Mary Syrett - November 2011

The Chesapeake Dog

by

Mary Syrett

An old saying has it that: “You can order a Lab (to do something), ask a Golden (politely) to do the same thing, but you must negotiate one-on-one with a Chesapeake Bay Retriever.” The independent-minded Chesapeake, as the name suggests, comes originally from the Chesapeake Bay area. It is one of a few dog breeds that developed entirely within the United States. Weighing 55 to 80 pounds and standing 21 to 26 inches tall, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever is an ideal companion for hunters, anglers, families and joggers.
History - The dog’s origins go back to 1807. That year, the crew of a British ship was rescued as it started to sink in Chesapeake Bay. Among the rescued were two Newfoundland puppies. George Law, who served on a rescue ship, the Canton, purchased the puppies from the British ship’s captain. The male was named Sailor and the female, after the rescue, was called Canton. Before returning to sea duty, Law gave the puppies to two different owners. Eventually, both animals wound up with people who were involved in waterfowl hunting.
Chesapeake Bay Retrievers were developed, through cross-breeding, from these two Newfoundland dogs. Some dog enthusiasts believe that the Irish Water Spaniel, bloodhound and local mixed hound breeds form a part of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever’s heritage.
By the late 19th century, a distinctive Chesapeake type of dog was recognized. As this was happening, hunters interested in selling ducks as food were aiming myriad shotguns at ducks over Chesapeake Bay. Day and night, dogs were expected to retrieve as many as 100 ducks per hunt. They were strong, sturdy animals with thick, dark brown coats that braved the sometimes-frigid waters of the Bay.
The American Kennel Club registered the Chesapeake Bay Retriever in 1878. The American Chesapeake Club was formed in 1918 to promote the breed. Maryland designated the animal the official state dog in 1964. Today it is the mascot of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.
Physical Characteristics - Chesapeakes have a large, powerful chest that enables them to break through ice when diving. The skull is broad. Ears are located at the top of the head. The eyes are medium large and yellow or amber in color. Feet are webbed.
The coat - colored brown, sedge or ash - features a dense, wooly undercoat that helps keep icy water from reaching the skin, as well as a short, thick outer coat that is about one-and-a-half inches in length. The outer coat has an almost oily texture that sheds water and aids in insulating the animal from the wet and cold. Oils in the coat not only repel water like a duck’s feathers do, but help the dog dry out quickly, enabling it to continue swimming in frigid waters.
Some people automatically assume that Chessies are closely related to the Labrador Retriever in terms of disposition. This is not entirely true. Both breeds make for loyal, happy, playful and energetic retrievers, but the similarity ends there.
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is more the strong silent type. Born with an inherent instinct to protect loved ones, a Chesapeake will bond closely with its human family. It is a strong-willed dog that enjoys setting its own agenda. The animal needs discipline and a solid foundation of obedience training to realize its full potential.
Intangible Factors - The primary qualities that were looked for in Chesapeake Bay Retrievers in the 19th century emphasized function rather than appearance. The most important of those qualities involved the ability to work in freezing water and an eagerness to retrieve. Besides these two qualities, the dogs were expected to exhibit great endurance.
Over time, the reputation of the Chesapeake Retrievers spread beyond the Mid-Atlantic area. In addition to both coasts, other areas in the United States, including the Great Plains, began producing top quality animals.
The dogs are friendly and easy to love. Given plenty of attention, Chessies develop warm personalities to go along with built-in independence and toughness. When away from the field, they may express themselves with clownish behavior. These dogs can be lifelong companions - one of the best rewards being a warm, loving look from their seemingly mournful eyes.
Keep in mind when taking one for a walk that Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are very strong-willed. They are obedient and intelligent, but they also have an independent streak and may have different ideas where he (or she) and you should walk.
This dog is generally aloof around strangers. Still, it is affectionate toward its master and his or her family.
For an owner looking for the playful qualities inherent in the retrieving breed, as well as a family protector, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a great choice. While the dog is undeniably happiest when it is swimming and retrieving out-of-doors, it is also content to be at home with its family and tends toward the quiet side when indoors. With a good, healthy start in life plus your leadership, this curious, sensitive, strong-minded dog is sure to become a well-loved and loving member of the family.

Mary Syrett is a freelance writer and an avid student of nature.