Today, I’d like to introduce you to the Chesapeake Bay Retriever which just happens to be the state dog of Maryland. They became the state dog in 1964. They are also the mascot for the University of Maryland Baltimore County. The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is one of few breeds that was developed in the United States. Legend has it that there was a shipwreck off the coast of Maryland and on it were two Newfoundland puppies that were bred to Coonhounds. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1878. They are listed in the Sporting or gun dog category. Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are ranked as the 43rd most popular breed.
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever are also known as Chessies and Chesapeakes. Chessies only have the retriever name and are characteristically different from the Golden and Labrador breeds of Retrievers. The Chesapeake Bay Retriever’s size can range from medium to large. Their lifespan is 10-13yrs. They have powerful bodies with strong jaws. They have a double coat that has an abundance of natural oils making the breed suitable for the icy waters of the Chesapeake Bay. The outer coat is short, thick, hadrsh and wavy. The undercoat is fine dense and wooly. Chessies range in colors of Brown, Sedge and Deadgrass.
Chessies become deeply attached and devoted to their families. They thrive on companionship and like to be wherever you are but aren’t ones to usually wear their heart on their sleeve. They can be emotionally in tune with their favorite people. Chessies tend to be on the more sober and thoughtful side . Some other traits of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever include intelligence, endurance, intense loyalty, protectiveness sensitivity as well as being stand offish and serious. Most have assertive and confident traits. As a breed they tend to have a socially dominant personality. When confronted with a threat a proper Chessie would more likely fight than flee. As puppies they are calm , relatively easy and eager to train . They also have a relatively good attention span. Time , patience and a bit of authority is needed to train them. They need to know who the Alpha’s are.
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