Chesapeake Bay Retrievers?

[WindyIsles]

Recently become interested in the breed. Right now getting a dog is a year to two years off in the future if not more (grad school), but I really like the look of the dogs and everything I’ve read about them - personality and common quirks included.

Kind of want to e-mail breeders but at the same time don’t want to annoy them - hoping there’ll be a dogshow in my area at some point that may have a few so I can meet some in the flesh and talk to people.

So does anyone here have Chessies?

The good? The bad? Run away now before you become hooked on them for life? List of any good links or recs for breeders?

Thanks

[vineyridge]

I’ve had several Chessie quite by accident. One, a young male who was blind in one eye, showed up in my backyard. I kept him for a couple of months, but he was just too much dog for me. He was large and young and seemed to take up all the air in any space that he was in. Oversized in both body and personality. So I contacted Chessie rescue, and they were kind enough to take him and rehome him.

Because of that I offered to foster a couple of bitches after a huge rescue by the organization. A hunting puppy mill owner got cancer and could no longer take care of his 37 dogs–or was it 27?–, so Chessie rescue stepped in to place all of them. I ended up getting one back after she had been through hell with a failed placement. She had been confined to a kennel for her whole life with the breeder and had some terrible damage from that. She ate her own ordure and was not reliably housebroken until she was about seven or eight. She absolutely hates the outside and only leaves the house to pee and poop. She’s ten now and I’m happy with her, but she would probably be a disaster with someone who expected things from her. In fact, I do think that is why her original placement failed, because she is so neurotic that she wasn’t trainable.

I also fostered another Chessie bitch who was a really wonderful dog–so that makes my experience come from four different dogs.

Chessies are VERY hard dogs; you have to start training very young and keep it up constantly. They will take over everything if allowed. They are also very much one person dogs, I think. They are also intimidating to strangers. They are also one dog dogs, IMO.

My farm tenant’s grandfather had a Chessie when the tenant was growing up. He is still afraid of my Chessie even though she’s never done anything to warrant fear. It comes from his childhood experiences with his grandfather’s dog.

Chessies are not for the faint of heart. They are big, energetic and bossy. In my personal experience, they are totally unlike Weimaraners and Dalmatians.

Edited to add: My girl also has the skin allergies and the oily coat gets much worse when her allergies are working. Hers are environmental, not food related. She’ll chew herself bald and bloody without her monthly shot.

I also disagree about no grooming needed. Mine shed constantly and it’s a very fine undercoat hair that blows around and makes clumps. She needs to have her undercoat stripped at least monthly. Also bathing is not good for them, since it removes the coat oil and makes skin dry and itchy.

[Lusoluv]

My friend’s last 2 dogs have been Chessies. She had Labradors before them. My friend felt Labs were better housedogs overall, but when she lived alone she wanted a more assertive dog so tried the Chessie. Here’s my objective perspective:

Pros: Very loyal and protective dog. Long-lived for bigger breed (~14yrs). Can run all day and come back ready for more. These dogs are GREAT hunting dogs, never quit - tough, water resistant coat. No grooming req. except for baths.

Cons: Needs a LOT of exercise to avoid destructive behavior in home and needs a firm hand to keep aggressive behavior in check. Oily coat is smelly - permeates the house/car over time. Both of friend’s dogs were from 2 reputable breeders, but 1 developed skin allergies as an adult. Other struggled with bad hips from 3yrs onward. Both went on thyroid meds though neither were overweight. The first female was a great barn dog. Her second one was unpredictable/aggressive around horses and other dogs.

Probably not the best dog for a “first dog”. Chessies weren’t a “first” for my friend, but she did have to hire a professional trainer for about 6 months for each dog for different issues.

[WindyIsles]

[QUOTE=vineyridge;6306465]

Chessies are VERY hard dogs; you have to start training very young and keep it up constantly. They will take over everything if allowed. They are also very much one person dogs, I think. They are also intimidating to strangers. They are also one dog dogs, IMO.

