Home » Chesapeake Bay Retriever
The chessmen are strong, with the powerfully built Gundog standing anywhere from 21 to 26 at the shoulder. A male can weigh up to 80 pounds. The distinctive breed feature is a wavy coat that is oily to the touch. The chessbones are of solid color, either chocolate brown, sage, or deadgrass, with deep yellow-amber eyes that complement the coat nicely.
Chess is more emotionally complex than a normal gundog. Chess is trained, but has a mind of its own and can persevere its way. They are protecting their humans and submissive, but no more friendly than strangers. Chess are excellent sentinels and versatile athletes. A well-socialized Chessie is a trusted companion and world-class hunting buddy.
The wealthy owners of the duck clubs that made up both sides of the Chesapeake Bay during the 19th century determined the original breed type of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever. Newfoundlands, Irish water spaniels, and wounds of undetermined origin were among dogs thought to be in the genetic mixture. By the time AKC was established in 1884, a certain Chessie type had been established. (Colored regional breed names for chess of the era included Red Chester and Brown Wter.)
To understand the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, you must understand the Chesapeake Bay. For this purpose, this 200-mile-long estuary, surrounded by Maryland and Virginia, has two major features. First, because the bay is relatively shallow, it has little capacity for heat storage; In the early winter, the water temperature decreases around freezing and remains there until the spring.
Second, the Chesapeake Bay is known as the Atlantic Flyway, a flight route taken by ducks and geese to their winter homes. Every year, the Gulf hosts a third of all migratory waterfowl winters on the east coast.
Old-time sportsmen hoped to take advantage of this duck hunter’s paradise, which was built in a well suited to the waters of the bay. The thick, oily, double coat of the chassis is both insulating and waterproof; The way a duck’s feathers have a lot of moisture in it. His wide chest acts as a plow against the snowflake and a powerful barrier, and the large netting legs enable him to swim tirelessly against the strong winds swirling in the bay. Ideally equipped to perform its primary function, it has been reported that some chessies are capable of receiving up to 300 ducks in a single day. Whether it is true or simply a boast of predators, it conveys an essential truth: Chassie is a reliable, undisputed retriever.
Happily, Chessie is not a trick dog. These perceptive and sensitive souls make excellent medical workers. Their strong construction and intense smell capability are highly valued by K-9 handlers in the search and rescue operations and drug and bomb detection. And his dashing good looks and athleticism benefit greatly from show rings and a variety of dog sports.
The features of the breed particularly enable the Chesapeake to function with ease, efficiency and endurance. In the head, the Chesapeake’s skull is broad and round with a middle stop. The jaws should be of sufficient length and strength to carry large game birds with an easy, tender grip. The double coat has a short, stiff, wavy outer coat and a dense, finely, woolen undercoat with an abundance of natural oil and is ideally suited to the icy rugged conditions of the weather that the Chesapeake often employs in the body. A strong, well-balanced, powerfully constructed medium-sized beast and medium length in body and leg, deep and wide in the chest, with complete freedom of the shoulder, and no tendency to weakness in any of the features, Especially behind.
The gestation period in lasts for 60-64 days The primary period of the reproductive cycle of the female is called Proestrus and goes on for around 9 days. During this time the females begin to draw in males. The subsequent part is the Estrus when the bitch is receptive to the male. It goes on for around 3 to 11 days. The third part is the Diestrus. Usually, it happens around day 14. In this period the bitch’s discharge changes for distinctive red and reaching its end. The vulva gets back to average, and she will no longer allow mating. The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time span between heat periods ordinarily keeps going around a half year. The litter size ranges between 6 to 8 puppies at a time.
It is a small breed with a soft undercoat and a stiff outer coat. They shed, and brushing once a week will minimize dead hair on your floor. Basically, Chessies do not require too much grooming or bathing. As with all breeds, nails should be trimmed regularly, as prolonged nails can cause discomfort and problems with walking and walking.
Obedience training is necessary for Chedapić. Young puppies should begin with early socialization and puppy training classes. These help ensure that Chesapeake will grow into a well-adjusted, well-run companion.
It is an intelligent, high-energy breed. Chess really needs a job and a lot of exercise. Hiking, running, hunting and swimming are what they like to do. They all excel in dog sports, such as obedience, tracking, and agility, although there is certainly hunting and field work for which they were bred.
Generally any good quality dog food is fine for Chesapeake. Especially for active or high-energy dogs, a formula with at least 20 percent protein may be beneficial. Treatment training can be an important aid, but giving too much can lead to obesity. Give very little to table scraps, if not at all, especially avoid cooked bones and foods with high fat content. Know which human foods are safe for dogs, and which are not. If you have any concerns about your dog’s weight or diet, check with your vet.
Hip dysplasia is a concern in most dogs, including Chesapeake. There are some other hereditary diseases that can affect the breed, but fortunately there are tests that responsible breeders use to assess these and screen breeding stocks. It is important for breeders to supply health information about the head and dam to anyone interested in acquiring the puppy. As with all breeds, a Chesapeake’s ears should be regularly checked for signs of infection, and teeth must be brushed frequently, using toothpaste designed for dogs.
Recommended health tests from the National Breed Club: