Breeds: Chesapeake

Chesapeake Bay Retriever

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever got its name from the region in the Eastern United States where it originated. In 1857 an American ship, the Canton, rescued the crew and two Newfoundland puppies from a grounded British ship.

Though it is unknown whether the two rescued dogs were ever mated together, they were bred to other local dogs. The Curly-Coated and Flat-Coated Retrievers, the Irish Water Spaniel, and other water fowl dogs of the day were bred to these foundation animals.

Some seventy years later the American Kennel Club recognized this new breed

as the Chesapeake Bay Retriever.

Sprucegrove’s Rowdy Princess

Daughter of Dual Champion

Caroway’s Wild Goose chase

Physical Attributes/Health

The Chesapeake comes in colors ranging from a blonde color called dead grass to dark brown. The coat is thick and short and many times curly, especially along the back. The back legs of a Chesapeake are higher than the front, designed for pushing in the marsh. The Chesapeake is 21 – 26 inches in height at the shoulder. The female weighs from 55 – 70 pounds and the male is typically 65 – 80 pounds.

The Chesapeake is not immune to health problems; however, it is much cleaner by breed than the Golden or the Labrador Retriever.

Our Chesapeakes at Kirby Mountain Sporting Dogs are x-rayed for hip and elbow dysplasia and are examined by a veterinary ophthalmologist for inherent eye disorders.

Temperament/Trainability

Although many want to label this dog as a specialist – extreme waterfowl dog – they are quite versatile. The Chesapeake is a most loyal companion and is very good with children and protective of them.

Besides being a tremendous waterfowl dog, the Chesapeake is a proficient upland flusher. It is a breed that does well not only in field trials and hunt tests but also in dog shows and obedience trials.

Some areas of work that have proven the outstanding trainability and temperament of this breed are in the drug detection field and search and rescue field. This breed also works in other fields that show a compassionate side to its temperament. Chesapeakes have worked as therapy dogs in nursing homes and psychiatric facilities.

Chesapeake Bay Retriever Lines at Kirby Mountain Sporting Dogs

Our Chesapeakes come from a long line of athletes as well as show champions. The following are some of the great dogs found in the pedigrees of the Chesapeake Bay Retrievers at Kirby Mountain Sporting Dogs: