Chesapeake Bay Retriever

Overview

Chesapeake Bay Retreivers have a bright and happy disposition combined with courage, intelligence, a strong work ethic, and an alert nature that make them an excellent watchdog. They possess classic traits of a good retriever: loyal, upbeat, affectionate, and tireless. They require a high amount of exercise, and love to swim. Their webbed feet, powerful limbs, and coat allow them to glide effortlessly through the water. Chessies have a gentle disposition, are very eager to please, and loving and loyal to their owners.

 

Common Health Conditions

• Other health issues in Chesapeakes are heart disease (subaortic stenosis), which occurs when the flow of blood from the heart's pumping chamber or left ventricle is restricted.
• The Chesapeake Bay Retriever ranks #21 among all breeds for autoimmune thyroiditis prevalence.
• The Chesapeake's hanging ears are prone to ear infections, especially if they get wet when he swims. This can be exacerbated by their tendency to allergies, which can cause ear infections to become chronic. Left untreated, such infections can cause permanent damage to the ear canal and even destroy your dog's hearing.