History of the Breed

Todays Chesapeakes are loyal, good natured and energetic. They are generally not 'couch potatoes' and require a lot of 'outdoor' exercise. They should not be 'hyper' or 'high strung' but should be eager to retieve! They make good family dogs and have a high pain tolerance which make them excellent dogs with kids. Chesapeakes, like all dogs need to be obedienced trained. They need to know what is required of them and what their place in the family will be. Contrary to what most people believe, it does not take a 'heavy hand' to train the Chesapeake Bay Retriever. Today's RESPONSIBLE Breeders not only take into consideration the birdiness & trainability but the tempermant of the dogs they breed. Tractable - Trainable pups should be the "Goal" for any Chesapeake Breeder.

The History of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever began in 1807 with the wreck of a British ship off the coast of Maryland. It's crew and 2 Newfoundland pups, were rescued by an American ship, the Canton. The bitch would later be called Canton...and the male, Sailor. Both proved to be excellent water dogs and retrievers. There is no proof that these two dogs were ever bred to each other, but were bred to local hounds. In time their descendants were crossed with other retirever and hunting breeds. Curly & Flatcoated Retrievers, Irish Water Spaniels, and Coonhounds are believed by many to have played a roll in the present day Chesapeake. The "Hardy" breed that would result would be named for the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland.

The Chesapeake was used by the commerical duck hunters who shot for restaurants and markets. Records have shown that these dogs averaged a thousand ducks each fall. The icy waters of the Chesapeake Bay required a dog tough in body and mind, who lived to retrieve. These dogs were also expected to be watch dogs and guard the days hunt.

In 1878 the American Kennel Club registered it's first Chesapeake Bay Retriever. In 1933 the American Chesapeake Club's standard points were approved by the American Kennel Club.