Chesapeake Bay Retriever

 

Summary

• The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is an active and persistent working dog.
• It has a unique double coat that provides protection against water and cold.
• The breed has an intelligent and alert expression.
• The body is powerful and well-proportioned, and the movements are fluid and efficient.
• The coat color varies, but solid shades are preferred.

Overall impression

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a breed that stands out for its ability to perform tasks with ease, efficiency and endurance. It has a unique double coat that gives it protection against water and cold. The breed exudes intelligence and alertness.

Look

The skull is broad and round, and the jaws are strong enough to carry game with a light and soft grip. The body is strong, well-proportioned and powerful, but without sacrificing endurance or freedom of movement. The size and substance of the dog should not be exaggerated, as it is an active working dog. The weight and size vary, but it must be moderate in order to perform its work effectively.

Behaviour/temperament

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is quick, happy and intelligent. It is brave, willing to work and has a good nose. The breed loves water and has a devoted and careful nature. Mental qualities are strongly emphasized, and shyness and aggressiveness are not desirable.

Head and facial region

The breed has an intelligent expression with a broad and round skull. The muzzle is medium short and tapering. The lips are thin and not hanging. The eyes are medium in size, clear and have a yellowish or amber colour. The ears are small, set high and loosely hanging.

Joints and movements

Both fore and hind limbs are powerful and muscular. The shoulder is inclined, which gives the dog full freedom of movement. The movements of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever are fluid, free and efficient, giving the impression of great power and strength. Seen from the front, the elbows should lie close to the body, and there should not be a cow’s tail.

Fur

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever has a thick and short coat with a dense and fine woolly undercoat. The coat should be short and straight on the head and legs, and tend to waves only on the shoulders, neck, back and loins. Moderate fanning on the back of the tail and hind legs is allowed. The coat is very important for the assessment as the breed is used for hunting in different weather conditions. It should resist water and help with quick drying.

Color

The breed accepts all shades of brown, sedge or deadgrass. Solid coat colors are preferred, and a little white on the chest, belly, paws or just above the foot pad is allowed. The less white, the better, and monochromatic variants are given priority.

Size and weight

Withers height for male dogs is 58-66 cm and for bitches 53-61 cm. Weight varies, but male dogs generally weigh between 29.5 and 36 kg, and bitches weigh between 25 and 31.5 kg.

Faults and disqualifying faults

Any deviation from the breed description is considered a fault, and the degree of severity is assessed according to the size of the deviation. Serious faults include dogs that are too big or too small. Disqualifying faults include lack of breed characteristics, overbite or underbite, wolf claws on the hind legs, curled fur or tendency to curl on the body, plume on the tail or legs over 4.5 cm, black color and white anywhere on the body other than specified.Discover the great Chesapeake Bay Retriever breed and let yourself be fascinated by its unique characteristics and reliability as a working dog!