Chesapeake Bay Retriever

Size: 22"-26" inches at shoulder, 60 -100 lbs

Color: any shade of brown from light dead-grass to dark brown

Energy Level: medium high to high

Life expectancy: 12 - 14

Children: Excellent with children if raised with them, others will vary, depends on individual.

Other animals: If well socialized, usually gets along with other animals, usually good with cats, can be dog aggressive if not socialized.

Abilities: Great retrievers and swimmers, easy to train, multi-use dogs for pets, hunting, obedience, agility, therapy dogs.

Shedding/Grooming: require virtually no grooming as bathing and brushing ruin their unique coat; shed twice a year.

Health: Generally sound but certain percentage will develop low-thyroid, hip dysplasia, cataracts, entropian .

Best with: Experienced and confident owners, fenced yard(do not tend to wander but can be over-protective of the boundaries of property so best contained), early socialization, active owners who are willing to supply lots of exercise.

Not for: Sedentary owners who expect perfect obedience; people who are not willing to take a leadership role with the dog.

Pros: Extremely loyal, fun loving and affectionate, natural clowns, protective of loved ones and property; great housedogs and hardy outdoor dogs.

Cons: Some dogs can be too possessive of objects and people; tend to be dominant and can be willful; will become mischievous (barking, digging)if under-exercised.

General info: Chesapeakes are a breed that is either loved or hated. They don't inspire neutrality. Bold personalities, natural athletes, and a tendency to think for themselves make them a lot of dog. They require a consistent, firm, fair owner, with a sense of humor. The boldness can be deceiving as these are really very soft dogs and over-correction and harshness can ruin them. The Chesapeake's loyalty is a hallmark of the breed- they want to be close to their owners as much as possible and do not tolerate long hours alone. They are notable for their problem solving abilities and for their enthusiastic, "flying" water entries. A well-trained, well-exercised Chesapeake makes a superb pet. An under-exercised Chesapeake with little personal attention makes an unruly maniac.