–

Chessies are not for the faint of heart. They are big, energetic and bossy. In my personal experience, they are totally unlike Weimaraners and Dalmatians. [/QUOTE]

Thank you - your experience lines up with what I’ve read.

[RougeEmpire]

Ive only known a few Chessie’s in my life but every one of them was EXTREME. The few owners and breeders Ive encountered have all said the exact same thing. It is NOT a breed for the average dog owner and requires extreme dedication and knowledge to own one without it becoming a total nutcase. From what I’ve seen they are the ultimate retriever (to an extreme degree). If you want a serious hard core retriever then they are great, but as an average family pet of “casual” retriever owner then no. It does no suit the breed to be a pet or part time working dog. They are the Border Collies of the water dog world. It is basicly unfair to the dog to have it as a pet or weekend warrior type hunting dog. They NEED to work every day all day, much like a BC.

[WindyIsles]

[QUOTE=Lusoluv;6306473]
My friend’s last 2 dogs have been Chessies. She had Labradors before them. My friend felt Labs were better housedogs overall, but when she lived alone she wanted a more assertive dog so tried the Chessie. Here’s my objective perspective:

Pros: Very loyal and protective dog. Long-lived for bigger breed (~14yrs). Can run all day and come back ready for more. These dogs are GREAT hunting dogs, never quit - tough, water resistant coat. No grooming req. except for baths.

Cons: Needs a LOT of exercise to avoid destructive behavior in home and needs a firm hand to keep aggressive behavior in check. Oily coat is smelly - permeates the house/car over time. Both of friend’s dogs were from 2 reputable breeders, but 1 developed skin allergies as an adult. Other struggled with bad hips from 3yrs onward. Both went on thyroid meds though neither were overweight. The first female was a great barn dog. Her second one was unpredictable/aggressive around horses and other dogs.

Probably not the best dog for a “first dog”. Chessies weren’t a “first” for my friend, but she did have to hire a professional trainer for about 6 months for each dog for different issues.[/QUOTE]

Future dog would be a running/trail ride buddy and I’m interested in obedience and agility.

I’ve grown up with dogs always had one. My dad hunted and had English Pointers but Mom gave them to a hunting buddy of his when he was got too sick with cancer. Grandpa was an avid hunter and had English Pointers and Spaniels and had all his dogs to an old age, when they died he quit as he was getting older too.

Mostly asking for experiences and information as I’ve never been in a position to get my hands on one or see one in the flesh and it’s a bit odd to be interested in a breed I have no personal experience with.

[WindyIsles]

[QUOTE=RougeEmpire;6306498]
Ive only known a few Chessie’s in my life but every one of them was EXTREME. The few owners and breeders Ive encountered have all said the exact same thing. It is NOT a breed for the average dog owner and requires extreme dedication and knowledge to own one without it becoming a total nutcase. From what I’ve seen they are the ultimate retriever (to an extreme degree). If you want a serious hard core retriever then they are great, but as an average family pet of “casual” retriever owner then no. It does no suit the breed to be a pet or part time working dog. They are the Border Collies of the water dog world. It is basicly unfair to the dog to have it as a pet or weekend warrior type hunting dog. They NEED to work every day all day, much like a BC.[/QUOTE]

Yes those as my reservations. Thank you.

[AlmostDun]

One of the places I boarded had one. The animal was obsessed with retrieving. I’d sit down to put on my boots, and the dog would steal one while I was pulling the other one on. The dog would go into my car to steal gloves. Rather annoying. The dog also didn’t seem to age well. I don’t know if the issue was Lyme or genetic problems, but the dog was pretty creaky by age 5.

[vineyridge]

I guess the only thing that I would say is that they really can make very good pets. The females are much easier to live with than the males, although some of the males from the big rescue ended up being as mellow as my girl has finally become at age ten. But she is still not outgoing with strangers AT ALL. I would never call them friendly dogs.

If you get a chessie, you should also buy stock in a tennis ball company.

