The powerful, driven Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a truly American breed, developed along the Chesapeake Bay, and honored as the state dog of Maryland. In 1807, two Newfoundlands were recovered from a shipwreck off the coast of Maryland and were bred to local retrievers that included the English Otter Hound and Flat- and Curly-Coated Retrievers. From these breedings the “Chessie” type of retriever was developed and these hardworking dogs were used to hunt and retrieve waterfowl in turbulent, icy waters, sometimes bringing in hundreds of birds in a day! They were kept warm and dry by their distinctive double coat consisting of a short, wavy harsh outer layer that covers a dense, fine, wooly undercoat. Chesapeakes are happy, energetic dogs that thrive on human companionship and love nothing more than having adventures with an active, outdoor-loving family. Their coat, while short, benefits from frequent brushing to distribute their natural skin oils that protect their coat in harsh conditions.
Each AKC approved purebred breed has its own national club. The mission of these “parent breed clubs” is to improve and preserve a particular breed by advancing knowledge about its history, its health and care requirements and by assuring that the breed’s form and function remain true to its historical physical type and character: A Dalmatian, for instance, should be athletic and have a natural affinity for working with horses. A Fox Terrier should have the right body size and shape, and a drive to go after vermin.
Pet owners, breeders, trainers, veterinarians, and others with a special love for a breed, join the parent breed club to meet like-minded enthusiasts and to support the club’s mission.
The national parent breed club is the first place for the public to go to learn about a breed or find a knowledgeable, experienced breeder.
Discover Animals is a web-based educational resource offered by the NAIA
