Chesapeake Bay Retriever dog
Large breed active energy Wavy coat Sporting Group ๐ŸŒ United States

Chesapeake Bay Retriever

Affectionate, Bright, Sensitive

Chessies are strong, powerfully built gundogs standing anywhere from 21 to 26 inches at the shoulder. A male can weigh up to 80 pounds. The distinctive breed trait is a wavy coat that is oily to the touch. Chessies are solid-colored, either chocolatey brown, sedge, or deadgrass, โ€ฆ

โš–๏ธ 55โ€“80 lbs (24.95โ€“36.29 kg) ๐Ÿ“ 21โ€“26" ๐ŸŽ‚ 10โ€“13 yr lifespan ๐Ÿง  Intelligence #27 (Above average)

Chesapeake Bay Retriever Characteristics

Energy

80%

Shedding

80%

Trainability

60%

Grooming

60%

Friendliness

40%

Coat Type

Wavy coat

2-3 Times a Week Brushing

Breed Data

๐Ÿง 
#27
Intelligence
๐ŸŽ‚
9.5yr
Avg lifespan
๐Ÿ’ฐ
$17K
Lifetime cost
๐Ÿ–
$466/yr
Annual food
๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ‘ง
Great
With kids
๐Ÿฉบ
1
Known conditions

Known genetic concerns: hip problems

Expert Picks for Chesapeake Bay Retrievers

โญ Top Pick Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Adult

dog food

Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Adult

โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4.8

Best overall large breed food โ€” consistent quality at a fair priceโ€ฆ

KONG Extreme Dog Toy

toys

KONG Extreme Dog Toy

โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4.7

The #1 chew toy for heavy chewers โ€” nothing else comes closeโ€ฆ

K&H Pet Products Elevated Dog Bed

beds

K&H Pet Products Elevated Dog Bed

โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4.5

Best cooling bed โ€” essential for flat-faced breeds and dogs in warm clโ€ฆ

Embark Dog DNA Test Kit

health

Embark Dog DNA Test Kit

โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4.5

Best DNA test overall โ€” unmatched health screening depthโ€ฆ

Fi Series 3 Smart Dog Collar

training

Fi Series 3 Smart Dog Collar

โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4.4

Best GPS collar for active owners โ€” 3-month battery is class-leadingโ€ฆ

Skout's Honor Probiotic Dog Grooming Spray

grooming

Skout's Honor Probiotic Dog Grooming Spray

โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4.5

Best probiotic coat spray โ€” supports skin microbiome health between baโ€ฆ

Chesapeake Bay Retriever Care Tips

โœ“

Needs 60-90 minutes active exercise daily; thrives with a job or sport.

โœ“

Heavy shedder โ€” brush 3-4ร— per week and deShed weekly to manage coat.

โœ“

Brush 2-3ร— weekly to maintain coat condition and reduce shedding around the home.

All Chesapeake Bay Retriever Guides

FCI Classification

FCI Group

Group 8 โ€” Retrievers, Flushing Dogs and Water Dogs

Section

Retrievers

Status

recognized