[Bluey]

Well bred chessies are very stoic and calm.
We had one in our dog classes in a big metal building.
In a long sit, the dogs on one wall, the owners on the other waiting for the word to return to their dogs, the lights went out.:eek:
There was mayhem, lots of running and barking and yelling in the dark, then they came back on and the only dog still sitting where she was supposed to be, on the wall, was the chessie.:lol:

She was very smelly, but a very good, solid dog.

[SquishTheBunny]

Yes, from my experience they can be lovey, but need a job. Excellent hunting dogs. I have met just as many aggressive ones as friendly ones, and I never “trust” one. I met the sweetest chessie last week, well trained hunting dog and only 2 years old. Stellar manners, but good owners.

[Houndhill]

Sorry, Chessie folk…you couldn’t pay me to own one. Smelly, often retrieving obsessed, just not an attractive looking dog to my mind, what with the top line and so often the light eyes…

So often aggressive to other dogs, (though not always, I’ve known ones who weren’t), and sometimes aggressive to their owners or vets, and yes, protective/territorial, way more so than most sporting dogs. People who have had other retrieving breeds say they are stubborn and have very thick hides, literally and figuratively. I recall one source said you could run over them with a jeep and not make an impression!

But the people who’ve had a good one are crazy loyal about the breed! Just not suitable for everyone, and you have to have a good one if you have one at all, and the good ones may not be easy to find.

One of those “acquired taste” breeds…not easy, not for anyone other than experienced dog owners who enjoy this sort of animal.

[KTRider]

Well, I could go on for pages about my Chessie girl! She’s my once in a lifetime dog (currently staring at me in a very disappointed fashion because she did not get enough mom time tonight).

She’s a rescue, and I got her at about 2.5. Came out of a weird situation, owner called rescue and said she had to be out that weekend, or else. Came with submissive/excitement urination, a tendency to try and act like she was going to bite tall men, and the inability to walk on a leash with any manners at all. She was shy, hyper, not trustworthy…and adorable. She was supposed to be a foster.

She’s now 8, and the dog all my friends (and random strangers) want their dog to be like. She’s very obedient, very friendly, but not rudely so, excellent with children and incredibly trainable. She can learn something new in about 2 attempts, for the reward of a piece of lettuce or something. She’s a certified therapy dog, and has dealt with getting run over, stepped on, grabbed too hard, hugged tightly, all with a calm and stoic manner.

It took work to get here - HOURS of obedience classes, exercise, practice. Even now on our daily walks we practice manners and obedience. She can never have the upper hand or she will own me. They are special dogs, reputed to be edgier than the average Lab, quicker to be aggressive. I know I really lucked out, but it was sometimes a very hard road.

I very rarely recommend a Chessie to anyone. They just are different dogs than most people want to raise - higher drive, bossier, brilliant and willful. Mine has been so amazing, I’m not even sure I want another.

She requires a lot of brushing and sheds a lot. She never smells, really, but the coat does get kind of icky and oily. I try not to bathe her too often but she has allergies that require more bathing in the summer.

It’s true, a Chessie owner tends to be very addicted to the breed and thinks no other dog can compare.

I mean, look at her…https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2121780602341.2113094.1180594967&type=3&l=f0209eecd9

I hope that works; the album is set to public, but FB seems finicky tonight.

[WindyIsles]

[QUOTE=KTRider;6306867]
Well, I could go on for pages about my Chessie girl! She’s my once in a lifetime dog (currently staring at me in a very disappointed fashion because she did not get enough mom time tonight).

She’s a rescue, and I got her at about 2.5. Came out of a weird situation, owner called rescue and said she had to be out that weekend, or else. Came with submissive/excitement urination, a tendency to try and act like she was going to bite tall men, and the inability to walk on a leash with any manners at all. She was shy, hyper, not trustworthy…and adorable. She was supposed to be a foster.

She’s now 8, and the dog all my friends (and random strangers) want their dog to be like. She’s very obedient, very friendly, but not rudely so, excellent with children and incredibly trainable. She can learn something new in about 2 attempts, for the reward of a piece of lettuce or something. She’s a certified therapy dog, and has dealt with getting run over, stepped on, grabbed too hard, hugged tightly, all with a calm and stoic manner.

