The
Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a breed of dog that was developed along
the Chesapeake Bay to hunt waterfowl under adverse weather and water conditions,
often having to break ice during the course of many strenuous multiple
retrieves. The breed was used not only to retrieve the 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 "Cheesies".
Morgan the Chesapeake Bay Retriever
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Appearance
Distinctive features include eyes that are very clear, of yellowish or amber
hue, 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 compared to other members of the same family. They
often have a strong musky odour that may make them problematic as house pets.
Three basic colors 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 dead grass in all its shades, varying from a faded tan to a
dull straw color. The breed standard states that white may also appear, but it
must be limited to the breast, belly, toes, or back of the feet.
Temperament
The Chesapeake is valued for its bright and happy disposition, intelligence
(in fact, the breed is considered by most to be the smartest of all the
retrievers), quiet good sense, and affectionate protective nature. The breed is
very loving and makes a wonderful companion.
Some Chessies become vocal 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 defend his position as the alpha dog. For the
casual pet owner, it is usually not a good idea to have more than one Chesapeake
because of dominance issues.
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' at a time when the dog would rather not do so.
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 typically move away rather than
snap at or otherwise attempt to correct the child for their behavior.
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Training
Training is a necessity with this breed. The trainer must exercise more
patience than with most other breeds as this breed is usually not willing to
change its behaviour.
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a very intelligent breed and learns faster
than most other breeds. Once a Chesapeake learns what is expected, he will act
accordingly from that point on. A Chesapeake is not willing to break the rules
and will attempt to enforce the same rules on subordinate dogs.
During training, if a Chesapeake is asked to perform something that he
believes is against the rules, he will flatly refuse. This has earned the breed
the reputation of being very stubborn. This reputation is not deserved. The
trainer must take into account that the dog is being asked to do something that
he has previously been taught not to do.
A Chesapeake's greatest joy is pleasing its master. While giving treats as a
reward for good behaviour 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 phrase that applies to Chesapeakes - "You can order a lab; ask a
golden; but you must negotiate with a Chesapeake."
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