Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Modified: 30-11--0001 00:00:00
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever was bred along the Chesapeake Bay to hunt waterfowl under severe weather and water conditions, often having to break ice during the course of multiple retrieves. They were not only expected to retrieve game, but also to sit 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?.
Appearance
Features include eyes that are clear, yellowish eyes, 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. Three basic colours are generally seen in the breed: brown, which includes all shades from a light cocoa (a silvered brown) to a deep bittersweet chocolate colour; 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 colour. The breed standard states that white may appear, but it be limited to the breast, belly, toes, or back of the feet.
Temperament
The Chesapeake is valued for its happy disposition, affectionate but protective nature. The breed is very loving and makes a wonderful pet.
Some Chessies become vocal 'woowoowoooooooo oooooooooow' 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 Chesapeake is naturally dominant and, while usually won't start a fight over dominance, the breed will not likely to back away from a display of dominance. For the casual pet owner, it is usually not a good idea to have more than one Chesapeake for this reason, as two may spend a lot of time deciding who is the boss.
The Chesapeake 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' when the dog would prefer to do what it wants, say, just as it has been given its food.
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 usually move away rather than bite.
Training
Training is a necessity with this breed. The trainer must exercise more patience not because the dog lacks intelligence, but because they are strong willed. The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a very intelligent breed and learns quickly. Once a Chesapeake learns what is expected, he do as he should. A Chesapeake is not willing to break the rules and will attempt to enforce the same rules on subordinate dogs.
Don't expect to be able to retrain a Chesapeake to do something they have been trained not to do. You simply can't
A Chesapeake's greatest joy is pleasing its master. While giving treats as a reward for good behavior works well much of the time, the dog also responds very well to scolding from its master in response to bad behavior. A stern scolding followed by forgiveness goes a long way in gaining the animal's trust.
There is a phase that applies to Chesapeakes - 'You can order a lab; ask a golden; but you must negotiate with aCchesapeake'
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