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Breed profile

Chesapeake Bay Retriever

A tough American water retriever with an oily, wavy coat. More serious and protective than a Lab, and just as keen to swim.

A brown Chesapeake Bay Retriever with a wavy coat stands on green grass, tail raised
The Chessie's oily, wavy coat was built for icy water.Photo: Keith Rousseau / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Weight
29–45 kg64–99 lb
Height
53–66 cm21–26 in
Lifespan
10–13 yrs
Group
Gundog / Sporting
Origin
United States
Popularity
#56 US#147 UK · 2025

Known for: Working dogsCold climates

Energy
Shedding
Trainability
Barking
Good with kids
Flat-friendly

Temperament

Determined, Loyal, Protective, Hard-working.

Health problems to know about

  • Degenerative myelopathy
  • Exercise-induced collapse
  • Hip and elbow dysplasia
  • Progressive retinal atrophy

Ask breeders for the parents' health test results, and check what your national breed club recommends screening for.

Daily care

Two hours of exercise a day, ideally including swimming and retrieving. Weekly brushing; avoid frequent bathing, which strips the coat oils. Consistent training from puppyhood and wide socialisation.

A good fit for

Active, outdoorsy owners, shooting and dog-sport homes, families who want a devoted, watchful dog.

Probably not ideal for

First-time owners wanting an easy Lab-style dog, flats, homes without time for daily hard exercise.

Sources

  1. Royal Kennel Club: Chesapeake Bay Retriever breed information
  2. Wikipedia: Chesapeake Bay Retriever

Popularity: AKC 2025 registration rankings (US); Royal Kennel Club 2025 registrations (UK, ranked by us). Breed traits are tendencies, not guarantees. Individual dogs vary, and mixed breeds and rescues can be wonderful fits too.

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