Chessies 101

Sporting group

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a powerful dog who forms a strong bond with their people. They're quick to learn and eager to please but can have their own ideas on how to accomplish tasks. Less lovey-dovey than the average Golden and more protective than the Labrador, the Chessie is a popular dog for duck hunters.

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A determined dog who'll happily break ice to swim

Energy level
Energy LevelEnergy Level
Bark level
  • bark-very-vocalVery vocal
  • bark-talkativeTalkative
  • bark-as-neededAs needed
Size
21 to 26 inches tall
Group Size Large
Lifespan
10 to 13 years
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Weight
55 to 80 lbs
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Mature adult Chessie

5 years to 7 years

Risk level for common Chessie conditions

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Cruciate ligament tear (knee)

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Hypothyroid disease

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Seizures

Senior Chessie

8+ years

Risk level for common Chessie conditions

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Arthritis

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Hypothyroid disease

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Kidney failure

Chessie puppy

0 to 1 year

Risk level for common Chessie conditions

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Urinary tract infection

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Gastroenteritis

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Conjunctivitis

Young adult Chessie

1 year to 4 years

Risk level for common Chessie conditions

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Trauma

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Ear infection

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Foreign body ingestion

Mature adult Chessie

5 years to 7 years

Risk level for common Chessie conditions

risk-level-bar

Cruciate ligament tear (knee)

risk-level-bar

Hypothyroid disease

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Seizures

Senior Chessie

8+ years

Risk level for common Chessie conditions

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Arthritis

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Hypothyroid disease

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Kidney failure

Chessie puppy

0 to 1 year

Risk level for common Chessie conditions

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Urinary tract infection

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Gastroenteritis

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Conjunctivitis

Young adult Chessie

1 year to 4 years

Risk level for common Chessie conditions

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Trauma

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Ear infection

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Foreign body ingestion

2-Chesapeake Bay retriever sitting up GettyImages-162285557

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3-Fun fact-Chesapeake Bay retriever GettyImages-465489365

Before being called the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, this dog was known as the Brown Winchester.

Chesapeake Bay Retriever coat care and colors

While retrievers tend to have dense, water-repellent coats, the Chessie's is also a bit oily. The coat is also thick with a softer undercoat. A weekly brushing will reduce shedding. Acclimate to nail trims early to avoid struggles later on.

Chessie exercise & training

Full speed ahead

Exercise level

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever was developed to hunt all day in every imaginable condition. This is a breed that needs lots of exercise, preferably daily.

Class star

Trainability

A smart, hard-working dog, the Chessie prefers partnership and respect. Although most other retriever breeds are pretty tolerant of other dogs, this may not be the case with the Chesapeake. Early socialization and positive training along with regular, strenuous exercise will get the best results. Acclimate to nail trims early to avoid future struggles.

Chessie fun facts

Top girl names for Chessies

100%

of Chessies are female

0%

of Chessies are male

Top boy names for Chessies

Nationwide loves Chesapeake Bay Retrievers of every name, from Aaron to Zog the Destroyer

Other breeds like Chessies

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