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Chesapeake Bay Retriever Description

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a well put together, unexaggerated working retriever.  He is distinctive for his deadgrass colored coat, in varying shades from dark brown to a dull straw color.  He should have a broad and round skull with a medium stop, small ears, well up on head, medium large eyes that are yellowish or amber in color.  The body is medium in length with well tucked up flanks and a short back, well coupled, and a deep wide chest.  The quarters assembly is essentially powerful with the hinds slightly higher than the shoulders, which are sloping and uninhibited for free action.  The feet are well webbed and hare like, and the legs are very straight; rear dewclaws removed.  Tail extends to hock and is straight or slightly curved; feathering not too excessive.  Of great import is the quality and texture of the coat; the outer coat is thick and short and not over one and one-half inches anywhere on the body; the undercoat is dense and woolly; curly coats are not acceptable.  White marks on the coat, except the breast, belly or spots on feet are extremely undesirable on any dog, as is a solid black dog.  In size, the Chessie weights 65 to 80 pounds for males and 55 to 70 pounds for females; males stand 23 to 26 inches while females 21 to 24 inches tall.

Chesapeake Bay Retriever, or Chessies are athletic, hardy dogs that enjoy the companionship of dogs and people alike.  They tend to play rougher than most retriever breeds and work equally as hard as any.  The dog does not thrive indoors, although he thoroughly enjoys family time.  Outdoors he is vigorous and outgoing.  Chessies are more dominant than you might expect and therefore make reasonably good protection dogs.  Training for general obedience as well as field work can begin in small doses from a young age.

Chesapeake Bay Retriever Breeders

• Kennels of Riverwood - TN