At a glance the quick version
FCI standard (65-80 lb males, 55-70 lb females).
Coat and looks how to spot one
oily, wavy double coat
A short, harsh, wavy outer coat over a woolly undercoat rich in natural oil, which sheds water much like a duck's feathers. Powerful and strong, built for long days in cold water.12
Personality what they are like
Cheerful, smart and sensible, with a quiet confidence and a protective streak toward its family. It is more reserved than some retrievers and can be strong-minded, so it likes a clear, patient handler.13
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Needs daily exercise, ideally including swimming and retrieving; long walks keep city Chessies content.3
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Low-fuss coat: an occasional going-over with a rubber brush keeps it in good condition. Frequent bathing strips the useful oils.3
Home where they are happiest
Happiest with access to water and outdoor activity, though it adapts to town life with enough exercise.3
Company who they like around
Devoted to its household and generally good with children; early socialisation helps it stay relaxed with new people.31
The story where it all began
In 1807 two puppies, Sailor and Canton, were rescued from a sinking English ship off Maryland and bred with local dogs. Their descendants became tough duck dogs that could break through ice to retrieve birds on the bay. The AKC recognised the breed as one type in 1918 and Maryland named it state dog in 1964.21
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
'Deadgrass' is an official coat colour, chosen to blend with the marsh grasses where the dogs hunted.1
- 2
The breed is the mascot of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.2
- 3
Its oily coat shrugs off water in the same way a duck's feathers do.1
- 4
Theodore Roosevelt and General George Custer both owned Chesapeakes.2
- 5
The eyes are a clear yellowish or amber colour.2
Recognised by the official bits
- FCI
- Standard no. 263, Group 8, Section 1 Retrievers.1
- AKC
- Recognised as a single breed type in 1918, per Wikipedia.2
- State of Maryland
- Official state dog since 1964.2
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Chesapeake Bay Retriever. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- FCI Standard No. 263 Chesapeake Bay Retriever fci.beused for recognition, size, coat, colours, temperament
- Chesapeake Bay Retriever - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for history, recognition dates, lifespan, facts
- Hill's Pet - Chesapeake Bay Retriever hillspet.comused for size, lifespan, grooming, exercise, temperament
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.