Gundogs Group - Chesapeake Bay Retriever

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever probably descended from a Newfoundland which mated with various working breeds in the Chesapeake Bay area. Combining the superb swimming ability of the Newfoundland and the duck-retrieving abilities of local dogs, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever was kept strictly as a sporting dog until fairly recently. However, it is now finding its way into the family home and the show ring.

Coat: A distinctive feature: uiick and reasonably short (not over 1½ in long), with harsh, oily outcrcoat and dense, fine, woolly undercoat.

Color: Dead grass (straw to bracken), sedge (red-gold), or any shade of brown; white spots (the smaller the better) on chest, toes, and belly permissible.

Features: Broad, round head; medium-size eyes; small cars; strong, deep, broad chest; tail should extend to hock.

Size: Height: dogs 23 - 26 in, bitches 21 - 24 in. Weight: dogs 65 - 80 lb, bitches 55 - 70 1b.

Care: Oily coat needs regular brushing and gives off a slight odor. Needs plenty of exercise and docs best if it has sufficient space to roam freely.

Character: The Chesapeake is a good natured pet, and does well in field trials.