The Chesapeake Bay Retriever

For more information on this breed contact the American Chesapeake Club, Inc. at www.amchessieclub.org

The following information is from the American Kennel Club.

Developed along the Chesapeake Bay and named the state dog of Maryland, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a truly American sporting breed and the toughest water retriever. He is a strong, powerfully built medium-sized breed with yellowish or amber eyes and a distinctive coat – a short, harsh, wavy outercoat with a dense fine wooly undercoat. His color can be brown, sedge or deadgrass and must be as close to that of his working surroundings as possible.

A Look Back

In 1807, an English brig shipwrecked off the coast of Maryland and two Newfoundlands were rescued from the cargo. When bred to local retrievers, including the English Otter Hound, Flat-Coat and Curly-Coated Retriever, the “Chessie” type developed. Bred to work on land and water, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever originally hunted waterfowl in rough and icy waters, often retrieving several hundred birds per day.

Right Breed for You?

Learn more about the Chesapeake Bay Retriever.