It took work to get here - HOURS of obedience classes, exercise, practice. Even now on our daily walks we practice manners and obedience. She can never have the upper hand or she will own me. They are special dogs, reputed to be edgier than the average Lab, quicker to be aggressive. I know I really lucked out, but it was sometimes a very hard road.

I very rarely recommend a Chessie to anyone. They just are different dogs than most people want to raise - higher drive, bossier, brilliant and willful. Mine has been so amazing, I’m not even sure I want another.

She requires a lot of brushing and sheds a lot. She never smells, really, but the coat does get kind of icky and oily. I try not to bathe her too often but she has allergies that require more bathing in the summer.

It’s true, a Chessie owner tends to be very addicted to the breed and thinks no other dog can compare.

I mean, look at her…https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2121780602341.2113094.1180594967&type=3&l=f0209eecd9

I hope that works; the album is set to public, but FB seems finicky tonight.[/QUOTE]

She’s lovely

Thank you (and everyone else!) for your imput.

This is why we do research right?

The more I’m hearing and weighing in knowing myself and also keeping in mind to ‘get the dog for the person I am/not the person I want to be’ thinks that maybe a Chessie while as lovely as they are might not be the dog for me.

[kcgold]

will echo most of what others have said…have spent time with several (we showed some for friends, and boarded several of them). Very handsome breed, terrific hunting dogs, but very hard-headed and stubborn. Some can be dog aggressive…loyal to their owners, but could be a difficult breed, especially for a newer dog owner.
Labs, Goldens, Flat-coats, even a Toller would all be much easier :).

[lovey1121]

[QUOTE=kcgold;6307033]
will echo most of what others have said…have spent time with several (we showed some for friends, and boarded several of them). Very handsome breed, terrific hunting dogs, but very hard-headed and stubborn. Some can be dog aggressive…loyal to their owners, but could be a difficult breed, especially for a newer dog owner.
Labs, Goldens, Flat-coats, even a Toller would all be much easier :).[/QUOTE]

Agree with this and other posts.

OP, you might consider a well-bred field Lab for doing the activities you’ve listed. IMHO, perfect for your purposes. Smart beyond words, athletic, born to work FOR you, plays well with others. Just a thought.

[S1969]

[QUOTE=WindyIsles;6306440]
Kind of want to e-mail breeders but at the same time don’t want to annoy them - hoping there’ll be a dogshow in my area at some point that may have a few so I can meet some in the flesh and talk to people.

Thanks :)[/QUOTE]

I’ve known a few Chessies and it has been a mixed bag. Some fabulous, fabulous dogs, and some that were not, or perhaps just not well-suited to their owners. I think you will see every possible response here from people who know someone who has a Chessie, but you’d get a lot more information by getting in touch with a breed club or sporting dog club.

I suggest that you do email breeders - you won’t annoy them by telling them you are researching breeds for a puppy in a year or so, and considering a Chessie. Most will be very happy to give you all the ups and downs of the breed, and invite you to meet them when they are at a show, introduce you to other breeders, etc. If you go to a show and try to have conversations you might end up on the wrong side of judging times and they may not be able to talk with you. But if you email in advance, they can tell you when/where will be a good time to meet them and ask all your questions.

I think if you asked most people about the serious working/sporting breeds (for example, GSPs, brittanys, Chessies, or field bred labs, etc.) you would find as many people who love them as think they are horrible. But if you ask someone from my breed club (brittanys) you will get a much more realistic description of the pros and cons of the breed. I can tell you, without a doubt, that no one in my club would ever recommend a brittany to someone who was wishy-washy about whether they have the time and/or energy – they would talk you out of it, or at least tell you to wait until you are sure. But if they find that someone does - they will go out of their way to help you find the right breeder for you.

Have fun!

