Ectodermal dysplasia is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder affecting Chesapeake Bay Retrievers. Mutation of the PKP1 gene results in affected dogs being unable to produce a protein important for the tight adherence of skin cells to one another.
Affected dogs show signs of disease at birth including fragile, pale skin that appears translucent on the ears, feet, nose, and mouth. This skin easily sloughs off when rubbed dry or licked by the dam.