Chesapeake Bay Retriever
History
Winter 1807: An English ship with two Newfoundlands on board was wrecked off the coast of Maryland. The dogs (and everyone aboard) were saved. When rescued, the dogs were placed with local families and eventually bred to local retrievers and other breeds such as: Irish Water Spaniels and Coonhounds. The Chesapeake Bay Retriever came into being and quickly gained international fame as America’s ultimate wildfowling dog.
Their primary function was and still is as a wildfowlers dog where to this day it is greatly prized worldwide. They, however, are also very capable upland game hunters and are also used in deer stalking as well as competing in various other canine roles/disciplines.
Characteristics
The breed is considered to be incredibly loyal but sometimes slightly aloof with strangers. The CBR does possess a guarding tendency which is unique amongst the Retriever breeds. Prospective owners should be aware that, whilst the breed’s temperament has improved greatly with the help of conscientious breeders, they do possess a confident and self-assured nature which can develop into dominance without appropriate training and socialisation from an impressionable age.
Chesapeakes are, overall, easily trained and very intelligent but they can get bored of repetition. By their very nature, they have a great love of water - no point in having this breed if you do not enjoy the delights of swimming and getting wet.
The coat is of great importance, having a harsh, oily top coat and dense, woolly undercoat to keep them warm and dry. The coats shed during the warmer months and bitches can also drop their coats when they come into season. Please be aware that as the coat is a tad greasy it will tend to leave its calling card indoors wherever they lay.
Health
Currently, the the breed has a few specific tests which any reputable breeder should comply with. The breed has both the hips and elbows scored (BVA), genetic testing for PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy) and DM (Degenerative Myelopathy) and an annual eye certificate. Further tests which are considered optional include: EIC (Exercise Induced Collapse), ED (Ectodermal Dysplasia) and LC (Long Coat Gene). Please, as a prospective buyer, do not hesitate to ask to see the relevant paperwork for the appropriate testing of both parents.
Mandatory Health Tests
Recommended Health Tests
More Information
- Chesapeake Bay Retriever Breed Specific Requirements
- Chesapeake Bay Retriever Health (external link opens in a new window)
Historical Average Puppy Prices
| Year | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2009 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price (£) | 500 | 550 | 600 | 650 | 680 | 717 | 800 | 683 | 850 | 883 | 917 | 950 | 1100 | 1250 | 1000 | 1417 | 1000 |
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