Do you really want a Chesapeake Bay Retriever?
We feel it is important to know more about you
and your decisions in choosing a Chessie. We have added more below to help you choose what is right for you.
Why?
Hopefully it is not because your neighbor has a really neat Golden or
Labrador Retriever.
That is the first thing we need to clear up now.
Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are not related to Goldens or Labradors.
They are genetically and totally different.
Chessies are unique, intensely loyal, protective, sensitive and serious
dogs! These traits require thoughtful consideration before venturing to adopt a dog.
They are different from other breeds and require some special consideration.
Unique-
A truly American sporting breed and the toughest of water retrievers.
They are the result of crosses with Newfoundlands, hounds, setters, water
spaniels and other dogs and were first recognized as a distinct breed in America in the mid 19th century. They were
ducking dogs used by market hunteres for retrieving waterfowl and protecting the day's catch. These early objectives
in breeding and selecting for outstanding ducking dogs has endured in today's Chessies. They are still remarkabley tough
working dogs and breeders seek to retain both the form and function of the breed today.
Intensely Loyal & Protective:
It is not a 'slogan'.
Chessies are intensly bonded to their family and they will work at doing
anything for their master. They will pick one person in your household to respect as a 'pack leader'.
Chessies need to be part of the family.
They can bond very firmly with new owners even if they have never had much attention.
They are for the most part indifferent but can be aloof to other dogs and people.
Dogs kenneled outside or tied up in backyards are miserable. Chessies
will not thrive, bond or work well under those conditions. They would much rather be crated inside the house or sleeping
with you.
If you are looking for a strictly outside dog, this breed is not for you.
This breed is a truly all around versitile dog.
These extremely versatile dogs are accomplished in many areas beyond conformation,
obedience and agility and in hunting they are famous for. They also excel in field events and trials, swimming,
flyball and rally and any competition event. Some work as service dogs, aiding the hearing impaired, visiting nursing homes,
hospitals, psychiatric facilities and search and rescue dogs as well.
Chessies are protective by nature. They are matchless companions
and devoted family dogs and protective of them.
Sensitive:
Chessies loyalty and bonding to their master and family will result
in a Chessie that is respectful. Sensitive and perceptive, they are deeply devoted to and protective of their
family. They feel a strong sense of responsibility to their owners, family, home, yard, car, the children, cats
and other animals and guests.
Their sensitive noses, sight, hearing and hearts are very appearent
in everything they do. They will watch over everything at once and alert you of anything that does not seem
right in your home or yard. They seem to know if you are calm, upset, sick, happy or confused and try
with all their might to do anything to please you. If it is just a game of fetch, they will keep going until you stop.
They have been known to keep doing what is asked of them for their master and family until the very end!
They have been known to alert owners of smoke before alarms go off in the home. They
will alert the family upon hearing a strange noise, familiar smell our sound, and even the slightest change in your voice
will perk up those ears and cause them to be at full attention.
Chessies are great with children if the children are well trained around dogs.
Our Chessies are raised with children and adults.
They remember everyone you introduce them to and will alert you if they
do not approve of someone.
Training:
The Chessie's personality differs from that of any other. Their
intelligence exceeds that for being a gorgeous dog. They have the ability to solve problems and analyze
situations faster than we think. Chessies need to be stimulated with activity and if not kept busy they can lead to
boredom habits like barking or digging. New things to do are always in the thoughts in their heads.
Although family oriented, they do have tendency to become dominate in
their own small world which requires that they be socialized, trained at an early age and continual training through out their
lives
Chessies can be disciplined with a look or a low sharp word. Never over
discipline your Chessie.
This can result in a dog 'shutting down and confused'.
Stubborness is a trait Chessies have but patience, firm and consistant training
will overcome this to achieve a balanced and happy companion and worker.
A Chessie should never
be allowed to become aggressive or tolerate rough treatment.
Obedience should be started young and maintenence refresh sessions should continue
for a lifetime.
The best way to train an Chessie is with Positive reinforcement!
They have excellent memories and once they learn something it really does stay with them!
In public, the Chessie is elegant to anyone who sees it. It is not
uncommon to have people stop you and want to know more about that "Beautiful Dog" you have with you! Especially
if it is a well trained and well mannered Chessie!
All of these traits have been bred into the Chesapeake
Bay Retriever but can only excell if owners have taken the time to ask and work together with their Chessie.
It all depends on you, the owner, to make
your Chessies into that wonderful companion.
Paula & Don Smith
