Chesapeake Bay retrievers are one of the most beloved family dogs. However, if you are a first-time owner, this amber-eyed pooch species is not the best fit for you.
Getting a dog is exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time. When it comes to dogs, you must be careful while picking the dog breed for your family, especially if you have never owned a dog before.
It is common for first-time dog owners to consider the Chesapeake breed as their first dog. If you are getting a dog for the first time and considering a Chesapeake, here are some facts you need to know.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever Pups
Chesapeake Bay retrievers are excellent hunting dogs. They have a sturdy build, dense coat, incredible stamina, and lots of strength. Not only are they ideal for hunting, but CBRs are also excellent companions.
However, they are the best match for active and experienced dog owners who can train the dog, provide them structure, and give them exercise, which they require.
While it is not carved in stone, Chessies are not a good option for inexperienced first-time dog owners.
Chesapeakes have a dominant nature. They consider themselves the boss of the house. If you are not strict or experienced enough, you will have a lot of trouble handling the pup.
Chessies are a social breed, requiring proper socializing with puppies and other humans.
Being stubborn, Chessies are hard to train for inexperienced owners. They require pretty strict and firm obedience training.
Don’t Confuse Chesapeake With Labrador Retriever Breeds
Most first-time dog owners make this mistake. They often confuse Labrador retrievers with Chesapeake retrievers.
Inexperienced pet owners think Chesapeake and Labrador are two different names for the same breed because both dog breeds look alike to some extent.
Most Chesapeake Bay retrievers are one inch taller than Labrador retrievers. The biggest difference between the two breeds is their coat. Chesapeake retrievers have a shorter coat, more like a perm, and a thicker and oilier coat than a Labrador.
Labradors have three coat colors: black, brown, and yellow. Chesapeakes have coats in various shades of brown. Chessies have a deeper chest with a more defined and streamlined body than Labrador retrievers.
Apart from appearance, the feature that significantly distinguishes both breeds is their temperament.
Labrador retrievers are America’s number 1 dog breed. It is because of their kind, gentle and loving temperament. On the contrary, Chesapeake retrievers tend to have a dominant, bossy, and stubborn temperament.
Chesapeake Behavior With Kids
One of the things that you need to consider when getting Chesapeake Bay retriever puppies is their behavior with kids.
Like other dogs, Chesapeake Bay retrievers are also very loyal, loving, and protective towards family members, including kids—Chessies make exceptionally good family dogs.
Despite being loving and good with kids, Chesapeake’s interaction should always be supervised.
Though these pups love kids, a Chessie puppy won’t tolerate disrespect or abuse from children. While a puppy will most likely get up and walk away from a child in such a scenario, an adult dog will react differently.
Chessies are often protective of their food and toys and guard them; if a child touches them, they might react defensively. This is why experts don’t consider Chessies a good choice as a companion for families with young children.
It’s important to educate your children on how to behave with dogs regardless of the dog breed you are getting. Teach them to respect their boundaries and treat them with kindness and love.
Chesapeake Bay Retrievers And Other Pets
Some people prefer to own more than one pet, either of the same species or a different one.
So, if you already own another canine or a feline and want to get a Chesapeake, don’t fret because they are one of the most popular dog breeds that do well around other animals, especially if they have been raised around other family pets.
Sometimes, Chessies can be aggressive toward other house dogs. You can avoid this behavior with proper training, but it is recommended to supervise Chessies’ interactions with other pets.
While Chesapeakes get along with family cats quite well, they won’t treat the unknown neighborhood cats the same way!
Effective Tips For Owning A Chesapeake Bay Retriever
- Consult A Vet and Dog Trainer
If you are a first-time dog owner who wants a Chesapeake, you must first talk to an experienced vet and a dog trainer. They can guide you about everything you need to know to own a Chessie, which will be handy in dealing with a stubborn pup.
- Make A Healthy Feeding Plan
Chesapeake Bay retrievers are an active breed. They require a nutritious diet to keep their overall health in check—high in protein & fat and low in carbohydrates.
You should not feed table scraps to your Chesapeake. It can lead to obesity, which comes with numerous health issues for your four-legged buddy.
- Make Sure To Make Them Exercise
Being highly active, Chesapeakes require proper exercise. It also keeps them healthy and fit. Long walks, runs, swimming, and participation in dog sports are considered the best exercises for Chesapeakes.
- Plan A Firm Training Routine
As mentioned above, Chessies are stubborn, dominant, and bossy—you need to have a strict and firm training routine. They are intelligent dogs and respond to positive and negative reinforcement accordingly.
If you want to train a Chesapeake, use a positive reinforcement approach like treats and appreciation. Avoid harsh words or physical punishments for Chesapeakes, as they don’t respond well to negative behavior.
- Be Mindful Of The Environment
Chesapeakes are quite active and noisy. They often bark a lot and also require big spaces.
With that being said, apartments are not recommended to house a Chesapeake. They require a lot of room to move around, walk and exercise.
- Socialization Is Important For Chessies
If you are planning on getting a Chesapeake Bay retriever, ensure they are properly socialized. They like to interact with other people and neighborhood dogs.
- Proper Pup Grooming
A great benefit of owning a Chesapeake Bay retriever is that this breed doesn’t require regular grooming. However, it doesn’t mean you can avoid or go easy on grooming.
Chesapeakes require brushing at least once or twice a week. Chessies are known to shed fur moderately throughout the year, so it is best to have a de-shedding brush on hand.
When it comes to bathing, once a month is more than enough for a Chessie. You need to check your pet’s nails frequently, as they often require trims.
- Be Mindful Of The Breeder
When selecting a breeder for your Chesapeake, ask them about the health risks and history of the dog’s predecessors.
Final Thoughts
Chesapeake Bay retrievers are excellent dog breeds. However, their bossy nature makes them hard to train.
If you are a newbie dog owner who wants a Chesapeake, make sure to get yourself a puppy. Don’t fall for those puppy eyes, and be strict with the obedience training!
