperer, Cesar Millan, to come and help.  True just needed some time and training.  She’s now as sweet as Claire was.  Claire was and True is a Chesapeake Bay Retriever.  Some people say that Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are hardheaded, protective dogs that are hard to train.  Well, maybe some are, but not any of the ones I know!

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever, or “Chessie” as the breed is often referred to, has been called the quintessential American dog because of his determined and independent spirit.  The Chessie is a retriever that originated from two New Foundland dogs that were rescued from a wrecked vessel in the Chesapeake Bay waters of Maryland in 1807.  Whatever the exact mix, it is assumed the Chesapeake Bay Retriever has several breeds in its genetic history.  The Newfoundland, English Otter Hound, Flat-Coat Retriever, Curly-Coated Retriever, English Water Poodle, and even raccoon hounds of yellow and tan coloration are all possible contributors to this breed.

The American Kennel Club first recognized the Chesapeake Bay Retriever as a distinct breed in 1878.  With its dense and oily over and under-coat, it is a breed well suited for its main passion – water retrieving.  With this dense coat, it can work in cold and icy waters that other retrievers can not work in.  The breed was developed with cold weather, waterfowl retrieving in mind.  But, it can also excel at upland game hunting (pheasant and grouse) and retrieving just about anything else you throw for it – training dummy, Frisbee, tennis ball, sticks and even rocks.  As a water dog, the Chessie has furry webbed toes for additional swimming strength.  Some can even dive and retrieve objects from under the water!

As its name implies, the Chessie’s outstanding hunting characteristic is retrieving and doing hundreds of retrieves a day is no problem.  Stories abound of the Chessies’ powers in retrieving – one recounts the story of a dog being swept away while attempting a retrieve in a wild river current only to return the next day with the duck.  Another “marked” six ducks downed by several hunters and retrieved them all.  The Chessie is a flushing breed, but individuals may show a tendency to point a pheasant – providing it doesn’t try to run away.

Because of his need to work and the requirement for exercise, make sure you can provide this before selecting a Chessie as your pet.  A fenced yard is not required, but can be a great aid during training. Access to water for swimming can be a real plus.  The Chessie will often seem to swim just for the pleasure of it.  Combine that instinct with their love for retrieving and you have a “can’t lose” situation.

Like many dog owners, Chesapeake Bay Retriever owners often would not consider owning any other breed.  Rick and Chris Rosenberg of Blue Moon Kennels (www.bluemoonchesapeakes.com) in Grafton, Wisconsin agree.  Rick’s family has had Chessies for over 45 years.  Rick and Chris have been breeding Chessies for 19 years.  They also show and hunt with them.  Chris said, “We love Chessies because they are not a popular breed.  We breed towards the standard while trying to keep their look and integrity.  We love the Chessies’ personality traits of temperament, intelligence and sense of humor.”  Sense of humor?  Yes, avid Chessie lovers know that their dog may display the telltale Chessie smile!  I think they smile because they are having fun and enjoying life.  Of these personality traits, Chris says what they breed for and what is the most important is temperament.

The coat of the Chessie is what most easily distinguishes it from other hunting breeds.  It is thick and short, often wavy or curly with a fine wooly undercoat.  Colors range from any color of brown to sedge or deadgrass. The standard calls for males to weigh 65 to 80 pounds while females should weigh 55 to 70 pounds.  Some breeders prefer larger, more powerful Chessies and you may find males over 100 pounds and females over 90 pounds.

Because of a heavy coat, Chessies can be either inside or outside dogs (providing they have adequate shelter, food, and water).  Chris agrees, “It’s a personal choice for the owner.  We have about an equal number of customers that keep their Chessie inside as outside.”  Chessies make good house pets.  Like most breeds, they should be socialized with people and other animals.  Chessies enjoy being in the middle of activities and do not like to be left out – or behind.  These dogs are intelligent and eager to please, and happiest while learning or working.  Since Chessies are loyal and can be protective of their territory and “pack”, proper socialization and obedience training will ensure they behave properly.  Chris agreed “It’s very important for Chessie owners to get their puppy into puppy class or obedience training.  Socialization is the most important thing you can do for your Chessie.”

As with many larger breeds, a primary health concern is hip dysphasia.  Other reported health concerns for the Chessies are Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) and Degenerative Myelopathy (DM).  PRA can cause blindness while DM can cause affected dogs to loose hind limb mobility.  DNA and other testing can be done to help reduce the chance of your Chessie contracting these diseases. Make sure your breeder offers Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF), Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA), DM and PRA certifications.

If you’re looking for a Chessie be sure to check the American Chesapeake Retriever Club site at www.amchessieclub.org for registered breeders and for puppies for sale.  Chesapeake Bay Retriever Rescue dogs can also be found at this same website and also with the Chesapeake Bay Retriever Relief and Rescue  (www.cbrrescue.org).

John Theisen grew up on a dairy farm near Allenton, WI and had many mixed dog breeds on the family farm.  He now lives in West Bend with Ginny, his wife, and they can often be seen out and about with their Chessie - True.