(PS, about the dogs that smell…all dogs smell if you don’t give them a bath! I don’t understand why people put up with stinky dogs - yuck! They won’t die from giving them a bath and using appropriate products for their skin/coat. Go to a dog show and you rarely find a smelly dog!)

[Bluey]

[QUOTE=S1969;6307167]
I’ve known a few Chessies and it has been a mixed bag. Some fabulous, fabulous dogs, and some that were not, or perhaps just not well-suited to their owners. I think you will see every possible response here from people who know someone who has a Chessie, but you’d get a lot more information by getting in touch with a breed club or sporting dog club.

I suggest that you do email breeders - you won’t annoy them by telling them you are researching breeds for a puppy in a year or so, and considering a Chessie. Most will be very happy to give you all the ups and downs of the breed, and invite you to meet them when they are at a show, introduce you to other breeders, etc. If you go to a show and try to have conversations you might end up on the wrong side of judging times and they may not be able to talk with you. But if you email in advance, they can tell you when/where will be a good time to meet them and ask all your questions.

I think if you asked most people about the serious working/sporting breeds (for example, GSPs, brittanys, Chessies, or field bred labs, etc.) you would find as many people who love them as think they are horrible. But if you ask someone from my breed club (brittanys) you will get a much more realistic description of the pros and cons of the breed. I can tell you, without a doubt, that no one in my club would ever recommend a brittany to someone who was wishy-washy about whether they have the time and/or energy – they would talk you out of it, or at least tell you to wait until you are sure. But if they find that someone does - they will go out of their way to help you find the right breeder for you.

Have fun!

(PS, about the dogs that smell…all dogs smell if you don’t give them a bath! I don’t understand why people put up with stinky dogs - yuck! They won’t die from giving them a bath and using appropriate products for their skin/coat. Go to a dog show and you rarely find a smelly dog!)[/QUOTE]

Good advice there, except for the comment about smell.

Most dogs have a faint smell, chessies have a considerably stronger smell.
Not only that, their hair is not soft and feels good, it is oily and hard to keep clean because of it.
Not all, but most chessies have that kind of hair, it is part of who they are.
Our friend’s chessie was a wonderful dog, but as so many, you really didn’t pass your hand absentmindedly over her hair, not without noticing the different feel from most other dogs.

Tactile experiences with dogs are also important to some owners.
Some like short hair, some long hair, some curly hair, few like oily and kind of smelly hair.

If you have not lived with an oily chessie all day, day after day, if you only see them well groomed in public, you may not realize how their hair tends to be in it’s natural state.
That oily coat is great for a hunting dog in bad weather, not so much for a dog traveling in your car with you, or living in your house, on your carpet and furniture, unless you work very hard at keeping that coat oil free.

Sure, if you like the dog, you will make adjustments to that, no sweat, but it is a breed characteristic many chessie show.

[S1969]

[QUOTE=Bluey;6307198]
Good advice there, except for the comment about smell.

Most dogs have a faint smell, chessies have a considerably stronger smell.
Not only that, their hair is not soft and feels good, it is oily and hard to keep clean because of it.[/QUOTE]

Oh, I understand. I grew up with labs and they have an oily coat also. But I can’t tell you how many people I know (most with labs) that have smelly dogs, complain about the smell, and then tell me they have NEVER bathed them. No wonder they smell, then! :dead: :dead:

Of course all dogs have a smell, like a dog, but if you never bathe them they can be quite repulsive - and I’m sure the oily dogs get worse than the non-oily type. My point about show dogs is only that it is perfectly possible to bathe dogs and not ruin their coat (which many people don’t seem to believe). And if you ever doubt that - go to a dog show, where they all get bathed and groomed regularly, and their coats do not suffer from it.

[Superminion]

I don’t really have any advice, as I’ve only known one Chessie and she was a great girl, but also almost 10 years, so she didn’t do much. Loved to ride in the back of the truck though.

I just wanted to say kudos to you for doing your research. So many people into a puppy because they are pretty or cute without really thinking things through. Those dogs usually end up at recuses or pushing dasies because their owners gave them issues. No dog is born bad.