Page 265 - (DK) The Dog Encyclopedia

Chesapeake Bay Retriever

HEIGHT WEIGHT LIFE SPAN Straw to bracken
21–26in 55–79lb 12–13 years Red-gold
(53–66cm) (25–36kg) May have small, white markings.

This even-tempered, hardy dog is suited to country
SHIPWRECK SURVIVORS
life and loves plenty of attention and exercise
The origin of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever dates
back to 1807, when two Newfoundland-type This retriever, also known as the With typical retriever gentleness but
pups were rescued from a sinking ship off the Chessie, originated in the state of an alert, determined personality, the
coast of Maryland. The pups—a “dingy red” dog
Maryland. A superb water dog, it was Chesapeake Bay Retriever is still used
named Sailor and a black bitch called Canton
(after the ship)—were separated and given developed to retrieve waterfowl in the cold, for hunting today. It will work under all
to different owners. They proved themselves to rough waters of Chesapeake Bay. During the conditions, including strong tides and high
be superb waterfowl retrievers—enthusiastically 19th century the Chesapeake Bay dogs were winds, and will even break ice with its
leaping into the water to retrieve shot birds (as
so admired that a cast-iron manufacturer forepaws to reach its quarry. Dogs have been
below). Crossed with local dogs, including Flat made and used statues of the founding known to retrieve several hundred birds in
Coated Retrievers (opposite) and Curly Coated
dogs, Sailor and Canton, as its company a day. The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a
Retrievers (opposite), they produced the first
Chesapeake Bay Retrievers. emblem. By the 1880s the Chesapeake superb swimmer, aided by webbing between
Bay Retriever had emerged as a distinct its toes, and a short, dense, oily coat that is
type, and the breed was recognized by water-repellent. The breed also makes a
the American Kennel Club in 1918. good companion, although it needs plenty of
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is now activity, especially swimming and retrieving,
the state dog of Maryland. to match its high energy levels.

Moderate stop

Brown

Color of nose
matches coat
Medium-
length, slightly
curved tail

Oily, wavy
double coat

Deep chest

Harelike feet

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